In preparation for the upcoming opening of Deer Creek High School, and to address continued growth in our existing schools the District is announcing the following administrative changes. Mrs. Amanda Porter and Mr. Matthew Sproul, who have been working as instructional coaches, will fill two new Assistant Principal positions at Wasatch High School. Mrs. Rachel Probst who has been the acting Dean of Students will move into an Assistant Principal role at Rocky Mountain Middle School. Mr. Martin Briggs will join Wasatch at Timpanogos Middle School. Mr. Briggs is currently an assistant principal in Park City School District. The District is excited to welcome him to our team.
The appointments have been made following a rigorous process that included multiple interviews involving many internal and external candidates for the positions.
Amanda Porter – Assistant Principal, Wasatch High School
A 21-year veteran of WCSD, Mrs. Amanda Porter has been an Instructional Coach for the past 11 years, first at Rocky Mountain Middle School, and most recently at Wasatch High School. Mrs. Porter began her career at the former Wasatch Mountain Junior High as a 9th grade English teacher, and has also served as a Library Media Specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Utah Valley University, a Master of Education in Administration from Southern Utah University, and is endorsed in English Language Learning, Library Media, and Reading. A native of Cedar City and Parowan, Mrs. Porter graduated from Parowan High School. She lives in Midway with her husband, Kam. They have two daughters, Sydney, a graduate of WHS, and Addyson who is a currently attending Wasatch. About working for WCSD, Mrs. Porter said, “As I drive to work each morning and see the beauty of our valley, I am reminded that being a part of Wasatch School District is a privilege that I never take for granted. The reason it is special is this wonderful community. When I see a teacher celebrate the growth of student’s academics and watch the community cheer for students in various activities it makes me proud. I know the support for education here is unrivaled and I am grateful to be part of it.”
Mrs. Porter’s Educational Philosophy:
“The years a child spends in the classroom from kindergarten to graduation puts them on a path for the rest of their lives. As educators we have the privilege of opening doors of opportunity for students that may have not had them before. At Wasatch High School the motto is “Expect to Excel,” and I believe that all students can excel at high levels.”
Matthew Sproul – Assistant Principal, Wasatch High School
Mr. Matthew Sproul has worked in education for 14 years, with ten years at WCSD, previously working for Midvale Middle School in Canyons District, and Soldier Hollow Charter School locally. A native of South Jordan, he graduated from Bingham High School and holds a B.S. in Biology Teaching with a Spanish Teaching Minor from Brigham Young University, along with an M.Ed in Instructional Technology with an emphasis in Distance Education and an Administrative Endorsement, both from Utah State University. Mr. Sproul lives in Heber City with his wife, Kenzie, and their three children, Morgan (12), Andrew (9) and Will (7). About working for Wasatch, he said, “I’m proud of the way we equip young people with the tools they need to be successful adults. The dedication of everyone at Wasatch to student success is truly inspiring. Even as our community expands rapidly, our schools retain a warm, small-town atmosphere. It’s a privilege to work in an environment where kindness and respect flourish among students and my colleagues. This is a place where happiness thrives, not just for our students, but for everyone who walks through the doors. It’s a place where I’m proud to send my own children to learn.”
Mr. Sproul’s Educational Philosophy:
“I am passionate about creating a nurturing and fair learning environment for all learners. Students deserve the chance to succeed, with proper support and high-quality instruction. Collaboration among teachers and data-driven decision-making are key to achieving high levels of learning for all students. I believe building strong relationships with students and colleagues is essential to fostering a positive and inclusive learning community. As students, parents, and faculty all work together, education becomes the ‘great equalizer,’ and our community prospers.”
Rachel Probst – Assistant Principal, Rocky Mountain Middle School
Mrs. Rachel Probst has spent her 15-year career in education at WCSD, where she has served as an Elementary teacher, Partnership Facilitator coaching interns, and Dean of Students at Rocky Mountain Middle School for the past two years. A native of North Ogden, she moved to Heber for her sophomore year of high school and graduated from Wasatch in 2003. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Utah Valley University, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from The American College of Education, and endorsements in ELL, Reading, and Administration. She lives in Heber with her husband, Brady, and their three children, Lundyn, Ivory, and Ridge. “I’m proud to be a part of Wasatch because it’s evident that we care deeply about doing what’s best for all students,” Mrs. Probst said. “I’m passionate about our Mission & Vision, and it’s a privilege to work alongside the most talented and compassionate educators in the state!”
Mrs. Probst’s Educational Philosophy:
“One thing I know for sure is that teachers are the greatest change makers. Their influence can quite literally reshape the future. Over the years, I’ve witnessed students achieve incredible things all because of their teacher. So, my philosophy is the same as that of Dr. Anthony Muhammed who said, ‘All students can and must learn…and they will learn because of what we do’.”
Martin Briggs – Assistant Principal, Timpanogos Middle School
Mr. Martin Briggs joins Wasatch from Park City School District where he has worked for the past 11 years, most recently serving as an Assistant Principal at Ecker Hill Middle School after teaching 2nd grade on both sides of DLI, elementary P.E., and serving as the PCSD Coordinator of Multilingual Learning and DLI. Before joining PCSD, he taught Spanish and ESL in high school, university and adult education setting in the U.S. and abroad. Mr. Briggs grew up in California and Oregon, before settling in Rigby, Idaho, where he graduated from Rigby High School. He holds a BA in Spanish Education with a minor in ESL from BYU-Idaho, a Master’s of Second Language Teaching from Utah State University and an Educational Administration endorsement from Western Governor’s University. Mr. Briggs lives in Heber with his wife and three children, two of which are attending WCSD schools. Of joining WCSD, he said, “I’m stoked to work in my community. As a parent of Wasatch students, I have loved seeing the dedication and expertise of the people in this school district, and I’m excited to learn from some of the best as we work together to serve all students and their families.”
Mr. Briggs’ Educational Philosophy:
“I’m all about the kids. When they know we believe in them, they rise to our expectations. I commit to giving every student the respect they deserve. By capitalizing on their strengths and interests, while providing targeted support for their unique challenges, we can help every student succeed.”