Who Was That Teacher?

Mr. Bruton, teacher

We have many ideas about the image of a teacher, I have to believe that not many parents' or students' would ever imagine having this person standing at the front of their classroom. Listen to this podcast and find out what make's this teacher so special, NPR-Tell Me More Podcast-David Bruton.

David Bruton's college alma mater

Mr. Bruton, a professional athlete on the verge of not having a season due to a lockout, has returned to his hometown to teach. He has obtained a one-year license to be a substitute teacher, teaching math, social studies and elementary grades. Bruton is graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a degree in sociology and has gone on to play professional football with the Denver Broncos. Due to the conflict between owners and players, Bruton found himself with time on his hands. With encouragement from his high school coach and friends that are teachers along with the fact that the school needed teachers he took this position on. Mr. Bruton stresses in his interview that being a teacher isn't an easy career, it requires patience and stamina, he states that it can be even more difficult than being a football player. He mentions that he takes his teaching role very seriously and that educators are guiding our youth, that this is a job not to be taken lightly. He also goes on to say that he believes that teachers are not properly compensated for their jobs, that they are caregivers on top of educators and do not get nearly enough money for what they do. Mr. Bruton also stresses that he hopefully is changing public attitude about professional athletes, he mentions that athletes are often in the public eye for their bad behavior and not always for the good. Bruton hopes that he help change these negative opinions to positive.

In viewing this podcast with a eye for critical media, I believe that the way the interview is handled and what questions are asked give both a serious and humorous feeling. The interviewer asks Mr. Bruton about how he came to the decision to teach with his other career being so vastly different. She also asks Mr. Bruton to give his opinion about teaching and teachers and the importance of them to our the future of the nation's youth. However, she also inquires about his popularity at recess and if he was exhausted at the end from the constant running with the students. The humor and lightness associated with the heavier aspects keeps the interview interesting. Also, Mr. Bruton speaks to the negative portrayal of sports figures in the media for different things, he wants to help change this attitude. By showing that he is giving back, helping to mentor and be a role model for the students to day he can show that sports figures can also be a positive influence on children. This interview is a very funny and enjoyable podcast that has a very positive image about teaching, sports figures and Mr. Bruton.