Chandler Public Schools

Bradley Lewis is the Physical Education teacher at Park Road Elementary. A Chandler native and CHS alum, he is in his sixth year teaching in Chandler. Bradley recevied his degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.
 

Q  What led you to teaching? 
A  I had to have knee replacement, so I could not continue my former job. I had been working with kids, coaching youth sports, so for me it was an easy decision to get into teaching.  

Q  Did you have anyone who influenced you?  
A  My father was the first person who was a great influence on my life. He was the guy everyone looked to for advice, or if you needed anything. He never spoke much, but you listened when he did. The person who was the biggest influence as far as education was Coach Mark Howard. He was my favorite teacher and coach. He was hard on me, but at the same time I knew how much he cared about me, as well as all his students. I can myself repeating some of the things he said to me as a kid.

Q  What would you say most motivates you to teach?
A  I would say seeing my student's faces when they accomplish something that they have worked hard to achieve.

Q  What are you most excited or passionate about?
A  My family! I grew up in a large family, so I have always been passionate about my family. My wife and kids are the most important thing in my life.

Q  What do you find most challenging about being a teacher?
A  Balancing between students. Every student is different, and each has their own personality as well as personal challenges. Being able to understand that and helping them no matter what is something that I pride myself in being able to do.

Q  What's the best thing to happen since you started teaching?
A  Being able to come home and teach in my hometown. I get teach some of my own family. I feel that is special.

Q  What might students and parents be surprised to know about you? 

A  That I like to cook.

Q  What profession other than your own would you most like to attempt? 

A  I don't have an answer for that because being a P.E. teacher may be the best one there is.

Q  What are three things every teacher should have?

A  A hobby, a good support system, and vacation plans. 

Bradley’s wife Trish is a Kindergarten teacher at East Side Elementary. They have been married 28 years. They have three kids: Alexis, Trey, and AJ, who all attented Chandler Public Schools. Bradley enjoys spending time with his family. He said, “It doesn’t matter what wee do, as long as we are together.”