John Arthur, a Utah native with Korean roots, is a sixth-grade teacher at Meadowlark Elementary, a Title I school located in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 2021, he was honored with the prestigious title of Utah Teacher of the Year. Affectionately known as “Captain,” John is celebrated for his unwavering passion, creativity, and commitment to empowering students. He encourages them to take the lead, guiding them as they shape their own narratives and discover the power of their voices. His students have garnered national acclaim as advocates for other children and immigrants through the compelling videos they produce and share on their YouTube channel, 9thEvermore.

Now in his eighth year at Meadowlark, John draws inspiration from the profound impact his students have made. He has embarked on a mission to champion a more equitable education system, using his voice to advocate for change. John is currently running for a seat at the Utah State Board of Education, firmly believing that educators should actively participate in shaping educational policies.

This unit consists of three videos. In the first video, we meet John Arthur and learn what forces shaped him into the remarkable educator he is today. In Video 2, we step inside John Arthur’s classroom where he fosters an environment akin to a laboratory.  In the final video, we see how this classroom extends its influence beyond its walls, merging with civic life. John Arthur beckons us to reimagine education, casting students as creators at the forefront. Their brightest ideas take form in tangible projects —often infused with music, storytelling, or film— projects that resonate with them personally and ripple out to enrich their lives, families, and communities.