We want to take the opportunity to share and acknowledge amazing stories from the many facets of Roadtrip Nation and RoadtripNation.org, be it from our Roadtrip Scholars, our Roadtrippers, our Roadies and on through to our Education Initiatives.

Today we wish to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of one of our Roadtrip Nation Teachers.

So, for the month of January, we would like to give kudos to our very first "Roadtrip Nation Teacher of the Month," David Duez!

David Duez in an AVID teacher and Roadtrip Nation Experience instructor at Atascocita High in Humble, Texas. In 2007, he began to teach the AVID elective class as well as World History. Teaching AVID is how he came across the Roadtrip Nation curriculum. He has been using the program to supplement the AVID lessons. (AVID is a program for designed to get students to college.) Avid teaches organizational skills, note taking, provides tutoring, field trips to college and guest speakers. To David, the AVID program and the Roadtrip curriculum seem to go hand-in-hand. Here’s part of our conversation with David:

RTN: What first drew you to want to teach?

David: In many ways I feel like my own personal history of using my education as a way to improve my life has led me to teach. I am confident that I can relate my experience as an example, I can encourage young people.

RTN: What drew you to want to teach The Roadtrip Nation Experience?

David: I saw a real need for inserting Roadtrip into our sophomore year in the AVID curriculum. It has revitalized my AVID class and focused them on their goals.

RTN: How does The Roadtrip Nation Experience differ from other curriculums?

David: It is a curriculum that the students can relate to. The students can imagine themselves in the role of the Roadtrippers when they are conducting an interview with a Leader. They can also see themselves in the Leaders when those Leaders explain what life was like when the Leader was younger. The interviews are inspirational because we can all see that if someone has a passion and excitement for an area of life, then they can be successful.

RTN: How has Roadtrip Nation impacted you and your students?

David: It has helped to supplement the AVID curriculum by giving our sophomore students the opportunity to spend some time on something creative and different from our normal charge in AVID. So much of the freshmen year in the AVID class is about organizing, tutoring, and using the AVID techniques to improve their grades in their classes. But, Roadtrip is about life. Too often school does not connect with the kind of spirit, ingenuity and authenticity of life. Roadtrip is authentic. It is real and the kids can feel it.

Roadtrip has also given me a chance to relate my story of growing up to them. I have been able to point out how I have travelled a similar road in many cases to the Leaders who have been interviewed. The Roadtrip Experience has made me take stock in my own life and evaluate the road I have taken. I can honestly say that it has been a bumpy ride in parts, but I am exactly where I should be and I love my life and what I am privileged to do for a living each day.

RTN: Why do you love teaching Roadtrip Nation Experience?

David: I love the curriculum. It is still growing and improving and it has been a lot of fun to make suggestions and to discuss the program with Roadtrip Nation staff. We had the opportunity last fall to visit with two members of the Roadtrip cast from Australia and one of the original three Roadtrip founders. It was an amazing day. We saw an actual Roadtrip RV and the kids enjoyed seeing the program come to life.

But, what I probably most enjoy is the spirit of the entire Roadtrip experience. It is about improving yourself by having the guts to go out and ask questions of the people in our world who are succeeding.

So many people are too afraid to pick up a phone and just cold call someone and ask for help or advice. What Roadtrip is showing kids is that there is so much to be gained by stepping out of your comfort zone and taking a step in the direction of your dreams.

RTN: How has the Roadtrip Nation Experience engaged your students? Can you describe any measurable growth?

David: I know that I have seen measurable growth because my students have been more open, confident and mature. I think they are learning that they should not fear failure. They are learning that there are many paths to a successful career and life. We are far from finished with the Roadtrip experience. The real measurable quantity that I cannot wait to witness is when they do their own Roadtrip and ask those unique, honest and passionate questions to the leaders of their choice. I know I am going to be very proud of their progress.

RTN: Tell us something about your Roadtrip Scholars!

David: Many of the Roadtrip Scholars in my class do not have parents who finished college. Only about 27% of all Americans have a college degree. Those students who have parents at home who have navigated the system and come out with that degree can pass along that knowledge and confidence to their kids. So the Roadtrip nation curriculum and interviews have helped to show my students that their road to college and to their own success is possible as long as they keep working.

They have shared the Roadtrip Experience together and it has been a real bonding experience even beyond the already tight bonds that they gained through the AVID program.

RTN: What was your favorite lesson to teach and why? How have you adapted the lessons to your classroom?

David: Lesson #5: Success, Risk and Failure was incredible. It really hit home with my students. They are 15 and 16 year-old students who worry so much about making the wrong choice, about what will happen if they fail. Sometimes I think they are worried more about that than doing what it takes to actually get the job done.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Yes, thank you very much! There is only one other time that I have come across something in education that I feel has impacted my students as much as Roadtrip Nation – and that’s the AVID program. It is very similar in this way – the people at the offices, the support system, are all in it to help you. Their passion is apparent the quality work that they do. That kind of inspiration and effort is passed on to me as a teacher and then down to my students. Please keep up the great work. You are making a tremendous difference in the lives of young people.

What advice would you give a new Roadtrip Nation Teacher?

David: My biggest piece of advice would be to encourage discussion and written reflection. Allow your students some time to process and then share, share, share.
Also, I would love to help other teachers. Please share my email and AVID/Roadtrip blog with them:

david.duez@humble.k12.tx.us
http://avidahs.blogspot.com

We wanted to acknowledge all of David’s hard work. He has shown us great dedication and passion towards his student and teaching. As much as we work to inspire, we couldn’t continue to do what we do if it weren’t for teachers like him. In many ways he has inspired us to continue to create more content for students and people. Thank you, David!