Here at Branson, some of the very people who once walked the halls as students have returned as faculty and staff members, now shaping the next generation of learners. As they stand by the whiteboard instead of sitting at desks, their unique journey from student to educator shows their love for their school and desire to give back.
“Branson is not just a school; it’s a community,” wrote Drew Mathieson, a math teacher who graduated from Branson. His quote captures the deep sense of belonging that connects these alumni to the school.
For many, the decision to return to Branson was driven by a connection to the school and its mission.
Allyson Seal, a Branson graduate of ‘96, who is now inspiring young students in the same classrooms she once sat in, wrote, “My Branson photography teacher called me and asked me to apply. I did the interview as a favor to her and fell in love with my time as a guest teacher, and I wanted to contribute to the same nurturing environment that shaped me.”
Seal is not alone in her journey. Will Kennedy, assistant director of admissions and Branson alumnus, echoed her sentiments, writing, “The teachers at Branson had a profound impact on my life, and I wanted to be that person for someone else.”
The transition from student to teacher is a result of the lasting influence of Branson’s faculty. Reflecting on his time as a student, Kennedy said, “I had some exceptional teachers who inspired me to become an educator. Their dedication and passion were contagious.”
This dedication to excellence in teaching has influenced these teachers now.
The Branson experience is not restricted to the classroom; it extends to extracurricular activities that have a lasting impact on students’ lives. For these alumni educators, their involvement in various clubs and programs during their student days left tremendous impacts.
Seal recalls her participation in the school’s photography classes, along with the fencing team and Badminton. Mathieson, on the other hand, was involved in the tennis team honing his skills.
The journey from student to teacher is a full circle moment that highlights the ongoing impact of Branson’s faculty and the lasting impression the school leaves on its alumni. As these teachers now pass down their knowledge and wisdom to students across Branson, leaving a legacy at the school.
“I made a lot of long-lasting and impactful relationships with classmates and teachers, and learned a ton about how to think deeply and critically, as well as how to fail and persist. I loved it so much that I came back to work here,” Kennedy said.
