Tyler Balsters, who teaches biology and zoology, was chosen for the Campus Teacher Spotlight. Balsters is in his first year with the Haysville School District, after teaching at Nickerson last year.

“I have enjoyed my time teaching in Haysville so far,” Balsters said. “Even though I attended Belle Plaine High School, Campus was always a second home to me since my Dad taught biology and zoology here for 35 years.”

The family connection to Campus is important to Balsters.

“My Dad died of a heart attack at school in November of 2020, and that tragic event was very hard on my family and the educators at Campus,” Balsters said. “However, I was honored to be hired last spring to take over my Dad’s teaching position and to continue his legacy at Campus. I have many great memories attached to this science classroom, so I feel a sense of pride by continuing to teach in the same place where my Dad impacted so many lives over the years.”

Balsters has a passion for science, specific wildlife, and working for Campus has only enhanced that passion.

“The zoology classes here at Campus have allowed me to share my love of animals with my students and the Haysville community,” Balsters said. “We frequently go out to the school pond, also called the environmental lab, to catch and observe the organisms that inhabit the native ecosystem. I feel like it is my duty as a zoology educator to help students identify all of the cool organisms they can find in the wild, as well as teach them how to protect these organisms that are vital to maintaining our native ecosystem.”

The label “hard teacher” has been attached to Balsters, but he views that as a compliment because wants to push his students to reach their full potential.

“I take pride in knowing this reputation means that I am pushing my students out of their comfort zones and allowing them to grow as people,” Balsters said. “I have the philosophy that everyone can do great things if they work hard and give all they have in whatever they choose to do.”