Wing member bestowed Teacher of Year honor

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Veronica A. Aceveda
  • 512th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Senior Master Sgt. Randall Anderson, 512th Mission Support Squadron, received Polytech Adult Education's Distinguished Teacher Award June 4.
 
The Seaford resident has worked at the Woodside school, which is about five miles south of Dover, for the last seven years, originally only as a guidance counselor. 

About three years ago, he said several faculty members and students suggested he should teach, and after the school's director asked him, he agreed with one condition - that he still be able to serve as a guidance counselor as well. 

Wearing a dual hat, he assists students with various subjects and teaches mathematics. 

"I often wonder how he does it all," said Sergeant Anderson's wife Lisa. "Andy works a full-time job on base, he's a reservist, and he works a minimum of three nights per week at the school." 

He said his short three-year, part-time career of public teaching is why he was so shocked to hear his name called for the Teacher of the Year award. 

"Although I work hard as a teacher, and I'm fully committed to my students, there are many full-time teachers with far more experience," said Sergeant Anderson. 

But, the award isn't based on how seasoned an educator is; it's bestowed by the students to the teacher whom they feel has had the biggest impact on their education. 

"Sometimes the difference between a successful and unsuccessful student is simply having someone believe in you," said Sergeant Anderson's daughter Angela, who is also a teacher. "My dad believes in all of his students and challenges them to go past the limits they have placed on their own lives. If they don't think they are college material, he asks them why not? He gives them time. He listens to them about academics and about life." 

Joyce Warrington, who was 52 years old at the time, said if it wasn't for Mr. Anderson, she would have never graduated. 

"Of course I was intimidated," she said. "I went back to get my high school diploma after 35 years, and I hated math; so, I really needed someone that had patience. Mr. Anderson worked with me one on one. He came down to my level and went that extra mile. He helped me overcome my obstacles and above all, he continuously said, 'Joyce, you can do it." 

Despite her late start, Mrs. Warrington decided to further her education and pursue a college degree. She's currently a 4.0 student and credits her success to Sergeant Anderson. 

"He really encouraged me, and I will always consider him an important person in my life. He was chosen for this award, because he loves working with students and he truly stands out from the rest." 

Sergeant Anderson said he's overwhelmingly proud of this honor. 

"It's a priceless reward when students thank you for taking them from 'I can't' to 'I get it,' he said. "I try to make each class enjoyable, meaningful and relevant." 

Lisa said her husband spends hours researching ideas to make things more interesting and fun. 

"I love to feel that I am making a difference by teaching and motivating not only the students at Polytech but everyone I meet, as learning is a lifelong journey that never ends, said Sergeant Anderson." 

Angela said her dad continues to be a great influence in her life, but now she knows he impacts far more people's lives. 

"For that, I am grateful," she said. "May he continue to inspire greatness in his students' lives, and may they continue to pass it on."