SAN ANTONIO – The KSAT team has been working to shine on local educators and this month, KSAT and Firstmark Credit Union are recognizing Jefferson High School CTE teacher Todd Owens as KSAT’s Educator of the Month.
Aside from teaching criminal justice at Jefferson high school, Mr. Owens’ students told the KSAT team that he is a role model, a motivator and he’s always there for them.
“He’s like our teacher dad,” said Eliana Contreras, a Jefferson High School student. “And, everyday he shows how he cares about all of us and how like, no matter what we’re going through, we can always talk to him and that he’s like a shoulder to cry on for all of us. And, he’s always there for us and motivates us.”
Owens said his students are a priority.
“My students will tell you I care first and foremost about them,” Owens said. “(I care about) their well-being, their health, mental (health), physical (health). The relationships are all that matter to me.”
And, Mr. Owens’ students say they are proud to see their teacher recognized as KSAT’s Educator of the Month.
“He’s really been here for us,” said Michael Guzman, a Jefferson High School student. “And, he did a lot for this class and a lot for everyone, his students. He’s really been a big motivator for me and a big person to like, look up upon.”
As successful as Owens has been in the education field, that wasn’t always the plan.
Owens worked for the United States Border Patrol for three years, but got in an accident and ended up medically retiring.
“I always knew I wanted to become an educator,” said Owens. “I thought it would be later on in life, you know, 40, 50, somewhere along that line, but you know, (there is) another plan. So, I think it was all intentional because I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s been very, very, very rewarding.”
Students also tell us that they look forward to Mr. Owens’ class because he makes it fun and interesting.
“This is the class I actually enjoy coming to every single day,” Contreras said.
“Thanks to Ms. Parker, she’s always giving me some cool gear to use for like crime investigations, like blood spatter from investigation kits,” Owens said. “And so, just different things we can use to kind of bring the real world into the classroom.”