By Benjamin Tuck
Since a young age Brian Gotsell has found a deep interest in educating the youth in both history and politics involved within history. His life story has long been influenced by the want to make an impact on both the government and the younger generations. A man with a compelling yearn for the want to make an impact on the future of the America all culminates to his energetic and passionate teaching.
Mr. Gotsell first began his quest for teaching in a very different direction than most, following a completely different interest.
“I went to Washington because I was first interested in politics and the way it shapes the country, it is politics central there everyone should go,” he says with a sort of immediacy.
Mr. Gotsell does not regret his time there as he got the sense of politics he craved for so long. His time in Washington was a vital chance to further his understanding of how to change the world. However with his time there he learned that politics all begins with the people.
“My biggest regret about my time in Washington was not staying in touch with the people I met there like my roommates and coworkers I never really kept in touch, it is always important to stay connected”
Relationships and people are a massive part of who Brian Gotsell is, he is what they would call a people person. Living in Washington making changes, working on projects such as the patriot act was a fulfilling experience but he knew it wasn’t something he could do forever and it was time for another change.
“Teaching was always in the back of my mind I always had a sense that it was something I could do later on”
Although teaching was not his first interest he believes teaching is something that fits his strengths as well as his goals.
“Over time my passion for teaching has grown, it’s a way to really mold your students into more conscious people” he says with a very sincere gaze while leaning over his lectern.
Although undeniably hesitant to dabble into teaching he has fallen in love with the unique opportunity to work with people who are still becoming themselves. Mr. Gotsell while still fairly new to teaching is still growing into the best teacher he can possibly be.
“I still see myself here for the foreseeable future, of course, I really do enjoy my job, I don’t see anything wrong with OA for me” he replies quickly with no hesitation.
Peoples jobs are undeniably a large part of people’s lives but few come to appreciate their job like Mr. Gotsell has and it shows. His students rave about the passion and manner in which he teaches as it really makes school fun and provides a different experience to most teachers.
“I think I am a good teacher, I would say so, I like to teach with a bit more energy which is not that hard because it is something that I actually am passionate in” he states grinning knowing the sometimes over the top intensity he teaches with.
It is not uncommon for a Mr. Gotsell class to become fast paced race of poorly drawn charts with papers flying around the room. It is all a method he uses to allow you to retain that information. It all leads back to his personality, he as an active person with unbound amounts of energy.
“ Outside of school I love to run, I always have, I coach it, I run marathons I run on my free time I just like to run”
Running has always been one constant for Mr. Gotsell, he ran in highschool and he runs now and it continues to be an integral part of his daily life and it is simply something that makes him happy.
“When I was younger I had seen all the historical sights in Boston and was interested in them but I had no idea I was going to do anything with that”
Mr. Gotsell had always knew what he was passionate about but took some time to act on this passion. This can be used as a lesson from everyone and it is a lesson he believes everyone should learn, follow something you love.
Mr. Gotsell is a passionate driven, teacher who strives to inspire those he teaches to find something they love to do much like he did. His experiences shaped him as a human and believes everything happens for a reason, words everyone can live by.