Brian Brennan: American History Teacher of the Year in Sussex County

Sparta High School history teacher Brian Brennan has earned the Daughters of the American Revolution’s “American History Teacher of the Year” award. The Daughters of the American Revolution is a national organization that is committed to historic preservation, promotion of education, and spreading of patriotism throughout the nation.

Mr. Steven Schels, head of the department of history at Sparta High, received a phone call from the Chinkchewunska Chapter of the DAR, located in Sussex County, asking him whether or not Mr. Brennan would be right for such a prestigious award. Having been a previous winner himself, Mr.Schels supported the DAR’s decision to meet with himself, Mr. Brennan, and Sparta’s principal Mrs. Ferraro in order to evaluate Mr. Brennan’s candidacy for the award.

When I sat down and spoke with Mr. Schels, he gave a glowing review on Mr. Brennan’s teaching ability saying, “Mr. Brennan has a tremendous rapport and builds incredibly positive relationships with his students; he is very deserving.”

Mr. Brennan’s nomination came from a family of a former student which Mr. Brennan found humbling: “It's one thing to be nominated by your peers, but it's another thing to be nominated by a student.”

A ceremonial luncheon will be held for Mr. Brennan and his family at the DAR Chinkchewunska Chapter’s headquarters: the Van Bunschooten Museum in Wantage, New Jersey. At the luncheon, colleagues and friends, including Mr. Schels, will talk about how Mr. Brennan has touched the lives of many in the community through his enthusiasm and love for history. Mr. Brennan is currently Chinkchewunska Chapter’s nomination for the “Outstanding Teacher Of American History Award” competing against the other county nominees across all of New Jersey. Our community is lucky to have teachers and role-models like Mr. Brian Brennan.