Passion fuels teachers' love for education

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Areca Wilson | Robin Clement, Aviano Middle/High School biology and human anatomy and physiology teacher, watches students complete a laboratory experiment, Oct. 28, 2015, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Clement credits his passion for teaching to his childhood love for biology. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Areca T. Bell/Released)  

AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY

10.30.2015

Story by Senior Airman Areca Wilson 

31st Fighter Wing

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy - Every day the world's next brilliant mind walks into a classroom, waiting for a teacher to inspire them.

Teachers at the Aviano Elementary and Middle/High Schools are tasked with educating and guiding Team Aviano's youth. Their dedication and passion is integral for students' development and outlook on learning.

"Teachers [here] are very committed and dedicated to the school's mission, to serve our military students," said Melissa Hayes, Aviano Elementary School principal. "Of the teachers I've [worked] with in [the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity] for the last 16 years, these are some of the best."

Teachers are responsible for preparing classroom lessons and assessments according to DoDEA's curriculum while creating an exciting environment for students.

Kristina Muñoz is one of these teachers. The Aviano Elementary School gifted education teacher's love for teaching started at a young age, as she came from a long line of teachers.

"I wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember," she said. "I used to play school with my dolls and my brother, when he would cooperate. It's a decision I have never regretted."

While Muñoz was inspired by her mother, grandmother and great-grandfather, Robin Clement, Aviano Middle/High School biology and human anatomy and physiology teacher, credits his teaching passion to his adolescent love of biology and fascination with life and how things work in the natural world.

Although Muñoz and Clement became teachers for different reasons, they both agree developing the next generation drives them to do their job.

"As a teacher, no two days are the same," Clement explained. "Each student is unique and every class develops its own personality as the year progresses. When a student finally 'gets it' there's a feeling of accomplishment for both the student and the teacher."

Muñoz and Clement challenge their students daily with the goal of helping them grow and learn.

"I do my best to provide students with appropriate challenges to [help] them move from where they are to where they need to be," Muñoz explained. "I come in every day knowing my students are different and I do my best to adjust to them. Kids should get [the education] they need, and teachers should strive to offer that."

Clement hopes his students use the information learned in the classroom to solve real world problems.

"I try to have students engaged in 'hands-on, minds-on' learning," he said. "After completing an activity it is important for students to process and explain the scientific principals behind and beyond the data collected. Developing higher level thinking skills that can be applied to situations in their lives will help students succeed in the future."

Like any job, teachers encounter daily challenges. While a curriculum is provided, additional planning is needed to best accommodate students.

"It's typical to see teachers stay late after school to get things done," said Hayes. "If you drive over to the school on a Saturday or Sunday you'll see lots of cars. Most of those are teachers who are working in their classrooms to prepare for the next week."

Clement's main challenge is catering to each student's needs.

"We are fortunate to have small classes at Aviano Middle/High School, which allows more time with individual students than you would in classes of 35 or more," he said. "Because no two students, classes, or days are ever the same, the daily challenge is to find what works best for each student."

In the end, Muñoz and Clement believe that making a positive impact on every student is important.

"With the development of e-mail and social media, teachers can now get better feedback as to whether or not they have made a difference in the lives of their students," said Clement. "When a student [tells] you, what you said in class 20 years ago inspired them to pursue their dreams or made them a better person, it validates what you do every day."

Muñoz simply wants her students to be inspired and grow in their life's journey.

"A simple smile, hug or letters from students and parents are always heartwarming," she said. "Above all else, I want my students to be good citizens and develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime. To me, that's the true measure of success."

According to Hayes, teachers' commitment to go above and beyond to help their students is noticed and appreciated.

"I've watched how teachers help children transition and are understanding and flexible when it comes to our military community and children," Hayes explained. "I think that is one of the biggest things that makes them unique outside of any other teacher you'll run into."

• Date Taken: 10.30.2015
• Date Posted: 11.03.2015 06:49
• Story ID: 180725
• Location: AVIANO AIR BASE, IT