Bryan Dearing | Guthrie Junior High
VIDEO INTRODUCTION BY HEADY
Can you tell the world your name?
Bryan Dearing
Where do you teach?
Guthrie Junior High
How long have you been teaching?
17 years - 13 in Guthrie
What grade do you teach?
7th and 8th Graders
What's your favorite school supply?
Maps and Colored Pencils
Who was your favorite teacher?
This is a hard question to answer and not sure how to answer the question. Since I have been teaching, I have reflected on how each of the teachers I had influenced my life. It is now hard to pick a favorite one.
Mrs Jackson first grade - still have the vase she gave me when I was in hospital. Mrs Tassin second grade - showed me how to overcome things. Mrs Mitchell - who lived in my neighborhood. Mrs Franklin 6th-8th taught me to use my voice and made Flowers for Algernon and Of Mice and Men come alive. Mrs Smith 9th and 10th - who taught me how to debate and speak in front of crowds. Mr Caram HS - taught me to use my talents in organizing people. Mrs Harris HS - who taught me we all have many talents and to use them in positive ways.
Even the teachers I thought I didn't like taught me something . They taught me that teachers care about me and will not give up on anyone. My coaches (Coach Hawkins, Coach Paterson, Coach Philbrick, Coach Dougherty, Coach Cobble, Coach Phillips, to name a few) who taught me to never give up and if I lose how to pick myself up and learn from from it. They taught me that the underdog is sometimes better than being the top dog. Then, when you are the top dog, how to be humble. The administration I had during my time in school was amazing and they are even some of my favorites. Mrs Gaston was and still is someone I strive to be as an educator. Even down to my bus drivers (Mrs Cobble and Mr Blundell).
See now why I think this question is hard to answer.
What is your super power to be able to rock out the work you do?
Knowing I am a Life Long Learner!
What made you want to teach?
My parents taught the one of the greatest things is Service. I believe that each one of us has our purpose in life and mine is to instill the love of learning. I became a teacher after working with at-risk youth in Rhode Island and other Eastern Coast states. I worked for a company called Eckerd Youth Alternatives as Counselor (called Chiefs). It was a Alternative placement school geared in Wilderness Therapy. I lived with no electricity for close to 3 years. My classroom was 800 acres and we cut down and built our tents we lived in and used for our class. We taught every subject. We counseled every topic. Again this was for At-Risk youth who had been adjudicated. When our groups were running good, we took them on long adventures across the nation. My first two trips were to float the Santa Fe and Suwannee Rivers and to hike up Mount Washington in New Hampshire. It was during these two trips I knew I wanted to work with kids. It wasn't until after my third trip I figured out how to do that. We took a group of students skiing and I ended up breaking my back in 4 places. When I returned to work, I ended up working in the Transition Classroom until I was healthy to be back in the woods. It was on the first day I realized I was a TEACHER.
What gets you up everyday to go give your all to teaching?
Knowing that I have students (current, past and Future) that count on me. I have a loving family that supports me and loves me. I have friends that encourage me. I have a community that counts on me to teach the EYES OF THE WORLD. My music helps me keep grounded and centered. These are the things I use everyday to get up and give it my all. I remember the saying "THIS IS HOW WE WIN" and my day is easy (with some bumps) to do.
If you could change one thing about education, what would you change?
That maybe the people in charge would listen to TEACHERS (from Administration to School Boards, to State Legislatures, to Federal Lawmakers), treat us as the PROFESSIONALS we are and use us to improve our society. The foundation to everything is EDUCATION. From the time we are born until we die we are continually learning. Teachers teach, listen to us about the reforms we want and desperately need.
Teachers are...
Teachers ALWAYS think of the students first. Teachers are ALWAYS thinking about teaching. Teachers ARE positive. Teachers ARE creative. Teachers work hard. Teachers know how to take charge. Teachers can say everything without saying anything at all. Teachers don’t accept failure. Teachers care. Teachers ARE fabulous communicators. Teachers ARE adaptable. Teachers ARE humble. Teachers ARE resourceful. Teachers stick together. Teachers don’t take teaching lightly. TEACHERS ARE ORGANIZED!
What is one tip you would share to be a successful teacher?
Never break trust with a student! Always admit when you do not know something. Show them what it is to be a LIFE LONG LEARNER.
What would you do if you were not teaching?
Run a Adventure Tour Organization. Where we organize Roadtrips for students to learn what is around and in this great country.
The last time you cried at the end of the day teaching was because of what?
That I know some of my students go home to bad situations that our out of their control. I just wish we could do more so they can have a better life.
Who inspires you in your work and why?
My family and friends give me inspiration to do the things I do.
How would you describe a conversation with one of your students?
Truthful, Caring, and Insightful.
What is it that the world does not know about teachers?
We are everywhere!!
Share your biggest joy teaching as of today?
Knowing that I am making a difference.
One thing that makes you smile?
MUSIC - Anytime I can listen to the Grateful Dead and/or Phish.