Mr. Hurst’s pedagogy, thoughtfulness, and hard work alone make him one of the better teachers I have ever had the pleasure of working with, but it is his leadership that sets him apart. Brad’s guidance was evident in almost every aspect of my day. Brad headed our Professional Learning Community, managed our Science Department of eleven teachers, was a vital part of our Instructional Leadership Team for two years, and was a first class mentor to new teachers. Brad has been an integral mover in my own growth as a teacher through innumerable coaching conversations, aiding with curriculum development, and truly beneficial observations. Brad leads from the front, does not dictate, is respected by his peers, and is someone I admire as a colleague."
~David Oldham, AP Chemistry Teacher at Johnston High School
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Experiences matter a great deal more than years of experience. Those that make hiring decisions have a responsibility to question how those years were spent. Hiring should not simply be based on candidates meeting a checklist. Character, attitude, personality, and work ethic are significantly more important than simply having experience in a role.
2017-2018
2016-2017
2015-2016
2014 – 2015
2013 – 2014
2012 – 2013
2011 – 2012
2010 – 2011
2008 – 2009
2007 – 2008
2006 – 2007
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Brad served as a mentor to me as an educator. Brad’s classroom was an inclusive and responsive environment. His students received high-quality instruction as a result of Brad’s commitment to researching and implementing high yield instructional strategies. His students also felt safe and cared for as a result of the environment that Brad created. He possesses the remarkable ability to make the complex accessible and supports learners in reaching their full potential. Brad’s effective classroom practices resulted in success for all types of learners and high praise from his colleagues." Brad’s leadership within his PLC kept that team centered and helped others to grow as professionals. He assisted in spearheading the work of the Chemistry team with the incorporation of a modeling curriculum. This work has created opportunities within his PLC to have real conversations about instruction, assessment, and curriculum, which in turn led to making beneficial changes for students in their response to the needs of learners working through the DuFour questions. Many teachers in their position, and rate of success, would be pacified and content with status quo. Not Brad; he pushes his colleagues and they are truly better educators having had opportunities to work with him." While in Johnston, in addition to his classroom responsibilities, Brad was selected to fill a lead teacher role. This new position was funded and initiated through the state TLC program. Within this expanded position Brad has been involved in the planning and delivery of professional learning within professional learning communities, received training and practice around cognitive coaching principles and participated in the induction process for new teachers." Brad is the kind of innovative, reflective, and self-directed leader that education needs today in the major paradigm shift we are experiencing. Brad is skilled at involving others as learners, problem solvers, and leaders in the change process. He pays particular attention to the specific needs of each student with a focus on helping them reach their highest potential." Brad was President of Johnston Education Association during the two years I was fortunate to serve as President of the Johnston School Board. In these two distinct positions, we often worked in tandem to provide the best educational opportunities for all of the students in the Johnston Community School District. I found Brad to be a passionate representative of members of his association, but also willing to listen to other's viewpoints in order to arrive at the optimal solution for all involved. Over the years, he built a relationship of mutual respect with all members of the Johnston School Board." |