When deciding which career to pursue, it didn’t take long for Juan Ocon to follow his passion and become a teacher at the high school level. His journey started while he was a high schooler and began student teaching at a local middle school. He then journeyed to Wichita State University to major in Secondary Education Earth and Space Science. In 2021, he graduated and accepted a teaching position at his current school, Blue Valley North High School, in Overland Park, Kansas.
“I’m most proud of being the first in my family to graduate college with a four-year degree,” said Ocon. “As a first-generation student, this was a major milestone that I set for myself at a young age. I believe this was an accomplishment that myself, my family, and all of those who supported me can look at and smile."
Having just completed his fourth year at Blue Valley North, Ocon has seen the community embrace him by showing constant support in different times, both good and bad. He uses this positivity to encourage his students to be the best they can be.
“I tell my students that ‘you can do anything if you have hope, but nothing if you have doubt’,” said Ocon. “I believe this speaks for itself and emphasizes that hope is a powerful thing. If you’re able to keep it in your heart, you can accomplish anything!”
In the classroom, Ocon’s teaching style is based on building strong relationships with his students that can last throughout the school year. He wants them to know how much he cares for them in all aspects of their lives, not just academics. By approaching it this way, he allows his students to see that their teacher is human and a colleague, rather than just an educator. He believes this creates a successful learning environment, because no one wants to learn from someone they do not like.
“I personally believe that if you set and instill clear standards with students, they will rise to achieve them with the proper support,” said Ocon. “Of course, no one is perfect and this takes time, however, when you show them support, they will rise to the occasion. Students need to be able to see the growth that we see as their teachers, which is why at the end of the year I enjoy seeing them achieve a standard they once thought was unachievable.”
Ocon’s strong family values have helped shape him into the man and educator he is today. His mother constantly reminds him that when times get rough, ‘it’s not so bad’. This simple, four-word message has spoken volumes throughout various points in his life, especially when he felt like giving up or quitting on a dream. Ocon is reminded by his mother that all he has to do is remember that ‘it’s not so bad’ and he’s able to find the strength to keep going and push further to achieve and exceed his goals.
“As a fellow educator, I have witnessed firsthand Juan’s unwavering dedication to his students,” said Ocon’s nominator, Jackson Dinsmore. “Juan exemplifies what it means to be a mentor, leader, and role model, constantly striving to uplift & inspire those around him. His passion is evident in the engaging projects and hands-on labs he designs for his students. He goes beyond traditional instruction, crafting lessons that spark curiosity and challenge students to think critically. While maintaining high academic expectations, he also ensures that each student feels supported and valued. His classroom is a space where students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, helping them grow not only in scientific understanding but also as individuals.”
“Juan’s immediate impact as an educator exemplifies how beneficial it is to have a passionate, confident, and hard-working teacher in the classroom,” said Jenny Housley, Blue KC Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. “His ability to positively connect with his students at this critical stage in their lives is going to continue to shape the future for everyone he comes in contact with. It’s an honor to highlight his early-career successes, and we know there will be many more as his education journey continues.”
“Community means so much to me, and being recognized as the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan is truly an honor,” said Ocon. “Looking at the history of this award and seeing so many amazing teachers, people and figures of their community recognized makes me smile to know I will be a part of this program forever.”
Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.BlueKC.com/NominateSportingSamaritans.
Through the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan program, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and Sporting KC are honoring students and teachers who are making a significant impact in Kansas City and inspiring others to do the same.