(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Every month ABE 6 NEWS recognizes a local teacher who makes a difference in the lives of students.

This month, we introduce you to a man who fills each lesson with energy, and if that isn't enough, he takes them outside the classroom.

Mr. Benda starts his day at Harriet Bishop bright and early

"It's very hard to beat Mr. Benda to work in the morning.  He's here very early and puts in a lot of time and planning his lessons and what the day will be like for his children,” Mrs. Peterson.

His second graders arrive hungry to learn.

"They come in with an abundance of energy, so I try to do my best to take care of myself health-wise,” says Mr. Benda.

"This spring he will be organizing walking for kids in the morning. So they can arrive here in the morning, take several walks around the track; he will be leading the pack, and he'll be encouraging staff and students to be healthy and to get some exercise before their day starts,” says Mrs. Peterson.

He also nurturers an open relationship with parents…

"Kind of creating that link between the parents is one of the most important jobs I see. I communicate everyday through a daily e-mail,” says Mr. Benda.

The rewards of his job are simple, but gratifying.

"Everyday it's the smiles on their faces and notes that your receive from them, and then when you have former students come back and let you know what an impact you made on them, it really makes it more real,” says Mr. Benda.

And of course, the kids love Mr. Benda. Right?

"Yeaaaah!” yell the kids.

Mr. Kim benda, our ABC 6 NEWS Excellent Educator for the month of April.