Teacher of the Year: Terry Oyler
One very special teacher at Diamond Fork Middle School is our very own CCA College and Career Awareness teacher, Terry Oyler. He embodies the wisdom and kindness of someone truly dedicated to his students’ growth and well-being. Mr. Oyler serves our staff and students with an easygoing, caring style that fosters a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels seen and valued.
Mr. Oyler meets every student where they are and helps them find success, regardless of their background or experiences. His genuine care is evident in the way students respond to him—many say his class is a highlight of their day. He takes the time to get to know each individual, building strong relationships that help students feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things. One student shared that their favorite part of class is “Chill Time with Terry,” a moment that may occur at the beginning or end of class, or both! During this time, the class gathers on the floor at the back of the room to talk about a concept they are learning or to share their thoughts. “You get to know each other better,” the student explained, reflecting the sense of community Mr. Oyler
builds. In these moments, students not only learn about careers and life skills, but also about themselves and each other.
Structure and consistency are hallmarks of Mr. Oyler’s teaching. He consistently gives clear expectations so students always know what they should be doing. Throughout each lesson, he provides firm, kind reminders, ensuring students stay on track while feeling respected and supported. As one student put it: “He’s not gonna mess around if you’re messing around, but he isn’t mad at you, so you know things are still good.” Mr. Oyler skillfully balances high expectations with warmth and understanding, guiding students with respect and care. His calm, steady presence brings out the best in those around him.
Mr. Oyler’s impact extends beyond the typical classroom. He also teaches in our Nebo Middle School Day Program, a separate school for students who have been long-term suspended from their boundary school. Mr. Oyler genuinely loves the opportunity to teach in this unique setting and is always willing to help anyone at any time. He brings the same compassion, patience, and commitment to his work there, providing hope and guidance to students who need it most. He models resilience and respect, helping students learn from their challenges and encouraging them to see new possibilities for their futures.
In addition to his work with students, Mr. Oyler is a collaborative force on the CCA teaching team. He works closely with his colleagues to design fun, hands-on lessons where students explore a wide range of career clusters. Whether students get to use an online airplane simulator during their aerospace engineering unit, build a gingerbread house during their architecture and construction unit, or create their own business plan to pitch for Shark Tank during their entrepreneurship unit, Mr. Oyler ensures every lesson is meaningful and engaging. He brings creative ideas to the table and is always willing to try new approaches that will benefit students. His team appreciates his willingness to share resources, brainstorm solutions, and celebrate each other’s successes.
Mr. Oyler leads by example. He is humble and approachable, never hesitating to apologize if it’s needed. This openness fosters a culture of mutual respect and trust among students and staff, modeling accountability and integrity.
Diamond Fork Middle School and our community are truly fortunate to have Mr. Oyler. His dedication, creativity, and compassion make a lasting impact on his students and everyone who has the privilege of working with him. Congratulations Mr. Oyler, our Teacher of the Year.
