In this week's Teacher of the Week, we highlight vestal high school teacher Ben Greene for going above and beyond to create a fun school experience for his students.

Fox 40's Teacher of the Week is sponsored by Springbrook.

Ben Greene has been teaching at Vestal High School for 12 years, his main title is a special education teacher but he also helps co-teach several classes throughout the day.

Greene said, "I wear many hats, but I love what I do. It's very exciting. I'm glad that I get to be part of multiple classes when it comes to science or, you know, helping students closely one-on-one and in a resource room."

Mr. Greene incorporates technology into his lessons and group work activities to help further engage students in his lessons.

Greene said he approaches every day with patience and tries his best to remove learning barriers in the classroom.

"I've always wanted to be a teacher. I've always had a desire to help other students and to help them be successful so that way they can, you know, go on to achieve their dreams and aspirations," said Greene. 

Greene also advises the school chess club and oversees a role-playing games interest group at the high school, to help students explore different hobbies and grow both in and outside of the classroom.

"I would say that the purpose of a teacher is to be there for the students to be supportive, to guide them through, help them discover, you know, the answers to, you know, what they need to do for their assignments. So for testing quizzes, but more importantly, to discover themselves," said Greene.

He also provides students who come to his room in the mornings with free coffee or tea to help them get their days started, which the students started calling "Mr. Greene's Breakfast Squad".