Teacher Feature- Sergeant Santa

Sergeant Janet Santa has been teaching AFJROTC at Armijo for 14 years. Her subjects are leadership, drill, life skills, physical training, wellness, and wear of the uniform. Sergeant Santa was in the Air Force for 23 years before she went into teaching, although teaching was always her main passion.

Sergeant Santa went to high school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She then went on to pursue a higher education, first at Allegheny County Community College, Community College of the Air Force, and then Excelsior College (BA) University Phoenix MAED and MAEd/CI. Her hobbies include gardening, embroidering, cooking, and running. She also enjoys traveling with her husband.

Teaching is a difficult job that many people don’t seem to fathom. Combining the discipline of teaching and that of a military position is quite a respectful career. Teaching is, in the words of Sergeant Santa, “a challenging career, but rewarding.” Her advice to those who aspire to become a teacher is to “remember that it is not just a job, it is a career that takes dedication, patience, [and] hard work.” Also, knowing how and liking to work with young people is important. “It takes a lot of self-sacrifice, too.” Sergeant Santa said.