Killbuck Savings Bank Co. Superstar on Staff: DHS teacher feels at home teaching ‘really cool stuff’

Brad Welch

Reason for nomination: Brad has been working to build our STEM program at DHS. He added coding classes this year and the students are performing well and really enjoying it. I think he should be recognized for his efforts.

What do you love about working at Dalton Local Schools?
For the most part, the students at Dalton understand the purpose of learning, and really try to strive to be the best while enjoying the experience along the way. Many times I have said, “We are all here together, each day, we may as well enjoy doing what we need to do.” Like I was telling Mr. Saxer the other day, “It’s really not like dreading going to a ‘job’ or ‘going to work’… it’s fun for me too, when I get to teach kids about some really cool stuff.” I really like being here in the classroom.

How did you get to where you are today (education/ experience/inspiration)?
I didn’t start college until 4 years after high school graduation in 1982. My goal was to get a degree in electronics; but needing a little extra part-time work, I took a position as a peer tutor at Wayne College Learning Center, in Orrville. The enjoyment I got from working with people and seeing the light bulb go on in the person’s head, made me feel like I was really making a difference.
The folks who inspired me the most were the faculty at Wayne College: Tim Vier-heller (Physics), Monica Harrison (Math), Gary Bays (English) and of course, Julia Beyeler (Learning Center Director). They en-couraged me to keep going and getting better everyday.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that people would be surprised to hear.
Opposed to what many folks might think, I don’t just sit at home doing math problems for enjoyment; I actually have several interests such as: our farm, nature and the outdoors. I know a smidgen about a lot of things, but am not an expert at anything. I get up early in the summer, just to sit on the porch, drink coffee and watch the sun rise. That is beauty!

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