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.