Captain Josh Curtis, Utah Military Academy (Hill Field)
May 9, 2023, 8:03 PM | Updated: Feb 6, 2024, 12:49 pm
“Captain Curtis is not your usual teacher, he is a bit of a rascal. He’s clearly ADHD, and test taking in his classroom is never silent. However, it is exactly these “flaws” that make him stand out above all teachers that my children have had. He deeply cares about his students and can be seen turning away to hide tears of joy and sorrow. He is the kind of man that no one wants to cross, but everyone wants to know better. The whole school adores him and would go to bat for him if he ever needed.
Specifically he has changed my son’s path and future. My son has grown up bouncing between the homes of his divorced parents, grandparents, and even a great aunt. He has ADHD, ODD, and all manner of behavioral issues, and has been dismissed as a problem throughout his life by more teachers and staff than I can count. He has never enjoyed school since his very first year in Kindergarten, and has struggled to even desire passing grades.
All that changed when he started in Capt. Curtis’s class. My son still struggles to keep all his grades up (some habits die hard), but his motivation, outlook of the future, and even depression have improved immeasurably. He has a vision now of how he can be successful despite his shortcomings, because Captain has become his role model.
In my family and my son’s life, Captain is an angel sent from God to touch lives and make a difference.”
-Sarah
“Capt. Curtis goes above and beyond to help cadets. He is the SBO advisor and spends many hours at school games. He comes in on Saturdays and decorates the school for Holidays. In 2020 UMA lost 2 cadets within a week or 2 of each other and he went above and beyond to keep the tradition on one of the cadets going. The year of 2020 the SBO decorated the school with snow flakes and lights and decorated doors for Christmas. This year Capt. and the SBO officers decorated for Christmas and Capt. used one of the cadets who passed snowflakes. Capt. Curtis teaches theater classes after school and he is also an actor outside of school. He knows how to engage his cadets in his classes. He make his classes super fun. He has one of his classes do a silent film. He does scavenger hunts around the school about History lessons. He has many artifacts in his class room and he teaches his students about them. Capt. Curtis is really one of the best teachers out there and he cares for all of his cadets/students. Capt. also writes stories and poems.”
Submitted by: Alison Stander
“There are simply not enough words to describe how amazing of a teacher CPT Curtis is. He teaches geography, economics and us history. He has found a way to personally touch every one of his students hearts. By combining learning with laughter and constantly making his classroom interesting. He always looks to help students wether that be talking or offering them food or other things. He goes above and beyond to brighten not only students but teachers day’s all the time and simply is one of if not the best person I have ever met and the fact I know him is lucky enough for me.”
Submitted by: Kache Morris
“He never misses a day of school. Always making quick witted jokes to keep every single class lively. There is never a day goes by that you don’t think and anticipate one of his classes. They always make your day. Not only is his class fun and lively and full of new memories every day, he makes it very easy. Every class leaves an imprint on your mind, your body, and your soul. He does his part in and outside of the classroom too. He cares and watches over every student in the school like each one was his individual student. Incredible person and should be someone that everyone looks to be like. Someone that no matter what happens, they are never forgotten. He is also the best Student Body Officer advisor anyone has ever seen.”
Submitted by: Bosten Schilleman
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