Abilene ISD -

Walter Muzaurieta always knew he wanted to be a teacher. He wanted to see students in his classroom flourish and grow in their love of school, skill development, and ability to follow directions and show respect for each other. 

So, naturally, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. And even though a four-year stint stretched into a 20-year career that took him to California and Alaska before settling at Dyess Air Force Base, Muzaurieta held onto his dream of settling into a classroom. The dream held on so tightly that he re-trained in an education and training career path at Dyess. He worked in education in his final five years at Dyess before retiring in 2008 as a Master Sergeant.

Shortly after retiring, he went to work for Abilene ISD and became one of the most popular teachers at Dyess Elementary School. 

“Most staff, parents, and students call him ‘Mr. M,’” Dyess Elementary School Principal Heath Wright said. “He ensures that parents are connected and kids feel welcome in his classroom no matter what time of year they come into the school. When you walk into his classroom, students are engaged in discussion with each other, smiling, and enjoying learning.”

For those reasons and more, Mr. Wright nominated Muzaurieta as the Teacher of the Year, as selected by the Martin D. Denson VFW Post 6873. 

In his letter nominating Muzaurieta, Wright spoke glowingly of his work with students and families and his leadership skills among his peers. Last year, Dyess hired four new first-grade teachers alongside Muzaurieta. He helped guide those teachers, ensuring they knew the Dyess way and the level of care and support necessary to impact Dyess students. He also helped set up Dr. Seuss Week and multiple other weekly activities for first-graders.

“On top of all those examples, Mr. Muzaurieta volunteers at every event we have on campus, and the kids love seeing their teacher engage with them outside of the classroom,” Wright wrote in his letter. “If visitors come to our school in late May, they might see him lead a train procession with American flags waving during the annual ‘I Love America’ parade.”

But it’s in the classroom where Muzaurieta has significantly impacted Dyess students and families.

“He has developed a positive reputation with the military community that Dyess Elementary serves,” Wright said. “He is requested yearly by staff and military parents who have learned of his heart, academic teaching skill, and the high expectations he fosters in his classroom.”

That atmosphere is what Muzaurieta has wanted for his classroom since becoming a teacher.

“I want my students to love school,” Muzaurieta said. “I want them to know school is a safe place and they belong, whether it’s Dyess or another school in AISD. I want them to make strong relationships with other students and adults. And I want to praise them for doing good things and help them cope through the more challenging times.”

More than anything, he said he wants to help his students become lifelong learners and put those skills to use daily.

“I believe children want to be learners of all things,” Muzaurieta said. “So, I try to find ways to keep them motivated to follow directions, respect one another, make and hold relationships, and learn some independence. Of course, we are also tasked with teaching the skills necessary to master reading, writing, and mathematics.”

Muzaurieta said his desire for his students to get the best of their time in the classroom motivates him to continue teaching.

“I love seeing the kids' faces in the morning because first-graders and most elementary kids love being at school,” Muzaurieta said. “I enjoy watching my former students grow up and move on to be great second and third-grade students; it simply brings a great sense of accomplishment for what I do.  I also have a tremendous first-grade team I look forward to seeing daily. I couldn’t do what I do without them. It's an honor to teach at Dyess Elementary. We have great families on base that sometimes risk everything to give our country and community a safe place to live. It makes me want to keep giving my time and energy to all these kids who walk through our doors at Dyess.”

Muzaurieta will be celebrated as the Martin D. Denson VFW Post 6873 Teacher of the Year at a dinner on Friday, April 18.