Ben Veloz is a Pahrump Valley High School Class of 2000 graduate. After high school, Ben attended the University of Nevada, Reno, graduating in Winter 2004 with a degree in Elementary Education. After completing his Bachelor’s degree, Ben secured a job at Rosemary Clarke Middle School teaching sixth grade Science. Ben obtained his Master’s Degree in Education from Grand Canyon University in 2008.
Ben taught five years in sixth grade, before moving to eighth grade Science. Ben will begin his 20th year of teaching in January 2025.
Ben has three children he has raised in Nye County Schools. Analise and Antonio Veloz are Seniors in the 24-25 school year and are attending Pahrump Valley High School. Isaiah Veloz is an Eighth grader, attending Rosemary Clarke Middle School.
During his tenure at Rosemary Clarke Middle School, Ben has been an advisor for Student Council for 12 years, National Junior Honor Society for three years while also coaching Cross Country for six years, Boys Basketball for two years, Girls Basketball for four years and Track for three years.
As a member of the Pahrump Valley Community, Ben has also coached AYSO soccer, Little League baseball and Junior Trojans basketball, also serving on the Junior Trojans Board.
When Ben isn’t giving his time to his students or extra curricular activities, he is an avid runner himself. Ben has participated in several half marathons as well as 12-man relays, the Reno Tahoe Odyssey and multiple Ragnar races.
Ben has been married to his high school sweetheart, Amy (Bond) Veloz, for 19 years.
When reflecting on his time at PVHS, Ben recalls his fondest memories are from playing sports with his friends, including football, basketball and baseball. He also says he always knew he wanted to be a teacher. This thought was solidified when he was a junior counselor for a summer camp between his eighth grade and freshman year. He also always enjoyed school as a student and wanted to pass that along to future generations.
As for career achievements, Ben says, “I consider the end of every school year an achievement. I can look back at the successes and struggles to plan for any changes I’d like to make in my own classroom for the upcoming year. “
In 2017, Ben, along with his friend and since-retired co-worker Rob Sorrell, organized a week-long education field trip to the Catalina Island Marine Institute. this science-based trip gives students a hands-on experience into marine biology and island ecology that they wouldn’t get anywhere else. This annual trip is a highlight for many students and Ben hopes to continue organizing this trip for the rest of his career and pass the reigns to a predecessor.
“I have had students tell me this trip is their favorite thing from middle school,” Ben reflects. “And for some of them it is the first time they have ever seen the ocean. We take their cell phones, only giving them back for calls to parents a couple of times during the week. They unplug and really get to know their classmates. I have never had any student walk away from the trip saying they didn’t have a great time.”
The biggest impact on Ben’s career and personal development has always been his coworkers at RCMS.
“I started my career working with teachers who had quite a few years under their belt,” Ben says. “I leaned on them for guidance when I was unsure of how to handle something and they really helped to shape me as an educator. As my career has continued, I still try to learn tips and tricks from my co-workers to enhance what I do in my own classroom. I also hope to be that person others can lean on for guidance. Teaching is a group effort.”
Ben hopes that anyone with a desire to go into education will look to pursue that. “Teachers are very important in their communities and often respected by many who cannot fathom working in this line of work. If you are passionate about becoming a teacher and an overall positive person, you will do well where you land.”
