Teachers’ care for their students and enthusiasm for education lead to a love of learning. Bradley Morelock, winner of 2024 Teacher of the Year, perfectly embodies these traits.
Students can feel his genuine interest and passion for his subject matter: AP US History, AP Human Geography, and Fundamentals of Education classes.
“I knew I was nominated, I didn’t know [that I won] until Mrs. Kirk came across the intercom that morning in first period,” said Morelock.
Engaging lectures, often involving anecdotes of his own family, is how Morelock connects with all of his students. He makes it evident that his children and wife are the lights of his life and that his love extends beyond the classroom.

“A lot of times I don’t even mean to [bring up my family], but they’re important. My family is important to me, so why would I not talk about them,” said Morelock.
His children, Ella and Gracie, are people his students are familiar with, even if they have never met them. His level-headedness and patience have been acquired through the life lessons his kids have taught him and are truly reflected in his teaching.
“With Ella being adopted, it puts things into perspective and things that used to bother me don’t bother me, now,” said Morelock. “I don’t care if Barbies and Legos are laying on the floor, because I know eventually that’s not gonna be there anymore.”Since becoming a father, what he holds dearly has become unquestionably clear: above all, he is thankful for everyday and treasures memories with his family. And with the adoption of his second child, Ella, his thankfulness has become a daily habit.
“With the struggles of having children, it helps you appreciate the little things more often,” said Morelock.
His transparency is one characteristic many are in awe of, making him approachable and personable.
“I’m honest and transparent, and kids can see when you are being honest and transparent,” he said. “It’s a lot easier for me to know them personally.”
Morelock is not just a teacher, he is a listener, a friend, a partner, and most importantly, a father. Winning Teacher of The Year is proof of his impact on this community and proof of his character.