The teacher of the month for November is Mr. Bernard! He has been a loyal teacher at Hughson High School for the past 26 years. Here at HHS Mr. Bernard has taught anatomy and physiology, sports medicine, and physical education for sports. He organized the cross country team at HHS and has led the team to numerous victories. Mr. Bernard is respected by so many staff and students at HHS that previous students can not wait to return and share the success of their lives with this valued educator.  Mr. Bernard explains that he enjoys it “…every time a former student comes back and shares his or her success story. I’ve had lots of students go on to become doctors, nurses, and  physical therapists.” Every teacher is proud when a student excels in the subject that they have committed so thoroughly to teaching; Mr. Bernard’s dedication has gone even above grasping material. He has inspired several young minds to pursue rewarding and respectable careers such as ones in the medical field. 

Mr. Bernard advises that, “you aren’t done learning in high school (or even college) and that they [students] will continue to learn and grow throughout their lives.” It is easy to assume that a degree will supply a person with all the knowledge they need, and that a singular degree will determine a career, but it takes a wise mind to accept that learning may never end. It is beyond important to continue enriching the mind within everyday life, and Mr. Bernard supports this. In fact, Mr. Bernard did not always foresee becoming a teacher. When working a job as an instructional assistant a, “principal there [Stanislaus Academy] told me I ought to try teaching because I was good with the kids.” This event occurred while Mr. Bernard was working a job after college, showing that even after college a person can learn new things about themselves. Sometimes learning new things about yourself can change plans but perhaps for the best, as now almost twenty six years later, HHS is still grateful for Bernard’s educating abilities. 

Throughout the years, Mr. Bernard has interacted with many varieties of students to enhance their academics and athletics. When asked about his favorite aspect of teaching he says, “seeing my students’ growth in academic and athletic ability.” One of the many reasons why Mr. Bernard is the teacher of the month includes, that he is beyond capable of creating competent students and athletes. 

Furthermore, the “support we [HHS staff] enjoy from the community” can not be overstated as a unique benefit to teaching at HHS. Mr. Bernard himself “love[s] the fact that, for the most part, our students are very easy to work with.” The attitude of students and community members do deeply affect the morale of a small town school and Mr. Bernard makes a positive impact on this community. A current student enrolled in Mr. Bernard’s anatomy class, Andrea Ochoa, praises Mr. Bernard, saying his class is, “easy to understand and engaging.” Thanksgiving has passed but it is important to acknowledge how grateful HHS is to have an experienced and passionate teacher on staff like Mr. Bernard.