Dennis Goins was named Ben Davis Teacher of the Year for 2016 and anyone who spends time talking to him will easily see why.

Goins began his teaching career at Ben Davis in 2002. He, with help from God, started the Ben Davis television broadcasting program and is now the Performing Arts Department Chair. His class covers the five components of TV. These include camera, audio, lighting, writing, editing, and film and studio production.

Goins says that the key to BDTV’s growing success is his great students. If you are considering taking this class, “don’t look at it as if it is a club. Look at it like a job and a great opportunity.”

BDTV is a business class where you strive for excellence and satisfy clients. It is a real world work related course.

Before he started teaching, Goins was a news and sports photographer. He has filmed everything from Hurricane Andrew to the Olympics and he loved it.

“It was a great opportunity to meet people and see things you wouldn’t see otherwise.” Goins said, “I got courtside seats, filmed news conferences with presidents, and I got paid. It was a good gig.”

Goins said that he misses it at times, but teaching was his first love. He has always wanted to do what he does now.

Goins grew up in a large family of nine children. He says his mother emphasized education when he was growing up and she is one of the main reasons he is successful today. Goins spent two years at Vincennes Jr. College, two years at SIU, and played basketball for all four years. He also spent 1 1/2 years at Ball State University and got his masters and principals license at Indiana Wesleyan University. Goins reminds students that “knowledge is power, and education can help you get that power.”

Goins has been together with his high-school sweetheart for 40 years. They both enjoy sports immensely among other things such as studying the Bible and shopping. Together they have a 25 year-old daughter named Jordan and a 17 year-old son named Benjamin, who is a junior at Ben Davis. They also have a one and a half year-old granddaughter.

Goins says his first inspiration is Jesus Christ because, “He was the ultimate servant leader.” Second is his Mother who has always been there for him and his siblings. His goal as an educator is “to glorify God and to be the difference in these young people’s lives and give them an opportunity to succeed.”

“The best part about my job is to see the smiling faces every day that I come in here and to be able to work with young people, I love working with young people.” Goins said.

He also likes receiving thank you emails from successful students. They remind him that his work is not in vain. He thanks God every day for giving him the opportunity to work at Ben Davis.

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