Brian Driscoll, a physical education teacher at Reed Elementary, received the March Excellence in Education Award at the March 12, 2018, Board of Education meeting. Congratulations to Brian on this prestigious recognition!
Brian has worked for the Ladue School District since August of 2006, and has been teaching physical education at Reed ever since. He was given the job vacated by now Director of Student Services Derrick Wallace, and Brian says he knew he had big shoes to fill. His first principal was Dr. Donna Jahnke, and during his first year teaching, the Cardinals won the World Series!
Brian is an effective Physical Education teacher, and he and his colleague, Kim Plogger, have continued to build upon the tradition of excellence that Reed has come accustomed to in regards to its PE Program.
“Brian’s greatest impact isn’t easily assessed,” Principal Chris Schreiner said. “However, it is easily observed, experienced, and felt—and that is his impact on how students and staff treat one another. Brian is Reed’s Character Education trailblazer. Like all effective teachers, Brian forms positive relationships with students and models character—or Panther PRIDE—through his daily interactions with students.”
Brian has been Reed’s Character Education Committee Chairperson for many years. He was one of the first staff members to sponsor student leadership positions (STARR Teams) and has consistently been a role model for his special area colleagues by consistently attending class meetings.
For years, Brian took the initiative to organize numerous events and celebrations that focused on character. For example, he turned a simple can drive into a major service project that involves ALL students, staff, and parents—regardless of whether or not they made a donation. Students can participate by donating, helping organize cans or educating others about the can drive’s importance. Parents are also involved by helping to educate students. The food drive culminates in an assembly and is capped off by students going on a field trip to deliver the food themselves. Over the years, Brian has inspired numerous teachers to organize and lead character-focused activities, attend Character Education workshops, and become certified in this area.
“This year, Reed was recognized as a State School of Character,” Principal Chris Schreiner said. “Although every current and past Panther (students, parents, and staff) needs to take credit for this recognition, as the Reed Principal, I can honestly say that we would not have been recognized without Brian’s leadership and determination. Brian is truly deserving of the Excellence in Education Award.
Brian is originally from St. Louis. He and his wife, Kerri, have been married for 11 years, and have two children: Logan, 14, who attends Fort Zumwalt West High; and Tyson, 10, who attends Rock Creek Elementary.
Brian received his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education/Health for K-12 and his Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.