One of the newest arrivals to Lee County High School's staff and the math department is Mr. Danmart Hernandez. He joined the Yellow Jacket family four months ago as an international exchange teacher from the Philippines. He brings 19 years of teaching experience across preschool, elementary and high school along with a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and cultural perspective.
For Mr. Hernandez, teaching at LCHS is more than just a job, it's a calling. "I must say it is God who brings me here," he shared. "Teaching at Lee County High School allows me to serve with purpose, heart, and passion every single day. I knew this is the place where I could share my culture, inspire, and build students' confidence while I grow as an educator."
Hernandez has a passion for seeing students grow. He is inspired when he sees students discover what they are capable of. "The best part of teaching for me is witnessing growth. Seeing my students gain confidence, overcome challenges, and realize that they're capable of more than they believed is why I love this job."
He began teaching early in college, starting with preschool at Little Friends Community Center of Toril, his aunt's school. He later taught elementary school and then high school in Davao City, Philippines. He credits each chapter of his career in helping shape his warm, student-centered teaching style.
Above all Mr. Hernandez hopes his students remember the belief he has in them. "I hope that my students remember me as a teacher who always believed in them, even on the days they didn't believe in themselves."
While there are certainly differences between classrooms in the Philippines and the U.S., he says that the heart of teaching remains the same anywhere. "Students here are encouraged to express themselves more freely and classrooms are more student-centered here in the U.S. There is strong support for teachers here, more resources, and a big emphasis in hands-on learning. But at the heart of it, students are the same everywhere. They are all full of potential."
We are grateful to have Mr. Hernandez enriching our classrooms with his experience, compassion, and global perspective!