Pioneer

Issue date: 2/25/10 Section: Campus

Media Credit: Krizia Rodriguez Greg Brazell, director of Early Childhood Education, gets involved with his students and their young students through hands on learning activities that are age appropriate and fun for the children.

What classes are you teaching this quarter?

Intro to Early Childhood Education, Introduction to Education and other ECE classes.


What do you enjoy about teaching children?

It has been kind of a thing in my soul forever I always knew I wanted to teach and so I've always been attracted to it. I graduated Pierce College actually in 1984 so I actually graduated from this ECE program and I've been working with kids ever since. Is kind of one of those innate things I needed to teach and now I just feel I need to be an advocate for children and to be their voice.


Were you expecting to win the Faculty Achievement Award?

No. As a matter a fact it was odd when I got called over to the presidents office. They said, "Greg you need to get here right away." The day before I was late for a lunch with the president so I actually thought I was getting fired. And then I went over there and they handed me this award so I wasn't expecting it at all it was a surprise.


What did you want to be when you were a little kid?

A teacher. I knew forever, I always loved school and learning and just being with people. When I think back on my childhood the people that impacted me the deepest were teachers. I could just name them off. I just always knew I wanted to teach.


What do you do in your free time?

When I can get balance back in my life I hop on my kayak and I go to the water down at the Puget Sound or the San Juan preferably. I like to get my backpack on and go hiking to the north cascade, or I get out my mountain bike and hit the lugging roads back in Enumclaw. So kayaking, hiking or biking. Anything out doors its good.


Do you like to collect anything?

People might think I'm strange but if you look at my wall, or if you go to my man den at my house, you'll find anything University of Michigan. I love it. That's my hobby; I collect anything University of Michigan. And Spongebob. So Spongebob and University of Michigan, that's what I'm all about. It's almost an obsession but that's okay.


What made you want to come and work for Pierce?

Like I said, I graduated here in 1984 and when I think back to where I got my bachelors and masters degree, the best learning that ever happened was here at Pierce College, no kidding. When I got here it just affected who I am as a person. I love the community college system in general and the Pierce College system. I truly deeply believe from the bottom of my heart that we are a community of learners open to all.


What would you do if you were planning to retire?

Open a hiking shop in Marblemount, Washington. I have it all planned out; I have the building and everything. I'm going to rent out hiking equipment at Marblemount, Washington in the middle of nowhere.

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