Teachers play a big role in the lives of the students they teach. Juan Benites had a number of teachers that made an impact in his life and helped him become the person that he is today. He says that he decided to enter the teaching profession so that he could help the next generation.

“Given that the biggest influences in my life were my teachers, I wanted to give back to the youth,” he said. “Either through teaching or coaching soccer, I believe that knowledge is a gift that needs to be shared and passed onto future generations. Several teachers molded me to become the man that I am today. Whether it was the fun environment created by Mr. Cooley in U.S. History or the structure embedded by Ms. Dixon in English, I was given the tools to create an atmosphere where my students can thrive.”

Benites teaches Spanish I and II for tenth through twelfth grades at Stillwater High School. This is his second year at Stillwater and before that, he taught at Union High School in Tulsa. Along with teaching, he also coaches the Lady Pioneer’s junior varsity girls soccer team.

Teaching allows Juan the opportunity to not only pass on knowledge to his students, but he is also able to teach a subject that he loves to teach about.

“I get the opportunity to share my language and culture with students,” he stated. “It is fulfilling to see the youth explore a new language. Additionally, I love watching them take the steps to become the people they want to be.”

During his time of teaching, Juan has been given different pieces of advice to help him. But he has one bit that he tries to remember each day.

“Always be patient, they are just kids,” he stated. “That is probably the best advice I have been given.”

When he is not in the classroom or coaching, Benites enjoys spending time with his fiance and friends. He likes to travel, cook, and watch sports.