SYRACUSE – Representatives of Air Force Association Chapter 411 surprised Wawasee Middle School teacher Ryan Edgar Tuesday with the announcement that he is the AFA Teacher of the Year for Indiana. In March, Edgar was notified that he was Chapter 411’s Middle School Teacher of the Year. He now goes on to compete for the National AFA Teacher of the Year. Edgar beat out other many other educators to be chosen for the state-level award, said AFA Chapter 411 President Dr. C.E. Hassel in an interview Thursday afternoon. Hassel said he was sure that Edgar was the first middle school teacher to win the Indiana AFA Teacher of the Year honor. Hassel said Edgar will receive $500, a plaque and other prizes at the state presentation in June in Indianapolis. In announcing to WMS students Tuesday that Edgar was chosen for the state award, AFA Chapter 411 Vice President of Aerospace Education John Peyton said the state competition for the honor was tough. Edgar said he was “surprised but very appreciative. All teachers work hard at their job. You always feels like you’re busting your butt to do your best. All teachers are doing the same. To be put above and beyond, it’s very humbling.” Hassel said they’ve been watching Edgar for quite a while before selecting him as their Teacher of the Year. Peyton and his committee observed Edgar and his robotic teams at two events, including the Indiana state competition where one of Edgar’s teams won a second-place trophy for innovation and strategy. Then on March 7, the committee observed Edgar teaching in his classroom. In his field award nomination form, Peyton wrote, “Ryan is an upbeat, friendly communicator with an engaging smile who encouraged his students to read and reason their way through problems. He exercises excellent oral and written communication skills to deliver concepts, procedures and directions – as well as explanations of homework, assignments and upcoming testing events. During my period of observation, he was well organized and prepared with a lesson plan packed with goals and objectives about the subject matter.” Peyton also wrote, “Ryan is very obviously in the habit of involving his students in discussions and listening to each student with noticeable patience and respect. As a result, the students show a sense of ownership in the classroom and actively engage in the class, raising their hands for a chance to participate.” Wawasee Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Tom Edington said, “We’re thrilled to have one of our teachers recognized. We have a lot of fine educators. Ryan does stand out in his teaching. He does those extra activities with robotics and the planetarium.” Edington added that it was no surprise that Edgar was chosen by the AFA. “To those who know him, he’s a quality person first and someone people want to have their kids around,” he said. WMS Principal Susan Mishler said, “Ryan Edgar is very dynamic. He’s constantly looking at ways to engage students and how to make it real for them, how to make it practical for them. When I think of Ryan, I think of how he makes education valuable to his students. He has high energy. The kids just really enjoy his class, his engagement. He’s always looking for ways to make learning fun.” As part of Edgar’s nomination, Mishler wrote a letter of recommendation for him. In part, she stated, “I have known Ryan personally for over eight years, and can’t think of another faculty member whom I could more highly recommend for your prestigious award of the Middle School Teacher of the Year for the Chapter 411 Air Force Association. Ryan is in his 14th year of teaching and will be an asset to the field of education for many more years.” Mishler stated Edgar goes beyond the call of duty as a teacher. He is WMS’s Robotics Club coach, volleyball coach, WMS Team leader and part of the School Improvement Plan Committee. AFA was formed in August 1945 when Chief of the Army Air Forces General Henry F. Arnold asked an executive of Eastman Kodak, Edward Curtis, to create an organization among veterans returning from World War II that would promote airpower and the cause of a separate Air Force. According to information provided by Hassel, Curtis held an organizing meeting in New York City in October 1945 to create a non-profit organization to meet Arnold’s goals. The establishment of AFA was made public by James H. Doolittle in January 1946, the information states. It was based on a grassroots structure, with affiliates on local, state and regional levels; published a national magazine; and provides sponsorship for educational programs. AFA was incorporated in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 4, 1946, with Doolittle as its first national president. Charter members included Jimmy Stewart, Jack L. Warner and Ronald Reagan.
