Teacher of the Week: William Hoffman, Oak Ridge High School

As a society, we may forget that teachers are public employees in the vein of firefighters, policemen and politicians. Teachers perform a public service. To become a teacher is a choice to forsake the almighty dollar and instead serve the interests of the general public (that’s you and me). So it’s worthwhile to recognize this sacrifice and acknowledge teachers for the heroes they are--heroes in the everyday war of attrition we wage against ignorance and apathy. In this weekly series, Woodlands Online features one Woodlands area educator for his or her outstanding contributions to our children’s development.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas--In 2008, William Hoffman retired as a Lieutenant from the Houston Police Department and became a Law Enforcement teacher at Oak Ridge High School in Conroe ISD. Hoffman grew up in Detroit where he moved to Houston in 1982 and joined the HPD as a police officer. He attained both his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and his Master’s Degree in Counseling from Sam Houston State University, and received his teaching certification through Lone Star College.

For the past seven years, Hoffman has been teaching high school juniors and seniors the importance of knowing their rights. He also helps them understand the concept of Probable Cause: when an officer has the right to obtain a warrant when criminal charges are being considered. The former police officer hopes his students never have a run-in with the law, but in any case, they will be well informed and know how to handle such situations properly.

“As a police officer I was always dealing with things reactively, and I thought if I went into education, I would be able to make a difference in young people's lives in a more proactive manner,” said Hoffman. “I am just trying to leave the world a better place.”

Hoffman likes to challenge his students to think critically. In class, his students get to watch the movie 12 Angry Men, but not just for leisure. The class discusses the movie, its relation to law enforcement and why the jury gave the wrong verdict. For Hoffman, thinking critically is the biggest goal for his students.

Hoffman’s favorite activity he likes to do with his students is have them read and discuss the U.S. Constitution.

“I can say that none of my students will agree with me on that one,” said Hoffman. “Then we do investigations and mock trials. They are fun and rewarding because the students usually respond extremely well.”

Although he no longer fights crime directly, Hoffman is still making the world a better place by educating students the importance of the law here in The United States.

Hoffman is married with two daughters, one of which goes to Oak Ridge High School. When he is not teaching, Hoffman enjoys reading and bike riding, and is currently training for his 10th MS 150.

William Hoffman was nominated by our Facebook fan, Gina Lynn.