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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.
Q & A
Why did you become a teacher?
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.
What do you like most about teaching?
When you work at a school, you chose to be a part of something greater than yourself, but you have independence in how you personally contribute. It is tremendously rewarding to step up and follow through with kids in facilitating their personal growth and independence. Being around younger people reminds us of what matters most in life, which they always find a way to enjoy. They are authentic, have an open heart, and have a free spirit. Also, I just enjoy finding ways to explain things and help others.
Where did you go to school?
After I went to Deer Valley Elementary, where my mom was a legendary secretary (and helped start the school), I went to Bumpus for a few months, Simmons for 4 years, and then Hoover High for 4 years.
What kind of activities were you involved in as a kid?
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!
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