Hello! I am Brandon Elrod, and I am excited to be teaching at Bumpus for my 2nd year. I actually grew up in Hoover, volunteering and working in the community. While completing my accounting degree at UAB, I recognized that I belong in education. After graduating, I went to work at Deer Valley Elementary during COVID until entering Samford's secondary education masters program, where I had the opportunity to student teach math in Hoover and Vestavia City Schools. I am currently working on my STEM certification and hope to earn my EdS in the future. In my free time, I enjoy mountain biking, gardening, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
In college, I spent my summers working in camps; one was like a miniature school with class time, specials, PE, etc. At the end of that camp, we had a meeting with the director to reflect on our summer. That is when it became clear to me that teaching is a distinct calling and one of mine. You can enjoy something for a time, but it doesn't mean it's the right place for you in the long-term. Also, you cannot base your career simply on what you're good at without taking into account who you are. So, right then, I took a leap of faith and committed to becoming a teacher.
Being around younger people reminds us of what matters most in life, which they always find a way to enjoy. They are present, authentic, have an open heart, and have a free spirit. It is tremendously rewarding to step up and follow through with kids in facilitating their personal growth and independence. Also, I enjoy making myself available to find ways to meaningfully and sustainably support others.
After I went to Deer Valley Elementary, where my mom was a legendary secretary, I went to Bumpus for a very long few months and Simmons for a short 4 years, and then Hoover High for 4 years.
In middle school, I took two years of band and two years of choir. I was a corner back and receiver on the football team. I also was a Boy Scout. In high school, I was in the chamber and concert choirs, Finance Academy, Beta Alpha Psi, Mu Aphla Theta, and took Latin. Later in high school, I worked in after-school care and joined the new MTB team.
How old are you?
Given a = my age,
-1.5 ( a - 62 ) + 1 = 13
Now you try: choose a number (such as your age, birthday, jersey number, etc.) and create your own multistep algebraic expression or equation that equals your number. It's harder than you might think!