Meet Our Teachers @ Mansfield
At Buckeye Community School (BCS) we are making it easier than ever to achieve your educational goals in a flexible structure with self-paced learning and accountability.
We now have three school locations and are happy to introduce you to our new teachers at our Mansfield location. Here is a quick introduction from each of them:
Brett Ballinger - Social Studies Instructor
How does the mission of Buckeye Community School align with your personal value system?
Helping students overcome any obstacles they might have in life is a large part of why I enjoy working at Buckeye Community school. Being able to help with more than just school and creating personal relationships with students makes this the most rewarding and fun job I have ever had.
When did you know you wanted to work in education?
My father was an educator my whole life so I grew up running the halls of every building he worked in. I realized at a young age that teaching and teachers can be fun. So I always wanted to be a part of that once I grew up.
Fun fact: what are your personal interests or things you like to do outside of work?
My personal interests are playing golf, watching Cleveland sports, and working on and around my house.
Linda Wagner - Instructor
How does the mission of Buckeye Community School align with your personal value system?
I align with Buckeye and their philosophy of working with individual students by giving them quality education, attention, and encouragement.
When did you know you wanted to work in education?
I knew I wanted to be a teacher/educator all my life. I love knowledge and learning. I love to live daily life by learning and teaching.
Fun fact: what are your personal interests or things you like to do outside of work?
I am a traveler, a dancer, a writer, and a poet. I travel far and wide. I have written 2 children's original faerie tale books, both published and available for purchase.
Jodi Brunner - Instructor at Buckeye Community School
How does the mission of Buckeye Community School align with your personal value system?
I believe we need to break down all barriers to help students become successful and reach their goals. Each student has a unique background and personal hurdles. I truly feel and love to help others become the best version they can be. I want to help each and every student with ALL aspects of their lives and know there is always someone they can count on!
When did you know you wanted to work in education?
I have always wanted to be an educator since I was in Kindergarten! I love being around people and helping people. I have always loved learning, watching people learn, and helping them learn!
Fun fact: what are your personal interests or things you like to do outside of work?
After work, I love to play sports, vacation, watch sports, and hang out with my family!!! We have three girls that are very active and I love to do things with them!
Phil Weiland - Science Instructor at Buckeye Community School
How does the mission of Buckeye Community School align with your personal value system?
I don't believe the traditional way of educating teenagers- the "classroom model" of 7-8 periods, bells, scheduled lunches is a valid way to teach kids in the 21st century. As educators, we need to appeal to young adults to think critically and to be able to build curiosity about learning outside a classroom to build self-sufficiency and self-confidence.
When did you know you wanted to work in education?
Right after I graduated college, I wanted to obtain my teaching license, but it was many years later that I did so after changing careers and being a stay-at-home parent.
Fun fact: what are your personal interests or things you like to do outside of work?
I am a big fan of learning about things, from historical figures/people to philosophy. I always have 2 ebooks on my computer that I go back and forth with. I also believe ice cream is 1 of the 4 major food groups!
Dave Bowers - Biology and Physical Science instructor at BCS
How does the mission of Buckeye Community School align with your personal value system?
I came to Townsend and followed the founders to Buckeye because of how much I believe in their vision and practical approach to serving our students.
When did you know you wanted to work in education?
I decided to become a teacher in college. I had reached a crossroads with my science major and realized that a career in science would not provide the kind of life I wanted to live. I reflected on those people who had the most positive impact on my life and whom I admired the most: in nearly every case those people were teachers.
Fun fact: what are your personal interests or things you like to do outside of work?
I collect comic books, I am a die-hard Detroit Lions fan, I’ve embarked on a life-long quest to create the perfect batch of fried chicken, and am a fanatic about bass fishing.
Amy Kresser - Science Instructor
How does the mission of Buckeye Community School align with your personal value system?
Buckeye Community School’s value system aligns directly with my purpose in this life. There is no greater inner joy than helping others become aware of who they are and their purpose in this life, empowering them.
When did you know you wanted to work in education?
In high school, I really appreciated the teachers that connected with the students and witnessed the impact they had on teenagers. It inspired me to become a teacher.
Fun fact: what are your personal interests or things you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, meditating, working out, interior decorating and cooking.
How Can We Help?
Now that you know a little more about our teachers at the Mansfield location of BCS, come in and say hello. We are here because we believe in you and we have created our school as an alternative path to get you where you are going - by doing it your way. Talk to our enrollment team today.
About BCS
At Buckeye Community School (BCS), we create positive educational experiences that empower every student to overcome personal challenges and pursue their unique goals. We meet the needs of the whole student in our productive, safe, and nurturing learning environment. Our high expectations for achievement and student success are matched by our commitment to quality instructional leadership and positive home-to-school and school-to-community relationships. Get to know BCS, today. We’re enrolling!