Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1505501
students, many of whom have had challenging lives and have bounced around through different programs and learning environments before landing in Horvath's classroom. Many become interested in f lying quickly, putting extra effort into their traditional assignments to get as much time as possible learning about and taking part in the wonder of flight. Horvath says it's amazing to witness the transformation in students. "ese kids have been kicked out or dropped out of every school they 've attended," he says. " This place gives them hope, and that's a pretty powerful thing to see." While Horvath works every day to help his students learn and grow, he also spends time as a peer of sorts, learning aviation and flight lessons as he works to earn his pilot's license. "Usually as teachers we know the material, but I'm learning to fly alongside these students. It's always been a lifelong dream of mine. We're experiencing it together and it's really bonding," Horvath says, and then refers to himself: "Some students have more experience, so they get to teach too — that's really powerful." Wind Beneath the Wings I N A D D I T I O N T O the Bob Hoover Academy-led flight and aviation ground training, MCOE provides a wealth of resources to support, help and inspire students, including: • A full high school curriculum geared toward STEM and aviation • Computers for every student • Field testing of new AOPA high school aviation curriculum • Regular sessions with a psychotherapist for each student • Concurrent enrollment at Hartnell Community College • Access to a college and career placement advisor • The opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma. Visit bobhooveracademy.org for more information. "These kids have been kicked out or dropped out of every school they've attended," he says. "This place gives them hope, and that's a pretty powerful thing to see." Adventures of Seraphina CTA/NEA-Retired member Aaron Hall, who spent 20+ years teaching, writes children's books under the pen name Hannah Hope. His books feature a central biracial character named Seraphina whose stories focus on topics of interest for young readers in grades 3-8. In "Seraphina in Ukraine" (2022), Seraphina looks at how she — and you and your friends — can help the war-torn nation. In "Planet Seraphina at an Observatory " (2022), she and her friends are saving Earth and invite you to help them. "Seraphina and the Tail-Waggers: A Sensitive Heart Book for Kids" (2023) explores "people's best friends." On Amazon and other booksellers. 54 cta.org Continued from Page 55 From Within CTA & You