DVIDS – News – Honoring American Education Week with the 911th Airlift Wing

Teaching is a profession that is often undervalued; yet the efforts of educators are crucial in shaping the minds and competencies of children as they grow and navigate the world around them. The impact of their work is foundational to developing the knowledge, skills and perspectives that will guide future generations. American Education Week celebrates these efforts.

American Education Week was first celebrated in 1921 after its conception by the joint efforts of the National Education Association and American Legion. These two organizations first came together in 1919 to seek ways for public support for education after statistics revealed nearly 25% of WWI draftees were illiterate. In the resolution for garnering support for public education, the NEA called for “an educational week … observed in all communities annually for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation and support of the public in meeting those needs.”

Since then, American Education Week is celebrated the week before Thanksgiving as an opportunity to celebrate public education, inform the community of the accomplishments and needs of public schools and to honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring every child receives a quality education. A distinctive aspect of serving in the Reserve is the ability to answer our nation’s call while also pursuing a career outside of the military, such as becoming an educator. Below are a few Steel Airmen who have dedicated their time and efforts to shaping young minds while simultaneously serving in uniform:

Staff Sgt. Galen McKinney:

Staff Sgt. McKinney has served in the military for 15 years. He served his first eight years as a Navy musician stationed with the Naval War College, Pacific Fleet Band and Pacific Partnership. He then transitioned to the Air National Guard as the flight line Brass Band’s auditions coordinator, NCO in charge and commander’s advisory council for six years. He now serves as the 911th Force Support Squadron’s unit training manager.

McKinney also works outside the Reserve as the middle and high school band director for Brentwood Borough School District. Although he didn’t initially intend to pursue teaching — both his parents were music teachers — he found his path after graduating from Penn State with a music performance degree. While connecting with professors at Mercyhurst College, who knew him and his family, he discovered he could earn his education degree in two years, so he decided to enroll.

McKinney found that he enjoyed teaching and had an innate ability for it. He finds great pride in providing guidance and assistance to his students.The joy he experiences when observing their growth in character and performance is indescribable. McKinney finds the pairing between his teachings and Reserve duties comparable. Much of what he performs as band director is similar in the Education and Training office such as troubleshooting, providing briefings and managing students, programs, the administration and the community.

Master Sgt. Dava MacDonald:

Master Sgt. MacDonald has served in the Air Force Reserve for 13 years. Her first nine years were spent as a command and control specialist with the 302nd Airlift Wing and in the Air Force’s first Regional Command Post with the U.S. Air Force Academy. For the next two years she served as the NCO in charge of Military and Family Readiness. She currently serves as the first sergeant for both the 911th FSS and for the 911th Airlift Wing staff.

MacDonald was a teaching assistant and substitute teacher in the Beaver Area School District, filling in for grades 1 through 12 and working with special needs students on schoolwork, behavior and attention issues. She began teaching after a family tragedy brought her from Colorado to the Beaver County area in Pennsylvania, where she wanted to be closest to her children. With three sons across Beaver high and middle schools at the time, along with six nieces and nephews in the elementary school, her goal was to teach for each of them at least once – She missed out on only two of them.

MacDonald enjoys having an inside look at her children’s learning environment, day-to-day routines and classmates. She values the opportunity to mentor her students, showing them how to work through problems and form a structured environment. This dedication to mentoring also applies to her Reserve leadership, where she trains and provides guidance to Steel Airmen, helping them succeed by sharing her knowledge and experience.

Master Sgt. Mary Kyles:

Master Sgt. Kyles has served in the Air Force Reserve for 16 years. While Kyles is a prior Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadet, she has always served as a Steel Airman within the 911th FSS and 911th Maintenance Group Commander’s Support Staff – currently as a CSS supervisor.

Kyles has extensive experience within Pittsburgh public schools and possesses a dual certification in regular and special education. She has taught as a classroom teacher, learning-support teacher and paraprofessional across a variety of subjects. Kyles felt her calling to become a teacher when she was in the 11th grade. During a Spanish class, her teacher permitted autonomous education, where Kyles would conduct study sessions with her classmates. These sessions cemented her aspirations of becoming a teacher herself.

Kyles’ favorite aspect of being a teacher was the rapport and relationships built between her students and their families. She recalls mistakenly being called “mom” more than once, which illustrates the close bonds she formed. Though her civilian career as a teacher has come to a hiatus, she still finds herself mentoring and tutoring even in service. In order to sufficiently provide her Airmen with the best tools and knowledge to promote within their ranks, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining patience and compassion just as she would her students.

Kyles extends a heartfelt “thank you” to all teachers, educators and mentors for their unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds – especially to those who balance the demands of teaching with the responsibilities of raising their own families.

Teaching is an incredibly challenging profession, and American Education Week’s intention is to secure cooperation and support from the public to recognize and honor the immense effort these individuals put forth – often working long hours with little recognition – toward shaping the futures of children.