South Ohio News

Mr. Roaby Browning, Wellston Middle School Principal, said of Mr. O’Brien:

“When given the task of selecting an outstanding middle school teacher for the 2022- 2023 school year, I had so many wonderful and dedicated individuals to select from. Together this group is an amazing dynamic force, but one stood out among them as a proven leader, master teacher, and a go-getter with a spirit that radiates humility, kindness, and hope. One who does what he does because it is right, one who does not seek publicity or public recognition. The individual that I am honored to be able to introduce to you is Mr. David O’Brien of Wellston Middle School.

Once you meet David, you will immediately be aware that his passion for teaching is real. David has worked for the Wellston City School District as a middle school language arts teacher and a social studies teacher, where he currently teaches 8th grade social studies. David shares his love of learning with not only his students, but also his colleagues. David has mentored many new teachers over the years, sharing his vast arsenal of wisdom. David is not one to seek public recognition, but does so many things to enrich the lives of others, whether it be in the classroom or outside of the classroom. David has worked in many leadership capacities within our district serving on grade level based teams, teacher-based teams, building leadership teams, and our district leadership teams, where his knowledge and wisdom have helped our district reach goals that we have set. David is also the Wellston Middle School Co-Coordinator for Making Middle School Grades Work. David seeks out professional development to enhance his craft of teaching and shares his new found information with others. David is a team player who encourages others and sets a great example in both his professional and personal life.

David’s classroom is a safe place where students feel free to ask questions and not be

fearful of not knowing the answer. Davis’s room offers that safe comfort, home-like atmosphere, which many students need. David exhibits the qualities that I feel should be recognized; therefore, I am proud to share with you my selection for the 2022-2023

“Outstanding Middle School Teacher” award.”

The Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS), in partnership with the Ohio

University Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education, is an organization of 110

school districts and other educational institutions in the 32-county region of Ohio designated as

Appalachia. The mission of the CORAS is to advocate for and support the public schools of Appalachia Ohio in the continuous improvement of educational opportunities available to all the region's children. This statement of mission acknowledges that the region's public schools are an integral part of the public education system for Ohio and that the Coalition may support and join with similar efforts throughout the state to improve the educational opportunities for all children.

Furthermore, the goals of CORAS include:

1. To seek equity in Ohio's system of school funding and adequacy of educational opportunity for all of Ohio's children

2. To support the continuous development of educational leaders throughout the regions public school systems

3. To identify and analyze policy issues that impact the effectiveness, strength, and character of the public school system and to formulate and communicate position statements in response to these issues

4. To sponsor and promote the use of research and to share successful practices for improving educational opportunities for all children in the CORAS region

Lastly, we want to again congratulate Mr. David O’Brien, Wellston Middle School 8th Grade Social Studies teacher, for receiving the 2022-2023 CORAS Outstanding Middle School Teacher Award.

Pictured in the photograph of Mr. O’Brien receiving his award include (from left to right): Jessica Voltolini, Ohio Department of Education Chief of Staff; Brian Rau, Wellston City School District Superintendent; David O’Brien; John Patterson, Former Ohio State Representative.

Original source can be found here.