by Taylor Bates for The Scranton Journal
Thirty-five years is the amount of time Tom Braun gave to students, and he has decided that’s the close of his educational chapter. With 18 years of his teaching in the Greene County area, Braun enjoyed his time being with students, helping them grow and learn.
Braun relished getting to know and build with his students, and seeing them grow as readers, writers and speakers. He developed new ways to engage learners as society has changed.
“I love how I can see my kids grow immensely as individuals and as teams over time by being pushed and challenged by the high expectations I have for them with consistency,” Braun said. Students being present and working with Braun every day to reach a goal is one thing he will really miss.
Students have enjoyed having Braun as a teacher over the years. “Mr. Braun pushes us to do our best and sets high expectations to get the best out of us. He has made us better students, better sisters, better teammates, better leaders, and harder workers. He will leave an impact on every one of his students and a huge mark on this school,” said three students, Alexa Peters, Grace Curtis and Olivia Shannon after they had nominated Braun for the Extraordinary Citizen Award. Braun won the award from Home State Bank for going above and beyond by giving his time and/or resources to benefit the community.
Braun said, “I have been totally blessed in my career so far to have had 4,169 learners and many colleagues, administrators and parents who have helped me grow my skills.”
He has already begun to miss his students.
Retirement plans for Braun include attending school activities as well as coaching at All Iowa Attack in Ames, where he will help youngsters build their basketball and life skills.
