Tom Bettin, a Judge Memorial High School Class of 1967 graduate and artist, first returned to his alma mater “to get my hands in clay,” he said. But Bettin found more to keep him there and ended up teaching at the school for 32 years.
In large part, it was the great faculty and staff, he said.
“I’ve enjoyed hanging out with an incredible facility; especially now the administration is really strong and very supportive,” he said. “It makes it hard for me leave my friends; I don’t know what I’m going to do without my buddies.”
After graduating from Judge, Bettin held a series of jobs but was drawn back to the school when his sister Patty Buller, a P.E. and health teacher there, invited him to help her out.
With a couple of small breaks, including teaching at St. Ambrose Catholic School for a year, Bettin, who has an BFA from the University of Utah, master’s certifications in painting and print-making and a teaching certification from Westminster College, has taught art at Judge ever since. He has also served as the basketball coach several times over the years.
Next week Bettin will retire from the school and position he has loved dearly.
“The blessing is I’ve had incredible students,” he said.
“The biggest thing is they have to believe in themselves like I believe in them,” he said by way of advice to his students. “They’ve got to have a work ethic; with that they can do anything they want.”
It will be difficult to replace Bettin, Principal Patrick Lambert said.
“Tom Bettin has made a positive impact on thousands of students’ lives,” he said. “Each day he brings a fresh approach to the art world. It is evident in his teaching that he is passionate about his subject. I have loved watching him bring the best out of students. We are so grateful for the guidance he has provided to Judge Memorial. It has been a joy to work alongside of him. Good luck to all the fish out there now that Tom has retired and has some free time to go fishing.”
An accomplished artist whose work is shown at Phillips Gallery in Salt Lake City, Bettin won’t be retiring his paintbrush anytime soon. Next week, he will trade the school’s art room for his own studio, where he plans to transition from full-time teacher to full-time artist without missing a beat.
He will, however, take a little extra time — now that he has it and as suggested by Lambert – to go fly fishing with his son Luke and to spend more time with his wife, Gail, and daughter Amelia.
Stay Connected With Us