2015-2016 Teacher of the Year
Joshua Bragg - teaches Chemistry
How did you get to Reynolds?
My wife and I both grew up in Winston-Salem. When we got married my wife found a job in Hickory, and so I ended up teaching chemistry at Newton Conover High School nearby. When she found a new job in Winston, we relocated back. I knew quite a bit of the reputation of Reynolds from my time in the city. I had lots of offers at other schools in Winston and Greensboro, but Reynolds was the easy choice because of its academic reputation and the steady leadership of Dr. Paschal.
How did what you had heard about RJR match with what you actually found at RJR?
I came in just as the arts magnet endeavor was kicking off. I heard very little about that change since it was still so new. However, when I got here I was blown away by the quality of the arts program. They are so phenomenal that I sometimes wonder if RJR is really a high school. Of course the academic reputation was already high, and RJR certainly didn't disappoint in that department either.
What is an average day at school like for you?
These days I'm typically at school around 8:00 am, and frequently have students joining me shortly thereafter for tutoring and help. I teach three honors chemistry classes during the day. My planning time is quite varied in its uses, but many of the things that I work on during that time were things that must be taken care of at school (like setting up labs, consulting with colleagues, etc., etc.). After school I frequently have different meetings to attend. Whatever days that I don't have meetings though I frequently have students coming in for tutoring or to make up assignments. I don't typically leave until about 5:30. Then it's home to my family. After I get my son to bed I'm usually working more on grading and planning.
How would you size up the RJR student body?
RJR has some truly amazing and wonderful students. I'm always proud to say that I work at RJR because of those students. The vast majority of my students care deeply about learning and doing well in school. They are kind and considerate and all-around good people. They're not perfect, nor does everyone fit that description, I'm pleased every day with the students that come through my classroom.
What is your family life like?
My wife and I have a son named Parker who is currently four years old. He is a sweet and caring little boy who loves to play in the dirt and play with Legos. So much of my time when he's awake revolves around those things.
Why did you go into teaching as a career?
I started thinking about teaching in middle school because of an amazing orchestra teacher that I had. She did wonders for me both as a musician and a person. I felt compelled to do the same thing period when I arrived at high school. I fairly quickly realized I wasn't going to be good enough to be an orchestra teacher. When I took chemistry in high school, I remember my old enjoyment of it and turned toward teaching chemistry pretty quickly. In short, it is important for me to give back when I was given so much by my teachers.
What are your goals and aspirations?
This year will actually be my last at Reynolds. I've accepted a job teaching AP Chemistry at the Career Center for the 20/16/2017 school year. So in the short term my goals are to make sure I'm delivering an excellent course in that role. In the last 10 years of teaching I’ve done a lot of work to move towards perfection for my Honors Chemistry course. I need to spend a large amount of time doing the same for AP Chemistry. I've always thought that I would be teaching high school chemistry until I retire.
Anything else you want to tell the alumni?
I have immensely enjoyed my eight years teaching at Reynolds. It is special place with a long outlook and sense of vision and tradition. I'm very grateful that I had the privilege of teaching here. One of the joys of living in Winston- Salem is what happens when people find out that I teach at Reynolds. The alumni presence here in town is so large, and as a group you are all so very willing to engage with the Reynolds community. I can't even begin to estimate the number of conversations I've had over the last eight years with RJ alumni who both share their experience “Amid the Pines” and care about how things are still progressing here. I’ll miss being such a direct part of that community in my new role at the Career Center. Thank you for all your kind words over the years and your continued support of our dear old Reynolds High.
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