🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast – Episode 52: TOPGUN Pilot to Renowned High School Teacher

Host: Jeff Hopeck
Guest: Ray Shank
Release Date: April 17, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 52 of the Interesting Humans Podcast, host Jeff Hopeck sits down with Ray Shank, a former Top Gun pilot with a distinguished 21-year career in the U.S. Navy, who has seamlessly transitioned into becoming a highly respected high school computer science teacher. Ray shares his riveting journey from the high-stakes world of military aviation to shaping the minds of future technologists, offering listeners an inspiring narrative filled with intense experiences, invaluable insights, and transformative lessons.

Military Career: From Top Gun to Combat Missions

Ray begins by detailing his tenure in the Navy, highlighting his experience as a career aviator who graduated from the Navy’s Advanced Weapons School, commonly known as Top Gun. He clarifies, “[02:03] B: …what you see in the movies is not reality. It is very heavily staged,” emphasizing the stark contrast between Hollywood portrayals and actual military operations.

9/11 Mission and Personal Loss

A pivotal moment in Ray’s military career was his involvement in the post-9/11 response. He recounts, “[05:06] B: …NORAD called and I dimed you out…,” describing the intense atmosphere and the emotional toll it took on him, especially when his co-pilot’s sister was lost in the attacks. Ray reflects on the camaraderie and unity that emerged during this crisis, despite the personal challenges faced by many in his squadron.

Sear School and Enhanced Interrogation Training

Ray discusses the rigorous training at Sear School (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape), stating, “[12:14] B: …sear school is survival, evasion, resistance, and escape…,” where pilots are trained in enhanced interrogation techniques. He clarifies that this training is essential for preparing pilots to withstand captivity, stressing that it is not intended as torture but as a critical survival skill.

Close Calls and Combat Operations

One of the most gripping stories Ray shares involves a cockpit fire during a mission over Alexandria, Egypt. He narrates the harrowing experience of handling the emergency: “[21:16] B: …my cockpit started shooting flames out of the overhead…,” detailing the swift and composed actions taken to extinguish the fire and safely land the aircraft. Ray’s ability to remain calm under pressure exemplifies the training and resilience developed through his military career.

Transition to Teaching: Bridging Military Precision with Education

After retiring from the Navy, Ray faced the daunting task of transitioning to civilian life. He explains, “[47:07] B: …that's a very weird self-selecting group…,” describing how his move to Atlanta and subsequent challenges with BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure Commission) led him to discover a passion for teaching. Ray leveraged his technical expertise and disciplined mindset to excel in the education sector, particularly in computer science.

Educational Philosophy and Curriculum Development

Ray is passionate about elevating computer science education, asserting, “[57:02] B: …I have waiting lists for my classes…,” and detailing his approach to teaching full-stack programming in Python to high school freshmen. He emphasizes the importance of raising academic standards, “[55:08] B: …I raise the bar and they clear the bar…,” ensuring that his students are well-prepared for the demands of the tech industry.

Empowering Female Coders and Inclusive Education

A significant aspect of Ray’s teaching career is his dedication to increasing female participation in coding. He shares heartfelt stories, “[62:04] B: …I have almost 200 students every year…,” highlighting how his efforts have led to a surge in female coders who feel empowered and capable. Ray believes in fostering self-efficacy and interest among students, particularly girls, to bridge the gender gap in technology fields.

Cybersecurity and Quantum Resistance: Protecting the Future

Ray delves into advanced topics such as cybersecurity and quantum resistance, crucial areas in today’s digital landscape. He explains, “[69:18] B: …cyber physical security is an encompassing…,” describing how integrated systems and robotics necessitate robust security measures. Ray discusses the implications of quantum computing on encryption, stating, “[72:58] B: …encryption with the new quantum computers…,” and elaborates on methods to achieve quantum-resistant encryption to safeguard sensitive data against unprecedented computational power.

AI in Education and Security

Ray addresses the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in both education and cybersecurity. He reflects on the challenges and opportunities AI presents in teaching, “[66:35] B: …AI is computer science…,” and shares innovative strategies to integrate AI responsibly in the classroom. Additionally, Ray warns about potential security threats, “[83:42] B: …better to protect the data…,” advocating for a “zero trust” approach to data security to mitigate risks posed by sophisticated cyberattacks.

Real-World Applications and Future Endeavors

Throughout the episode, Ray underscores the importance of practical, real-world applications in education and technology. He discusses collaborative projects with industry giants like Microsoft, “[62:26] B: …prompt a thon for AI…,” and highlights successful initiatives that engage students in cutting-edge technological challenges.

Continued Innovation and Legacy

Ray’s commitment to education remains unwavering as he continues to innovate within the classroom. He mentions, “[99:25] B: …medical identity…,” illustrating his proactive stance on cybersecurity awareness among students. Ray’s legacy is one of dedication, transforming his military precision into a transformative educational experience that prepares students for the complexities of the modern technological era.

Conclusion

Jeff Hopeck and Ray Shank wrap up the episode reflecting on Ray’s impactful journey from a Top Gun pilot to an influential educator. Ray emphasizes the rewards of shaping future generations, “[68:26] B: …shaping the future…,” and underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Listeners are left inspired by Ray’s resilience, expertise, and unwavering commitment to both national security and education.

Notable Quotes:

• Ray Shank on Top Gun Reality: “[02:25] B: It is very heavily staged, but there are obviously…”
• Ray on Sear School Training: “[12:14] B: sear school is survival, evasion, resistance, and escape…”
• Ray on Raising Academic Standards: “[55:08] B: …I raise the bar and they clear the bar…”
• Ray on Quantum Computing Threats: “[72:58] B: …encryption with the new quantum computers…”
• Ray on AI in Education: “[66:35] B: …AI is computer science…”
• Ray on Shaping the Future: “[68:26] B: …shaping the future…”

Key Takeaways:

1. Resilience and Adaptability: Ray’s ability to transition from a high-pressure military career to a transformative role in education highlights the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.

2. Raising Educational Standards: By elevating computer science curricula, Ray ensures his students are well-prepared for the demands of the tech industry, fostering a new generation of skilled programmers.

3. Cybersecurity Expertise: Ray’s insights into quantum resistance and cyber-physical security underscore the critical need for robust security measures in an increasingly digital world.

4. Empowering Underrepresented Groups: Ray’s dedication to increasing female participation in coding addresses the gender gap in technology, promoting inclusivity and diversity in STEM fields.

5. AI Integration: Ray’s balanced approach to incorporating AI in education emphasizes its role as a powerful tool when used responsibly, while also highlighting potential security risks.

Ray Shank’s journey from the skies of Top Gun to the classrooms shaping future technologists offers a compelling narrative of dedication, expertise, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His story serves as an inspiring testament to the impactful ways one can bridge disparate worlds to make a meaningful difference.