A teacher in the Lackland Independent School District had quite a career before becoming an outstanding educator. Robert Warden teaches world geography to high school students at Stacey Jr. Sr. High School.
But his life was a whole different world before he came to San Antonio. He was living in Los Angeles.
"The contrast between the two cities is night and day. It's much more dangerous in Los Angeles. if you're a policeman especially," Warden said.
And that's exactly what he was. A sergeant with the Los Angeles Police Department for 22 years.
"You only get to see people at their worst. It's a great public service, but the feeling for you is different. When you teach you get to see the positive side of people. You get to see them at their best," said Warden.
And Warden helps them achieve their best.
"He'll actually work with you if you have problems and makes sure you understand it," said ninth grader Ashley Cadena.
"The light bulb goes off and you know you've actually done something that was important to somebody. You make a difference," said Warden who has been teaching for 15 years now.
"If you're having problems, he says, 'Let me try and do something' not, 'Ok that's on you.' You have someone else there to help," said ninth grader Aliyah Pettyjon.
"That feeling of watching people grow and get better at something and you're part of that. You get a lot better feedback. People that you teach come back to thank you. It's a lot different from being a policeman," Warden said.
