Tag Archives: Veterans

When remembering veterans, think of Colorado science teacher Daniel Ganoza

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On Memorial Day, we salute Colorado science teacher and US veteran Daniel Ganoza.

There are many excellent examples of Americans who have served in the military, and then have gone on to stellar careers as educations. One of these is Daniel Ganoza. He spent years in the US Air Force before he became a science teacher at Woodland Park High School in Woodland Park, a suburb located west of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The former soldier teaches courses in environmental science, biology, and global science. He also coaches basketball there.

Daniel says the military mindset is very useful in the classroom. “In the Air Force everyone is valuable to the mission,” he observes. “You have no choice in training them the best you can. The mission depends on it, and your reputation as a leader depends on your folks knowing their job,” he continues. Daniel should know.  As a retired lieutenant colonel, he spent 22 years in the Air Force, with 13 deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia, and Haiti.

The dedicated educator graduated from the Air Force Academy. When he concluded his military service, Daniel found his way into the classroom through a government program entitled Troops to Teachers. The program prepares military veterans for teaching careers.

“Kids just want someone to think they are important and care for them,” asserts Daniel. “Sometimes, all it takes is for just one person to believe in you and you can do anything — you can do the impossible. I’m not sure if I’ve ever been that one person for any of my students, but I strive to be,” he concludes.

For his efforts in the classroom, Daniel earned the 2018 Secondary Excellence in Teaching Award from the Colorado Association of Science Teachers. The award recognizes excellence in teaching in preschool through college classrooms throughout the state.

Thank you for your service in the military, and for your service in the classroom, Daniel!

If you would like to read an interview with Daniel, click on this link from Chalkbeat.

Troops to Teachers program helps veterans transition to a new career in the classroom

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As we celebrate our nation’s veterans this weekend I would like to share with everyone a terrific government program called Troops to Teachers. The program is designed to assist soldiers in their transition from service in the military to service in the classroom. To date, the program has helped over 21,000 veterans become teachers. Isn’t that marvelous? View the video below where one such veteran, Heatheranne Bozeman of Florida, describes how becoming a teacher after retiring from military service has changed her life:

Honoring Henry Alvin Cameron, American WWI Veteran

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During this weekend’s Memorial Day observances, I am reminded that many our our nation’s educators are also veterans. One of my favorite Chalkboard Heroes is Henry Alvin Cameron, a high school science teacher from Nashville, Tennessee. He was not only a leader in the African American community in the early days of the 20th century, but he was also a veteran of World War I. Below is a digital story I created to tell you more about this heroic historical figure.

Beloved educator Derrick Nelson succumbs to bone marrow donation procedure

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Derrick Nelson

Beloved New Jersey principal Dr. Derrick Nelson succumbed last Sunday from complications sustained when he underwent a procedure to donate life-saving bone marrow to a 14-year-old teenage boy in France.

Students and teachers at Westfield Public High School in New Jersey are mourning the loss of their beloved principal, Dr. Derrick Nelson, this week. Derrick passed away last Sunday from complications sustained while he was undergoing a procedure to donate bone marrow. Through the Be the Match organization, the life-saving bone marrow was given to a 14-year-old teenage boy in France.

The educational community has been enriched by the presence of Chalkboard Hero Dr. Derrick Nelson, and his loss will be keenly felt. Students remember their principal for supporting students at games, plays and concerts, and for the impact he left on those around him. “He always tried to inspire students in the classroom and outside to be good people,” expressed Senior Class President Jackson O’Brien in an interview with ABC 7. “And I think he served as a great role model.”  Derrick’s father, Willie Nelson, agrees. “He was the type of guy to take the shirt off his back and give it to you,” Willie remembers. “He was very good at everything he did. He gave 100 percent of his life to education.”

Derrick earned his Bachelor’s Degree at Mass Communications and Media Studies from Delaware State University in 1997. He earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration at St. Peter’s College in 2003. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration in Seton Hall University in 2013. Derrick also served 25 years in the US Army Reserves, and had recently re-enlisted. His military service included an assignment in the Middle East.

Medical professionals emphasize that, while any medical procedure carries some degree of risk, death from bone marrow donation procedures are extremely rare.

Stuart W. Hunt, Sr.: Gifted teacher, coach, veteran, businessman, and politician

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Stuart Hunt

Stuart W. Hunt, Sr.: Gifted teacher, coach, military veteran, businessman, and politician.

There are many examples of fine classroom teachers who have a made a name for themselves in arenas outside of education. This is true of Stuart W. Hunt, Sr.,a  high school teacher and coach who also served as a legislator for his home state of Vermont.

Stuart Hunt was born in Brattleboro, Windham County, Vermont, on April 28, 1927. As a young man, he attended Brattleboro High School, where he excelled in sports. When he graduated in 1945, he was honored with the Stolte Memorial Cup, given to the best all-around athlete.

Because World War II was in full swing in 1945, immediately after his graduation, Stuart enlisted in the military. Throughout the war, he served in the US Army Air Forces.

When the war ended, Stuart earned his Bachelor’s degree from Arnold College, now known as the University of Bridgeport, located in Connecticut. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1952. Once he earned his degree, Stuart settled in Guilford, Vermont, and accepted a position as a physical education teacher at his alma mater, Brattleboro High School. He also coached football and basketball there. In addition to coaching, Stuart was instrumental in starting the Auto Mechanics Training Program at the Vocational Center at the high school, and he was one of the founders of the Brattleboro Little League Post 5 program.

In addition to his classroom and coaching responsibilities, Stuart worked in the real estate and insurance fields. Also, he was very active in town and state government, serving as a selectman, a trustee of the Guilford Fire Department, a trustee of the Guilford Fair Association, a Justice of the Peace, and a Member of the Board of Civil Authority. As if all this were not enough, Stuart was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives on the Republican ticket. He also served in the Vermont State Senate.

This gifted teacher, coach, military veteran, businessman, and politician passed away of natural causes in Vernon, Vermont, on December 9, 2014. He was 87 years old.