David Neil

David Neil has wanted to be a teacher for as long as he can remember. “It’s a major part of my life,” says the BRI teacher council member. Dave is in his seventh year of teaching and currently teaches social studies at Bountiful High School in Bountiful, Utah. He has a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education from the University of Wyoming where he founded the Celtic Heritage Society.

Dave loves to travel and one of his proudest teaching moments was taking a group of students to Washington, DC a few years ago. “The students were recalling information and applying some of that information in their exploration and understanding of the city. It was a very fulfilling trip.” Two of his “bucket list” items are to visit Scotland and Paris one day.

A Socratic seminar on Robber Barons was David’s first introduction to the Bill of Rights Institute. “It was incredible,” says David, “A room full of like minded yet very different personalities all working together to better understand a very influential part of US and World History.”

Denis Diderot is David’s favorite historical figure. “He was an amazing writer and philosopher,” David notes, “He made many contributions to society and challenged ‘Le Ancient Regime,’ allowing for our postmodern ideas on government.”

As far as personal influences, David says his grandfather has had the greatest impact on his life. “He is a great man and is always there if I have a question.”