Beyond the Screen
How One Greenup County Teacher is Inspiring Students Through Virtual Learning
By Greenup County Schools
Inside an office adorned with an assortment of rock and roll memorabilia and quirky trinkets, there’s a man whose upbeat voice can be heard from early morning and into the evening each day. It’s Brad Quillen’s office, who leads GC’s virtual learning.
Many people throughout our district office regularly comment some variation of, “I just love hearing Mr. Quillen teach.” We wish you could all hear it for yourself – you can’t help but be inspired by it. With nothing more than an extra-large computer monitor and a cup of coffee, Mr. Quillen brings a real sense of community to a group of students otherwise only connected through the internet.
We asked Mr. Quillen how he keeps up his energy and optimism each and every day… we can’t recall a day when he wasn’t “on his game” teaching our virtual students. His initial answer was simple. “I have to be… people depend on it,” he said. Mr. Quillen isn’t fond of talking about himself or receiving compliments. We asked him to explain, though, and this was his answer:
“I want to be positive because there’s enough negativity in the world… we just need more light. Believe it or not… I might be the nicest interaction that a student has in their day.”
We’re proud and grateful to know that in a scenario that could easily be impersonal (learning virtually by computer), we have a teacher who intentionally tries to bring positivity to every student he interacts with. His office neighbor, Penny Tharp, offered some insight. “You can hear him talking to the students all day… and it doesn’t matter what kind of student they are… he talks to them all with the same encouragement and positivity,” she said. Penny continued, “That’s why I love to listen to him teach.”
We’ll end with Mr. Quillen’s response as to why his position is so rewarding to him. “There are a few of my students who have life situations that wouldn’t allow them to get an education otherwise… and I know that they are,” he said.
Sometimes you see a person pouring their whole heart into their work and you just think they should be celebrated. This is an example of that. Thank you, Mr. Quillen, for being a shining example of how we strive to provide every Musketeer with our very best effort. You are certainly the perfect example of that.
Check out what folks out in the community has to say about Mr. Quillen…
“As many of you know, and for those who don’t, Mr. Quillen spends every Friday throughout the school year traveling to and from the Kentucky School for the Blind. He has made a huge difference in these young men’s lives!”
- Tammy Pierce Royster
“He's the best! I always knew he would be a great educator!”
- Angela Whitt-Newcome
“When I was in school Mr. Quillen was quite literally the only adult in the school that knew or cared enough, I was leading down a wrong path. He done everything he could to guide me and encourage me for better, but you know how H.S kids are. Much love and respect for Mr. Quillin.” – Seth Horn
“I absolutely love Mr. Quillen, I probably would've been kicked out of high school if it wasn't for him …bro is a legend! But in all seriousness this dude has helped so many kids it's unreal he's a hero.” – Alex Killin
“Mr. Quillen is a great mentor too! He has helped me become a better teacher. He always is positive and motivating. I look forward to his talks. Thank you for all you do!” – Jamie Rice
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