Now 16 years into a career in education, Ben Hess can’t imagine working anywhere but inside a school.
He is the recipient of a Killeen ISD STEEL Award for the month of February.
“Our campus is better every single day because of his consummate professionalism, his integrity, his tireless work ethic and most importantly, his love for kids and teachers at Union Grove,” said Principal Joshua Rainwater.
Raised by educators, the Union Grove Middle School dean of instruction has a long list of teachers who have inspired him and continue to inspire him.
He attended Clifton Park Elementary School when his mom, Jayne Hess taught there and moved on to Nolan Middle School and Ellison High School.
It was an Ellison English teacher, Teresa Holloway, who he said challenged him to apply himself beyond his considerable natural academic skills and convinced him to seek a career in education.
“I took the hard classes, but kind of coasted and didn’t really apply myself. Not until her class. She forced me to have to try hard and I’m incredibly grateful and indebted to her for everything she did for me.”
Hess was an economics teacher at Killeen High School where he learned from a colleague what he had seen his own mom do for years, engaging students in learning beyond the classroom. He recalls field trips to voting sites to give students a first-hand look at the election process.
He moved over to Union Grove and into campus administration eight years ago. As dean of instruction, he gets a broad look at the life of the school, guiding students and staff members, helping with outreach to parents and continuing to learn.
His wife is an elementary school teacher in KISD, and they have four school-age children, including two attending Union Grove, which their dad loves.
“I love that it’s such a mixed bag,” he said of his current job. “There’s not a typical day. I spend a lot of time with curriculum. I spend a lot of time with counselors and build relationships with so many people in our community,” he said.
“Middle school is such an awkward weird time. It’s nice to be able to be there for the kids and to be a positive influence for them,” he said.
Hess’s office illustrates his deep involvement in the school.
He keeps a wide variety of snacks on hand and has a collection of dad jokes that he sometimes shares on the morning announcements. He’s also known to dress the part during holidays and spirit dress days.
“I think the fun has to be there with the learning. We want to make sure that we’re focused on school and test scores, but it can’t just be sterile. Knowing there is an adult there who is willing to listen and be there is big.”
Killeen ISD awards the STEEL Award to two employees a month during the school year, surprising recipients in the midst of the workplace.
“I was speechless,” he said of the day that Superintendent King Davis led a group of leaders to present him with the award. “It was a really, cool moment. I don’t need the accolades and recognition. I love what I’m doing, but it felt cool.”