Brian Dassler

For Brian Dassler, high school was a defining moment. A time in his life that would cement his future. Just five short years ago, Brian was senior class president at Cooper City High School. Now he’s a teacher himself, helping more than 170 10th and 11th grade students at Stranahan High School to enjoy their high school experience and get as much out of it as he did.

A born leader, the Broward County Association of Student Councils chose Brian to serve as the Student Advisor to the School Board during his senior year. In that capacity, he was the students’ voice to the Board, Superintendent of Schools and the community during the 1996/1997 academic year. While he attended every School Board meeting and participated in the Board retreats, his involvement extended much further.

"I felt it was my job to comment on the Board’s business as it related to students," explained Brian. "For example, when the Board considered eliminating quality points for advanced placement and honors classes, (the students) had a lot to say. And, when the District discussed adopting a uniform policy, it was my job to be the principle communicator on behalf of the students." In both instances, Brian lobbied successfully on behalf of his fellow students, helping Board members to understand that student buy-in and ownership in such processes are vital.

Perhaps Brian’s most significant contribution, however, was made on his first day as Student Advisor. That’s when he wrote a memo to then Superintendent of Schools Frank Petruzielo requesting student representation on the District’s recently formed Diversity Committee. Not only did he get what he asked for, he also got that job and paved the road for future student advisors to serve on the committee. But, that was only the beginning. Brian was instrumental in ensuring that students actively served on numerous District-level committees, including the Policy Review, Uniform, Disciplinary Intervention and Innovation Zone committees.

After graduation, Brian went on to further his education at the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in English Education. As it turns out, he left his mark at the Gainesville school, as well. "I volunteered at school and got involved in student government there. I spent a year in charge of the school’s orientation program and helped the university start a first-year experience course to help incoming students tackle such issues as choosing a major, time management and multi-cultural connections," said Brian. More than 1,000 students now benefit from the one-hour course Brian affectionately calls "University 101." For his involvement in implementing that course, and many other reasons, Brian was named Florida Leader Magazine’s Florida College Student of the Year in 2001.

While it was difficult for Brian to leave the university where he had become so involved, returning to Broward County was a given. "My family is here and my heart is here. I care very much about this place because it’s my home," said Brian. "I grew up in South Florida and I feel like I have a stake here in being a part of solutions and that I have something to contribute."

Brian was interviewed for this article three weeks into his first (teaching) school year - ample time for him to realize that he has definitely made the right decision. "I came to know that education was where I’m supposed to be in kind of a heart and soul way during high school. The teachers I had there helped clarify that for me. Amazing teachers like Maureen Lullo, Linda Davis, Ann Evans and Jan Cayere.

"Teaching English feels really, really right," said Brian. "I know I’m probably making a lot of mistakes, but I also know that I’ll learn from them. There’s no question that I’ll be a better teacher next year and the year after that." Three years from now Brian plans to apply for National Board Certification. "Being the best teacher I can be - that’s what’s in store for me." We believe you, Brian. Best of luck in your teaching career.