University of Utah’s Newest BTS Charter School – Scholar Academy

Located in the heart of Tooele, Scholar Academy hosts just over 650 students K-8 and is the newest addition to the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program within the University of Utah region. 

We are met with a friendly welcome as we visit their Visual Art Specialist, Leslie McPhie. She walks us over to her classroom, where her students are hard at work on art projects using one-point perspective and the elements of art. 

Leslie expertly juggles the task of providing contextual information to her visitors while intermittently providing supplies and support to students. Leslie started teaching art 14 years ago as a volunteer and transitioned into a full-time position for the last 5 years.

Leslie is excited to be a part of the BTS program and has already felt the support and motivation from other specialists and Professional Development Partners. After attending her first workshop at the regional back-to-school kickoff she commented that she loved creating art with other specialists and even applied what she learned to create a lesson she shared with her students the very next day. 

She looks forward to attending as many of the meetings and workshops as her schedule will allow and gaining valuable skills, tips and tricks add to her teaching toolbox. She also hopes to find new ways to encourage her students and get them excited about art and trying new things. She explains,

“I feel part of an artistic teaching community when I can meet with others in the BTS program. I love that we can learn from other amazing teachers and have an opportunity to share ideas and see other styles. I also feel more confident that art is an important subject and opportunity for our students and that we are not just a break for their teachers.” 

“I didn’t expect to feel like I had made friends with such impressive people or feel so valued! I feel seen and valued by all of you.”, she replied when asked how she liked her first meeting. Leslie made it easy to befriend with her enthusiastic smile and welcoming demeanor. We are so excited to have both you and Scholar Academy join the U of U’s BTS team and look forward to working with you for school years to come!

A More in Depth Q&A with Leslie is Available Here