Commentary: Living the dream

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Collings
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas --  
I remember being 7 years old dreaming about becoming a teacher when I grew up. I even created fake assignments for imaginary students and my younger sister.  

Teaching has always been a passion of mine. Even on my first trip to the Air Force Recruiter's office, the recruiter asked me what I would like to do. My response: "I want to teach." It's a passion woven into the core of my DNA.

My active-duty Air Force career began as a Security Forces Response Force member in the 2nd Security Forces Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. I started as an Installation Patrolman and I worked in various duty positions throughout my career. But, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine my military career would lead me to fulfilling the childhood wish of becoming a teacher.

Dream fulfillment actually began while I was in the Air Force. In 2010, I became an instructor assigned to the 610th Security Forces Squadron, NAS Fort Worth JRB, Texas. In this position, I served as a primary instructor for the 610 SFS Patriot Defender, Air Force Reserve Command's Security Forces Sustainment Training and Continuing Education Program courses.

Being an Instructor opened my eyes and prepared me for what teaching entails. I remember my first time stepping into a classroom and teaching like it was yesterday. The primary instructor for the class had to leave suddenly and the supervisor looked at me and said, "Sergeant Collings, you're up." It was sink or swim. But, I loved every bit of it. I was living my dream. Thirty-five courses down, and I still enjoyed every moment.

I learned critical tasks like classroom management, curriculum development and classroom utilization of applied learning and technology. I learned how to instruct with the goal of meeting different learning styles. All of which I now apply as a teacher.

In 2015, the 610 SFS inactivated. This left me at a crossroads - do I continue a career in Security Forces or do I pursue something else? It was during this time that I learned about The Troops to Teachers (TTT) program.  TTT helps to cover teaching certificate costs in Texas. So, I decided to take a chance and pursue teaching. I applied for a position with the Burleson Independent School District. Three months later, I became the Burleson High School Criminal Justice teacher.

TTT was one of two major factors that afforded me the opportunity to pursue the decades-long goal. The other factor was the excellence, integrity, service, experience and training I received as an Air Force Security Forces member.

A month ago, Mr. Larry Bills, the district director of career and technology education for Burleson Independent School District, observed my classroom instructions. He stated in his observation report that "Mr. Collings has the 'it' factor that great teachers possess. That combined with his knowledge, understanding, and application of the subject matter he is teaching make him an outstanding educator."

I believe those comments could only be made because of the God-given opportunities the Air Force has provided me. Because of the Air Force and Troops to Teachers, I am living the dream.