Veteran Teacher Paris Thalheimer Inspires Students at The Auburn School

Honoring Veterans Through Education at The Auburn School

With Veterans Day around the corner, we are proud to highlight the incredible contributions of team members who have served our country. Meet Paris Thalheimer, an Army veteran and a cherished fourth and fifth-grade teacher at The Auburn School.

From the Army to the Classroom: Paris Thalheimer’s Journey

Thalheimer’s journey from the military to the classroom is a testament to the power of mentorship, structure, and passion. During his 20 years in the Army, veteran teacher Paris Thalheimer served as a soldier, medic, and non-commissioned officer (NCO), training and mentoring others in life-saving skills and leadership. It was during this time that he discovered his natural gift for teaching, a skill he has used for the last 10 years at The Auburn School.

“Teaching is a communication skill,” Thalheimer said. “It’s about presenting information in a way that students can internalize and use, while also mentoring them to become independent learners.”

Teaching with Empathy and Structure

At Auburn, Thalheimer instructs multiple subjects, including math, language arts, science and social studies. But beyond academics, he focuses on creating a safe, structured, and supportive environment for his students, many of whom have faced challenges with anxiety, ADHD, or past trauma. He believes strongly in setting clear expectations, modeling prosocial behavior, and helping students develop the social and emotional skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

One of the hallmarks of Thalheimer’s approach is his belief in the importance of building trust and rapport with every student. He recalls students who were once petrified of school, hiding under desks or clutching the door on arrival, gradually finding their confidence and sense of belonging. Through patience, encouragement, and his trademark “Plan B, Plan C” mindset, he teaches students that mistakes are part of learning, and that perseverance matters more than perfection.

His military experience directly informs his teaching philosophy. “In the Army, especially as an NCO, your responsibility is to mentor and train those in your charge so they can take over when you leave,” he said. “In the classroom, it’s similar. I’m responsible for guiding students to become independent, capable, and confident learners.”

Collaboration and Family Engagement

Thalheimer also sees parents as integral members of the teaching team, collaborating closely to ensure each child’s success. And he goes above and beyond to make students feel comfortable even before they step into his classroom, creating a website and video that introduces them to his teaching style, classroom layout, and philosophy.

“Paris brings the same sense of purpose and commitment to his classroom that he showed in his military service,” said Andrew Hubner, executive director of The Auburn School. “This Veterans Day, I am proud to recognize the impact he’s had on his students and our community.”

A Veteran Teacher’s Lasting Impact

Reflecting on his second career, Thalheimer said, “Working at Auburn has been the best job I’ve ever had. Watching students grow, develop independence, and become confident learners is incredibly rewarding. Many of my students have inspired me as much as I hope I’ve inspired them.”