Hometown Teacher and Coach: Brad’s Story
Brad Burkhardt’s journey to becoming a teacher and coach begins right where his career now thrives—his hometown of Macon. “I grew up in Macon, I love this town and this school district,” he says. Today, Brad serves in several roles at Macon High School: Alternative School Coordinator, High School Football Offensive Coordinator, High School Assistant Basketball Coach, and Head Boys Track and Field Coach. He is now in his fifth year of teaching and his second year leading the alternative program.
Before returning home, Brad spent time in the Fayette School District as a substitute teacher and coach. Those early years shaped his path more than he expected. “Originally, I wanted to be a college coach,” he explains. But everything changed during his first year coaching at Fayette. “We had an unfortunate accident happen, and seeing the kids I coached come together made me fall in love with the high school sport atmosphere.”
Coming back to Macon only deepened that calling. Many of the students he coached were kids he once TA’d for when he was in high school himself. “It shined a light on how much of an impact we as teachers/coaches can make,” he says. That connection—to the community and its students—ultimately led him to pursue teaching full-time.
Finding the Right Path to Certification
Brad discovered American Board’s online program through a Facebook group, and chose it because “it seemed to fit my busy schedule the best with the online platform.” Coaching meant constant travel, and he needed a program that worked anywhere. “I could access the material on my phone or on my laptop. With the amount of traveling I do for sports, it made it really easy to log in and view materials while on the bus to away games!”
His advice to current candidates is straightforward and encouraging: “I know seeing exams or looking at all the stuff can be scary or look like a lot, but take advantage of all ABCTE has.” He highlights the study plan organizer and the value of Facebook groups, where he connected with people who had already completed the program.
Leading Students on Alternative Paths
Today, Brad works with both high school and middle school students who need an alternative path to graduation. His work is deeply personal—and deeply rewarding. “What I love about my spot is that I can have kids who have many struggles in life or who have had different obstacles they have had to overcome… seeing them work through some of those while still getting their High School Diploma makes this job worth every bit.”
As a teacher and coach, Brad’s goal is simple and powerful: “Help anyone who needs it and give them a positive look at every aspect of their education.”
Brad’s story is a reminder that teachers shape communities—and sometimes the best educators are those who choose to serve the place they’ve always called home.
Do You Belong in the Classroom and on the Field?
Anyone with a bachelor’s degree—no matter the subject—can become a teacher through the American Board. If you have a love of sports, a passion for mentoring, or a desire to make a difference in your community, teaching and coaching may be exactly where you belong. American Board is here to help you take that next step, quickly and affordably, so you can start leading on the field and in the classroom.
