Brad Blake has been named a top five finalist for Teacher of the Year, according to an April 27 announcement. Blake, who teaches at West Ashley High School, said his career was inspired by his experiences as a student and his desire to return to his hometown to teach.
Blake said that he was influenced by teachers throughout his life and aims to leave a positive impact on students in the same way. “I learned what it meant to educate, mentor, and inspire by watching the adults who shaped me into the teacher and coach that I am today,” Blake explained. “At the heart of my teaching philosophy is a simple belief: every student can learn, and every student deserves to be known.”
Blake’s approach includes meeting students where they are academically and personally. He draws from experience as both an educator and swim coach. “Many people in education will say that athletics are the front porch of a school,” Blake said. He added that as both head coach and teacher he works to attract students not only through sports but also through classroom engagement.
Blake is recognized for making challenging content accessible while maintaining high expectations for all learners. He emphasized personal connections with students inside and outside class time: “My students come first,” Blake said. “Their well-being in all facets is of the utmost importance to me.”
He has also advocated for inclusion in classrooms by inviting students with autism or language impairments into leadership classes so all students can build relationships across abilities. “One of my seniors from last year would gladly say that one of his closest friends is a classmate…who has Down syndrome,” Blake explained.
Looking ahead, Blake hopes his recognition encourages more teachers who are also coaches to participate in professional honors like Teacher of the Year nominations. “There are so many phenomenal coaches that are phenomenal teachers as well…I hope to represent the fact that there are others just like me who didn’t throw their hat in the ring, but they will now be encouraged to reconsider,” he said.