Brian Brungard, Dunkerton Middle & High School
Position: US History & Geography Teacher
Years Teaching: 17
Hobbies: Bike riding, hiking, and staying active with my boys and high school athletes, mini home art/wood projects, volunteer coaching, attending sporting events/concerts
What do you enjoy most about teaching? The day to day interactions with kids and staff lift me up! Kids bring so much energy, even if it's not always directed toward what we would like as teachers. That energy requires energy in return, and I love that challenge to bring it every day. Hopefully, I'm building student confidence and a desire to learn along the way!
What do you find most challenging about teaching? Motivating and engaging all learners in the 21st Century is HARD! Not every kid will enjoy the classes we teach, especially when it comes to history!!! I'm often told, "We love you Mr. Brungard, but we don't like this subject." My goal is always to try and find something that connects and can be taken from my classes, even if it's not the curriculum itself. Trying to find that connection or takeaway for 80-100 students in a given year is daunting to say the least. My hope is that kids have found a new passion or interest, a new perspective they haven't thought of before, learned about themselves, or others, all while learning about the world around us! Sometimes, their view is limited to what's directly in front of them. Prying that door to what the world has to offer takes time and effort!
Best tip for new teachers: Teaching takes a lot of patience and appreciation for the work we put in. Days are going to be tough, but we became teachers for a reason, to impact and help others. No one goes into the profession thinking it's going to be easy, unless they are going into it for the wrong reasons. We all have different gifts and strengths to provide students. Find what works best for you to reach the kids you're with, and let that foster the learning and relationships that will inevitably take place!
Best tip for career teachers: Teaching is a grind, but most things worthwhile are! We make an impact and build relationships that last a lifetime, and although sometimes, it may seem thankless, we can never underestimate what we will do and have done in the lives of others. So, keep pushing and do what you love to do, teaching and impacting kids in more ways than one. Our world depends on a the positive imprints we leave behind!
Favorite piece of advice for students: Attitude is everything! We must all understand that even if we find ourselves in a situation we'd rather not be in, there is an opportunity to learn about something, whether it be about ourselves, others, or our world. Either way, going into a situation with positive attitude can do nothing but help our overall perspective of everything around us, and only make us better human beings.
What does being a Gold Star Teacher mean to you? This award means a lot because it is further reflection that I have chosen the right career path. I have chosen something that does make an impact on the lives of others, in a positive way! It also is an important reminder that others have helped me get to this point. I've had many mentors and teachers who were/are brighter stars than me, and it is with their wisdom and guidance, that I have achieved this recognition. Success is never achieved alone. The support of my school, staff, parents, and students have all been recognized with this award!