Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, left a lasting impact on his former students as a high school teacher. One such student, now a teacher himself, reflects on Walz’s unique teaching style and its influence on his own career in a Politico Q&A.

Walz’s classroom was a hub of global awareness, adorned with flags, photos, and artifacts from his travels. “He was one of many teachers in my school who felt compelled to show kids that there’s a really big world out there,” Sam Hurd , the former student recalls.

Fridays in Walz’s class were dedicated to current events discussions. Students would research topics and present them to the class, sparking debates on complex issues like cultural differences and democracy. Walz primarily acted as a moderator, encouraging students to engage with each other.

“He could flavor things with his own experience and people that he talked to, but he was infinitely more interested in getting kids to talk to each other,” the student remembers.

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Dynamic Educator Draws From Diverse Background

Walz’s teaching style was dynamic and engaging. He rarely sat behind his desk, instead circling the room and interacting with students. His diverse life experiences, including being a football coach and veteran, gave students a sense of security and comfort.

The former student also volunteered for Walz’s congressional campaign in 2006, experiencing firsthand the excitement of Election Night. “When he won, Walz was like, ‘Guys, we’re going to run out there together and come up on the stage,’ ” he recounts.

Walz’s influence extended beyond the classroom. He supported students in personal matters, such as helping to start a Gay-Straight Alliance at the school when a student came out to him.

Now a teacher himself, Hurd says he incorporates elements of Walz’s teaching style into his own classroom, encouraging students to think about global issues and the vastness of the world.

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