DCHS Grad Follows Inspiring Teachers

DCHS Grad Follows Inspiring Teachers Into The Classroom
Posted on 12/09/2021

Douglas County High School Grad Follows His Inspiring Teachers Into The Classroom

After graduating from Douglas County High School in 2019, Brad Rotherham found himself returning to education. He says, "Teachers like the ones I had in high school are the reason I now desire a career in education." He now works as a Severe Needs Educational Assistant at Northeast Elementary in Parker.

What is your name, which school did you attend, and what year did you graduate?
My name is Brad Rotherham and I graduated from Douglas County High School in 2019.

What have you been doing since graduation?
I have been spending my time making my way through college in pursuit of a degree, trying to figure out exactly what I want to do with my future. Through this search, I began a job as an educational assistant, which brought me to the conclusion that id like to pursue education, hopefully in Douglas County Schools!

What is your proudest achievement since graduating?
Since graduating, my proudest achievement has been moving from my minimum wage job with no meaning to a wonderful work environment! I enjoy my work, and I feel like I'm making a difference.

Share a positive memory from high school that sticks out to you.
The most positive experience in high school for me was finding teachers that were particularly excellent at what they did. I felt that Mr. Tomure, my Ancient civilizations teacher, really made a huge impact on me. Every day I was excited to go to class and learn about the ancient world. I've never had a better teacher, and I will never forget the impact he had on my life. Teachers like the ones I had in high school are the reason I now desire a career in education.

What was one unique thing you learned about yourself during high school? How did your teachers and school support you?
I learned that I needed to accept myself and my interests for what they were since I often found myself trying to adhere to the trends and interests of others in order to fit in. I had many teachers who supported me in this realization, not by directly supporting me but by giving me an example of what a truly happy and comfortable person looks like.

What advice would you give your 15-year-old self?
Disregard what is popular, and do what interests you and makes you happy.

What skill (professional or personal) are you trying to master?
I am constantly working on my communication and direction style in my everyday life, hoping to make my interactions with students and peers more effective. I also am trying to improve my organizational skills since it could help me in my personal and professional life.

What are your future plans?
I plan to finish out my bachelor's degree in elementary education and hopefully return to Douglas County Schools so that I can contribute to the school system that I love.

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In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).