University of Arizona Athletics

 Ten years prior to retirement from military service, W.T. knew that he wanted to become a high school teacher. His own high school English teacher had played a profound role in my life. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Humanities from Excelsior College in New York in 2010. He then retired from military service in 2011 and went on to earn his Masters in Secondary Education from the University of Arizona in 2012.
 
After his 24-year career in the United States Air Force, he became a high school English teacher at Andrada Polytechnic High School where he has been teaching since 2012. Some may mistakenly assume that based on his military background or his rough and tough exterior that his classroom is a silent place. On the contrary. He encourages discussion and participation by relating pop culture to the things students are learning. They discuss modern movie titles including or pop music and relate those well-known cultural works of art to works from the past or literary elements of study.
 
W.T. also serves as Empire High School’s head football coach, which presented him with several unique leadership opportunities. Empire High School is the only school in the state to blend four schools into its athletics programs. W.T. works to build camaraderie among players as well as staff and administrators. He is most proud to see so many teachers and staff from all four schools out at Empire’s games!

 
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