Alan Bowley

Starting this school year was really challenging. I had just barely switched schools due to recent legislation that was passed, and hardly had an idea of what classes I was taking. I was given my list of classes along with zoom links to each class. My very first impression of each class was fright. After every class finished I would slump back into my chair and prepare myself for the next, expecting my teachers to run through their slides and quickly hand out homework, meant to be filled out by students of which I knew nothing of. However, when I entered my last class for the day, which was my English A class, I was greeted by a smiling, funny, and helpful teacher. Mr. Bowley was my highlight of this year. He would open each and every class up with incredible enthusiasm, and ask us how all of us were. He made each student feel like they were his favorite student, and made each one of them feel like they were an essential part of the class. Mr. Bowley pushed every kid to work harder and do better than they had the week before. Never once in his class did I feel like I asked a stupid question, or was dumb for not understanding something. I was welcomed in with open arms and taught a subject that I haven't always liked, but absolutely love now. During this year I have learned more than I ever have, and I contribute most of that to Mr. Bowley. This teacher had such an incredible impact on my life and if that weren't true I wouldn't be writing about it right now. He helped to give me a greater understanding of complex assignments and helped me to become a greater writer. He always validated my hard work as well as other students. I have never cried from laughter in a class before but during these past two semesters that was a common occurrence. I had a chance to talk to Mr. Bowley about his past jobs and he let it known that he used to be a public school teacher (Mission Vista Academy is an online school), I asked him why he preferred Online compared to Public school and he told me that he was homeschooled as a kid, so it meant a great deal to him. Those that know me in real life know that I have been homeschooled my entire life, and I have never been proud of it. There is a stigma surrounding homeschooled students about being weird and unable to fit into society like "normal" kids. This stigma has always hurt me and made me wish that I was a regular student in Public School. Having a teacher that can relate with me and show me how his life has turned out has been an incredible inspiration to me. I have always felt as if I have had a label above my head calling me out as dumb, but seeing an educated teacher that you would mistake for being public schooled was an incredible sight to see for me. If any teacher is worthy of the title "The greatest teacher of the year", that would be Mr. Bowley. I know a few words don't show the true impact that this teacher had, but they were all heartfelt and meant with sincerity. Thank you for your time. - Matthew Juttner.

Matthew Juttner