Teacher Spotlight: Primavera’s Veterans

Every November 11, we have the chance to honor all those who have sacrificed so much to protect our country. At Primavera, we want to take the time to shine the light on some of our very own veterans. Read on to learn some incredible stories from a few of our many veteran teachers.

Mr. Ryan Davis, social studies instructor

Mr. Davis is a social studies and electives instructor who has been with Primavera for about three years. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing, cheering on his sports teams, watching classic films and spending time with family. Being at Primavera allows him to reach out and help more students, as Mr. Davis said.

“Primavera provides an opportunity to share my love of learning with a greater audience than what I would have in a traditional setting,” said Mr. Davis.

Mr. Jeff Connell, social studies instructor

Mr. Connell is a social studies instructor who teaches American Government and U.S. History courses. In his spare time, Mr. Connell loves to hunt, fish, play video games and play with his three kids. Mr. Connell said he loves getting to teach Primavera students because he gets to meet diverse, hard-working students.

“Primavera offers a different dynamic,” said Mr. Connell. “I get to work with students who have a real need for using another form of education. My students come form all walks of life, and you cannot put them into one box. This provides a daily challenge as a teacher and I get the chance to work with some really great students.”

Mr. Davis and Mr. Connell are both veterans who served in Iraq. Both Mr. Connell and Mr. Davis came from families with a long line of veterans, and wanted to follow in their footsteps.

“I was in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1999-2007. I served in Iraq from 2003-2004 when Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) first began,” said Mr. Connell. “I joined before the events of September 11, 2001 so it was not a wartime decision for me. I joined because I wanted to serve something greater than myself and to be a part of a brotherhood for life.”

Mr. Davis also served in the reserve for a number of years where he helped save lives in the medical department. The first life he saved is still a vivid memory in his mind.

“The first save I ever had in the military as a medic was a soldier who was on guard duty who went into anaphylactic shock from an insect bite,” said Mr. Davis. “I was able to intubate him and get him stabilize him. Due to the distance from the hospital, I called in a medivac. The soldier lived, and his wife baked me a chocolate cake to say ‘thanks.'”

Because of his efforts, Mr. Davis received a Challenge Coin, a token of honor granted by the military.

While the two are proud of their service, nothing is as gratifying as helping students learn, as Mr. Connell said.

“I have had many parents and students over the years send me emails or messages just saying thank you for caring and for taking the time to work with them to move towards graduation. I had a student this school year simply say thank you to me because I told her I was proud of her,” said Mr. Connell. “It makes me feel like the happiest teacher in the world. Like I have accomplished something and made a difference.”

Just as Mr. Davis was proud to follow in the footsteps of his veteran family members, he is equally as proud of his students who are choosing to follow a career path in the field of education.

“Whenever I can tell that a student has mastered a skill or a particular piece of knowledge it is a rush,” said Mr. Davis. Perhaps the biggest sense of accomplishment is the fact that I have former students who are beginning their careers as teachers.”

Primavera is proud of its hard working teachers, and especially those who have sacrificed to protect our country. This Veterans Day, don’t forget to go out and show your appreciation for our former soldiers.