New English teacher Dr. James Brauer is “blown away” by the students and community Atlantic High School has. Brauer is teaching English Three, Intro to Drama, and Career Communications. He is “extremely excited” to see what this school year can bring. This is Brauer’s 20th year teaching, but his first in the Atlantic district. Previously he has been a special education teacher, assistant principal, and a full-time principal for a virtual school in Iowa for 10 years.

Brauer has six degrees to back up his resume.  He has already brought energy to the teaching community is now sharing it with AHS. Brauer has his master’s in Business Administration, a master’s in Special Education, a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, and a bachelor’s in Social Studies Education. He completed his Education Specialist, and also his Doctorate. “I am a lifelong learner,” said Brauer. 

The Trojan community, family, and teaching in person with high school students made taking this open position a “no-brainer” for Brauer. His wife is a teacher at AHS and has been for 10 years. They have two sons, also in the district. While not teaching or necessarily being a part of all the great activities offered in the district, it had Brauer feeling left out from all the excitement. This new chapter for him and his family is full of so much gratitude and emotion.

Brauer’s classroom is something special. “Balance” between the school classroom and a place where students are excited to be every day is what he had envisioned for his classroom.  With tons of color, pillows, and desks arranged in a circle, no one is feeling left out. “I really strongly believe we can learn and we can grow as individuals but sometimes the traditional school environment holds us back,” said Brauer.