LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Travis Bruns

Position: ESE Coordinator
School: Pine Grove Elementary School
School District: Hernando County School District
City, State: Brooksville, FL

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Travis Bruns was nominated by Kelly York, the parent of a student.

Mr. Bruns goes above and beyond any requirements of the average teacher. He is on a professional and friendly level with every student's family. He is a positive role model for the most difficult students and somehow finds a way to have a great personal relationship with each of his students. Mr. Bruns can turn the worst of situations into a de-escalated, positive situation, sometimes in the matter of minutes. He is someone who makes himself available for students and their families, both inside and outside of school.

Mr. Bruns makes sure students know they matter, whether it's through a hug, a safe space, or making himself available to listen. He has out-of-the-box ideas for each child to individually learn on their own terms and needs, which has been proven to work! He was recently named Hernando County Teacher of the Year, and it is so deserved. For someone to be so involved with some of the hardest students to handle, and never faltering, is amazing.

"The way he has made himself available, not only to my son, but the EBD students as a whole, is truly outstanding. He is a teacher, friend, confidant and role model," said York. "There aren't many ways to show how thankful we are for what he does on a daily basis for these kids."

Comments (11)

Dianne Sheintal Posted over a year ago

Travis is a wonderful person in all categories; teacher, son, husband, father, brother, and mentor to many children at the school. He loves the children and is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done .

Dawn Albanese Posted over a year ago

Travis is amazing, I could not do my job without him!

Kerri Posted over a year ago

Me. Bruins definitely deserves this honor. I was a school bus driver last year . And he would always come out and help us with any issues. We were so grateful for him . He has a unique relationship with every child and looks for the way to make each and every one of them succeed #lod

Gale Reed Posted over a year ago

Travis treats each child he encounters as his own. He takes the time to talk with them, finds incentives to encourage positive behavior, but is brave enough to be firm when needed. It is amazing to see how a child will calm down as Travis spends time with him. Pine Grove is very fortunate to have Travis Bruns.

Mary Lyons Posted over a year ago

I have worked with Travis and he is an exceptional teacher and colleague he always finds the time to help each student individually and as a group in general I have personally seen him take student that were having a really bad day and in a matter of just a few minutes with a kind word Or a hug or even just a block turn their day completely around I have seen students come in and ask where is Mr. Bruns what he had to be out and not in the classroom he is truly an amazing and wonderful teacher and father and man in general

Jamie Young Posted over a year ago

Travis Bruns is truly a blessing in the classroom. As an administrator, I was fortunate to work side by side with Mr. Bruns and witnessed the love and compassion he showed his students and their families. The “Life Changer of the Year” is an accurate description for this educator and year after year he will be a winner in my book! Congratulations Mr. Bruns:)

Eric Posted over a year ago

First of all, this man is amazing inside of school and out. He is an amazing father and also a great husband. Now to the good stuff. I was humbled to see a person who dedicates his life to his students. My son is a student of his program. And to see the eagerness of my son to contact Mr. Bruns after school hours to tell him about his karate achievement. Mr. Bruns is always eager to hear the good news. Mr. Bruns has the patience of a saint. Deescalating events in class with an effective calmness and firmness combined. Mr. Bruns is a true idol in my sons eyes and has learnt so much from him. My son has bonded with Mr. Bruns, almost like a second father figure while they are at school. Mr. Bruns attention to the details of every separate child’s needs in his classes makes him stand apart from the rest.

Jarrod McAlister Posted over a year ago

I’ve known Travis Bruns for more than 30 years as a friend, a teammate, a coach, and a teacher. His passion for teaching and making a positive impact on his students is rivaled only by the love he has for his family. I’ve witnessed first-hand his concern for the development of his students, he truly cares about each and every one of them. He always sees the positive in a child and works diligently to help them discover their capabilities and show them that he cares what they make of themselves. It takes a special person to rise to the challenge of an ESE teacher, and Travis is just that. He’s a special teacher, every student should be lucky enough to have a teacher like Travis in their lives.

Connie Gordon Posted over a year ago

MrTravis Bruns is beyond exceptional. He goes above and beyond for my student as well as others on a daily basis. The way he shows my student respect and the way my student respects him is unmatchable. Mr Bruns has made me feel welcome and kept me abreast of all the issues with my student. I cannot express my gratitude and love for Mr Bruns He is certainly one of a kind. He surely deserves to be recognized. Thank you for all you do for our kids.

Jennifer Posted over a year ago

I nominate mr bruns! Mikes come so fara and for him to confide in and trust this man speaks volume!

Kyle Posted over a year ago

I have heard such amazing things about this Gentleman. I have seen such an improvement in my Nephew's behaviour. Mr. Bruns exceeds all expectations with his personalized style of teaching.