Teachers make a lasting impact on the lives of their students, and that is what Tom Bonez wants to do for Willowcreek Middle School. Born and raised in Northwest Indiana, Bonez graduated from Portage High School, after which he went to Trine University where studied physical education and played baseball and football.
Bonez found his niche in teaching at an early age. He knew what he was destined to do, having been inspired by his own high school educators.
“Teaching has always been a big part of my life,” said Bonez. “PE was my first love. My first job was at River Forest where I taught for four years.”
Bonez knew he wanted to put his college athletic career to use as well, coaching middle school basketball, football and was the Varsity baseball coach.
“My teachers and coaches in high school always inspired me to sort of follow in their footsteps,” said Bonez. My baseball coach in high school also taught PE, so going into college I knew it was something I wanted to do. I wanted to teach and to coach just as they did.”
For Bonez, teaching is more than helping kids learn, he enjoys that his career feels rewarding day after day.
“It’s great that I can guide kids, influence them to make proper choices, and to teach them life lessons. I can help them when they need advice or need extra coaching. I get to help them see through mistakes and help them to strive to be better students.”
Bonez was influenced by his past educators and, moving forward, he wants to leave the same lasting impression that his teachers instilled in him.
“I want to help my students in their future endeavors, even if it’s a small, positive impact that can lead to their positive choices. I looked up to my teachers and coaches, and I hope I can be the same for them,” said Bonez
Teaching and coaching is different every day. It throws some curve balls here and there, but Bonez said he would not trade his love for teaching for anything else.
“It’s different every day. Each student is different and each student is unique. Each student needs to be reached in a different way,” said Bonez. “There’s no handbook you can go to for helping kids with their different issues or problems, every kid comes from a different background. You just have to stay positive for the kid and help them. You sometimes need to be the one who gives them the positive guidance they need in their life.”
Bonez has been described as a great mentor and influence on the Portage youth. He takes that pride and recognition and applies it to each and every student.
“I’m proud to be recognized like that, but the credit goes to my parents. They raised me the right way and taught me the proper values in life,” said Bonez. “It also stems from my teachers, they all have had a positive influence on my life and I get my core values from them.”
Bonez appreciates that the Portage community continues to open doors for him. He likes being able to pursue his passion in his hometown.
“Portage is home to me, the people here are hard-working and the community cares for each other. I see that in the kids too. The students are hard workers and I see them bust their tail every day. That’s just the kind of community Portage is,” said Bonez.
Bonez wants people to know it’s important to give back to the ones that help you. He lives by knowing the importance of treating others how you would want to be treated, and urges others to do the same.
“A lot of people influenced my life. Because of them, I am able to do what I have always wanted to do. With the help of many people, I am able to coach and to teach and to do what I have a love for every day,” said Bonez.