Tess Hilmo, Director of 7-12 Curriculum & Instruction, Core Teacher (9th Grade)

“The way she talks to us is so loving and encouraging. I love that she is also a mom, because she incorporates that aspect of her and makes us all feel loved and important.”

Current student

“She is very willing to listen to opinions even if they are different from her own. I always feel like the things she is teaching me are for a reason and are going to help me.”

Current student

“Mrs. Hilmo has the class do really entertaining, creative, and engaging activities together, and doesn’t just lecture on the subject. She makes sure everyone understands the subject, and helps us think hard, relate, and infer what we learn.”

Current student

“Mrs. Hilmo has a graceful, wise, and loving way about her. She is gifted at getting everyone in the class to participate. She makes a powerful difference in my daughter’s life. We are so very grateful!!”

Parent of a 5th, 9th, and 11th grader

“Mrs. Hilmo is an incredible person and inspiring teacher! She has creative and engaging lesson plans and activities. My daughter is so impressed by her style of presenting the material.”

Parent of a 5th, 9th, and 11th grader

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What Brought you to AHS? – We were looking at the curriculum, actually – and wanted to have our young children (at the time) in a school that taught Riggs reading and Saxon math. It was only a matter of months before we realized the true benefit of being at this school had more to do with heart and less to do with curriculum choices.-

Favorite Subject — I love youth literature! Each student can glean their own meaning and understanding from a single story and it is amazing to see them reason, relate, and ponder the words of great authors in history.

Student Interaction — I recall a student who was struggling with wanting to be at the school. On the last day of class, this student put his arm around my shoulder and said, ‘Thanks, Mrs. Hilmo’. It was the smallest gesture, but I knew it meant he felt a level of love and acceptance in my class. That was a teacher payday.

Education — Bachelor of Arts, Communications, Brigham Young University

Curriculum Highlight — “Movement! I strive to incorporate significant movement into nearly every lesson.”

Family — My husband and I have three kiddos – all attended AHS through 8th grade. We all love a good book, warm fire, extra-rich cocoa, fun vacations, and spending time together. Life is good and we are blessed.

What Life Experience prepared you to teach at AHS? — My work as an author has been of great benefit because I have had to learn how to be humble and work very hard – but that work also takes me into schools all around the state and I have learned to truly appreciate the joy and light students bring to a room.

“I hope to leave a legacy of love and acceptance – with a sprinkle of laughter.”

– Mrs. Hilmo

Why I Love Teaching at AHS

AHS has blessed my own family as my children have attended through the years and I have a deep, sincere desire to “pay it forward”. I love youth and it’s a privilege to be allowed into their lives, hearts and minds. At some point in each day I laugh, feel the spirit, and consider a new thought. That’s a great job!