About Mr. Brown

Mr. Brown teaching a lesson

Teacher

I really enjoy teaching. I've been a classroom teacher and instructional coach for 16 years, and I feel extremely lucky to have found my calling. My wife says that teaching is not only my job, but it's also my hobby. It's true. I love to read professional books about education and to research the latest learning and teaching theories. But what I most enjoy is actual classroom experience. I love the "hum" of a joyful and productive classroom. I love watching the "a-has" that children have when they learn something new. I love reading aloud and having the kids at the very edge of their seat. I love when kids groan at the end of reading workshop because they want more time to read. I'm thankful to be a teacher.

Experience

I have both my undergraduate and master's in teaching degrees from the University of South Carolina. I had the privilege to student teach at the Center for Inquiry, a school that focuses on inquiry-based learning. I have taught second, third, and fourth grades for 16 years. I previously taught at Stone Academy from 2006-2012 (it's great to be home). For 3 years, I served as an instructional technology facilitator for the Greenville County School District where I had the opportunity to coach teachers in integrating technology into their curriculum. Early in my teaching career, I took two years off to be a full-time children's pastor as a local church.

Family

I am married to the most wonderful woman in the world, Alise Brown. Our two children attend high school in Greenville County.

Awards

  • 2010 National Milken Educator Award
  • 2008 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year 1st Runner-up
  • 2008 Stone Academy Teacher of the Year
  • 2007 WYFF Golden Apple Award
  • 2005 Lake Murray Elementary Teacher of the Year
  • 2004 South Carolina Association of Educational Technology Innovative Program Award
  • 1999 University of South Carolina Education Achievement Award