BEST SCHOOLTEACHER

Aaron Kunz

Williamsville High School

Even from a young age, Aaron Kunz knew he wanted to coach sports, but it wasn’t until a high school math teacher inspired him that Kunz developed a passion for teaching. Originally from New Berlin, Kunz has been teaching math and coaching football at Williamsville High School for about 15 years. Despite teaching the same advanced-placement math courses year after year, Kunz says the students keep it fresh. “It’s like a different day every day,” Kunz says.

“You get different kids with different abilities, and every class has its own personality.” He says teaching gives him an opportunity to have a positive impact on students by challenging them. He starts his classes a week before the rest of school to make sure they finish the curriculum. “I think I’m a tough teacher, so sometimes you never know if people even like you, because you push them,” he says. “I think at the time you’re not appreciated, but when they go to college, you’re appreciated a lot more. Every year, I’ll get an email or a call saying, ‘What you taught me really prepared me. Thank you so much.’ That’s the biggest thing for me.”

Runner-up: Michelle Gannar, Lee Elementary School