![Although being only one of the two oboe players in the school, freshman Elise Morton said she will continue playing the instrument throughout high school. “[Playing the oboe] makes me feel special because I know Im playing a rare instrument and I love having a challenge because there’s something to improve on and get even better,” Morton said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Elise-Morton-Featured-Photo.jpg)
To most of science teacher Todd Decker’s students, it’s hard to believe the soft-spoken chemistry instructor was involved in piloting for the air force during the Gulf War.
lhsimage.com asks him about his transition from the plane to the school room.
Q: What did you enjoy about the Air Force?
A: Flying fighter jets. That’s the reason I joined the Air Force.
Q: Why did you make the transition from Air Force to teaching?
A: I didn’t want to make it a career. After I got out, I did substitute teaching and decided I liked it.
Q: Why did you decided to teach chemistry?
A: My original degree from the University of Missouri was in biochemistry.
Q: In what ways is being a teacher more difficult than being in the Air Force?
A: Being a teacher, there’s so many things to do in a short period of time. While in the Air Force, it was stressful taking check rides.
Q: Do you think the experience has helped you become a better teacher?
A: Yes, you need self confidence in both. I was an instructor in the Air Force so I think that also helped me in teaching.
