- December 24, 2025
iFlagler Teacher of the Year Durand Brown is a teacher in the RiseUp program, Flagler Schools’ alternative school under iFlagler. He has been a teacher for 21 years and has taught in four schools.
He got into teaching to help people and realized early in his career that students wanted guidance outside of school academics.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I had a job in corporate America, but we were not helping people, although we marketed ourselves as helping people. A friend of mine was teaching and encouraged me to apply. I was in Baltimore city at the time, so the beginning was rough but, I saw my impact immediately.
How does the nomination make you feel?
Appreciated. I feel like, in retrospect, teaching was my calling, and I got recognized for it. My mentor in this program taught me so much that I can’t express how grateful I am. I really want to thank my colleagues, all the people in transportation, the tech offices at all the schools, guidance counselors, the deans, the secretaries at all the schools who have been so helpful in making my job easier. They have been so awesome to me since I have had this job.
What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?
Seeing that the things you do help or encourage other people in a positive way. The relationships that I make with students, parents and co-workers.
What is one thing you are taking away from this experience?
I just want to enjoy the moment. It makes me want to work harder to live up to the expectation. I know so many great teachers, so I really just appreciate being recognized.
Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you motivated?
Helping students, seeing results and seeing the end of the road.
What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students?
Honestly, during the events of 9/11, which was also the beginning of my teaching career, I saw how much students needed and wanted guidance outside of the academics of school. My teaching approach from then on leaned more towards getting to know students and being in tune with their attitudes and behaviors. It was a really good way to align with and gain the respect of students.
If there was one piece of wisdom you could share with students, what would it be?
Education, on all levels, is important. Like all things we practice, education becomes habit and will definitely be life altering if you embrace it. Take advantage of the opportunity to educate and better yourself.
Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life?
I ride bicycles, light gardening, travel locally. I love the beach, and I am a big kid, so I am still an active video game player. I am always down for a new adventure as long as it does not include heights.
