Meet the Team: Brett Youngerman, Literature and Literacy Instructional Specialist

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Brett Youngerman, our Literature and Literacy Instructional Specialist. Brett joined us for two terms (2015/16 & 2016/17) as our Literature and Literacy Fellow before becoming that area’s fulltime instructional specialist in the fall of 2017.

For the past three years, Brett has taught a variety of classes within the humanities, ranging from creative and academic writing to literary and historical analysis. We asked him to tell us a little about Brett — without referring to himself in the third person.

Here’s what he had to say:

Eagle Rock (ER): What did you do for work before arriving at Eagle Rock School?

Brett Youngerman: I worked at Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center in Parkton, Maryland. It was there that I discovered I wanted my career to focus on working with young people. I designed and facilitated daylong team-building experiences for both children and adults. This was also where I first heard about Eagle Rock. I have also worked a few retail jobs, selling shoes. One of my favorite parts of that job was educating people on how to choose running or hiking shoes that would best suit their needs.

ER: Where did you go to college and what did you study?

Brett: I went to Goucher College in Towson, Maryland, and I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in Studio Art. I received my Masters of Arts in Teaching Secondary English at Towson University in Towson, Maryland

ER: Where did you grow up and what did you want to be when you grew up?

Brett: Central New Jersey, and I wanted to be a linebacker in the National Football League before a prolonged period of having no idea.

ER: What super power do you have or would you like to have?

Brett: Telekinesis, duh!

ER: What’s something most people would be surprised to know about you?

Brett: I think a lot of people don’t realize how much I enjoy drawing and painting. It is something I love to do and I aim to share more with my community.

ER: What reality television show would you like to be on and why would you win or be the first person kicked off?

Brett: I love the TV show “The Mole,” since it’s basically like a really long board game. I think I would be good at figuring out who the mole is, but would get found out pretty quickly if I was the one doing the deceiving.

ER: Please tell us about your hobbies or interests outside of work?

Brett: I captain a Club Ultimate team based out of Boulder named Iso Atmo and spend a lot of time practicing and playing at tournaments around the western half of the county. I also love playing board games, and I have a collection of more that 50. Drawing and painting is another hobby of mine that I want to devote more time to. I love to ski in the winter and am just starting to pick up mountain biking this summer.

ER: Are you married, and do you have children?

Brett: I have a cat named Rufio. He’s the best, and is great at cuddling.

ER: Why did you choose to apply to and then come to work for Eagle Rock?

Brett: After living on the East Coast for my entire life, I was looking forward to living someplace new for a while. After hearing about Eagle Rock from Annie and Christi Kelston, I determined the culture and community of the school was something I wanted to be a part of. I was also excited by the alternative academic program and the residential aspect of the school.