Physical Education and Health teacher Michael Brady joined the Coginchaug faculty in the early spring of last school year after coaching boys’ basketball at CRHS for the 2022-23 winter season. Now, halfway through his first full year teaching at CRHS, Mr. Brady hopes to create and deepen his connections with the students of CRHS and let them know that he is “here as more than just a teacher.”
Mr. Brady, an Eastern Connecticut State University graduate, previously taught Physical Education in Orange, CT for 13 years. There he taught at the elementary level, however he expressed that has been enjoying many of the aspects of CRHS that differ from his previous position in Orange. Being part of various departments such as the health, physical education, and general electives department helps “make the day more fun.”
This school year, he is teaching Freshman Physical Education, Mindful Walking, Backyard Games, Yoga and Pilates, Body Sculpting, Team Games, and Health for freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Throughout his years in school Mr. Brady had “many teachers that [he] connected with” and many of them he “still keeps in contact [with].” Along with his enthusiasm for sports, he credited these teachers as the reason why he chose to become one. He hopes to convey to his students that he is “a resource for whatever support they need.”
Devil’s Advocate (DA): Why did you decide to become a PE/health teacher?
Michael Brady (MB): My love of sports. I knew I wanted to stay as close to sports as I could. I grew up playing sports, I continued playing varsity sports in high school and played basketball at the college level […] Teaching runs in my family, besides my mom, I have 2 brothers that teach and my grandmother also taught. My teachers growing up played a big role as well. […] They showed me that creating relationships and bonds with students were just as important if not more than what they taught in class.
DA: Do you plan on becoming involved in the CRHS community by advising any clubs or activities, participating in/attending any school events…etc.?
MB: I started here at CRHS last winter as the Boys’ Basketball coach before becoming a teacher here. I look forward to another exciting winter season with the boys team this year. I enjoy watching the sports team compete. I have taken my daughters to several games already and hope to continue doing that. Now that I am here full time, I look forward to hearing about other events and activities and being able to attend and support the students at CRHS.
Besides teaching and getting to know his students, Mr. Brady commented that he is looking forward to “hearing about other events and activities [at CRHS]” and “support[ing] the students at CRHS” whether it be on the court or in the classroom.
Devil’s Advocate (DA): What are you most looking forward to this year?
Michael Brady (MB): I am looking forward to becoming more involved in the CRHS community. I have seen some opportunities already but look forward to more. I have attended some athletic events already. I have taken my daughters to some of our volleyball and soccer games. I like to see the interests of our students and see them excel in those interests.
DA: What do you hope that students get out of your classes?
MB: Obviously knowing the importance of living a physically active lifestyle is the purpose of my classes. However, I want my students to know I am here as more than just a teacher. I want them to know that I am here as a resource for whatever support they need. I got into teaching because of the connections and relationships that I had with my teachers. I want to give back that same support that my teachers gave to me.
Outside of teaching, Mr. Brady enjoys spending time with his family and daughters, playing sports (including golf, basketball, and football), as well as cooking, a hobby that he picked up during the pandemic.
