Justin Bruce is excited to join the Darlington Community as the newly named Upper School learning specialist.
With a B.S. in Collaborative Special Education from Auburn University, a Masters in Special Education Adaptive Curriculum from the University of West Georgia, and an Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University, he will provide learning strategies to students struggling with learning differences at Darlington School beginning this fall.
With nearly a decade of teaching experience under his belt, most recently as a self-contained special education teacher at Model Middle School, Bruce looks forward to being a Darlington Tiger.
“I feel like Darlington is very community driven. I feel like I thrive in settings that foster great community," he said. "I am confident Darlington will allow me the avenues and opportunities to make a positive and lasting impact on the students.”
It was during his second year at Auburn University, with plans to major in Exercise Science, that Bruce felt led to change his path and pursue teaching. During a visit home, he spent time in his mother's classroom and in the few hours he was with her, he watched her work with students who had different challenges and needs. He felt so fulfilled as he watched them work diligently and felt like, as a teacher, he could have a tremendous impact on his students' learning.
Bruce believes that all students from every background, every culture, and every age, need and want three things. “They [want] to feel safe, to know that there is an adult that will listen to them, and to know that someone thinks they are precious,” he said.
“There is no way to explain how excited I am to move into this new role," continued Bruce. "I am most excited about the community and relationships I will build with the students. I look forward to being a part of the team atmosphere of the Learning Center.”
Lisa Goldin, director of the Upper School's Glenn Teaching and Learning Center, is pleased to welcome Bruce to the team. "His dynamic personality and great sense of humor will blend so well in the Teaching and Learning Center," she said. "Justin is a great student advocate and coach.”
In addition to his primary role as a learning specialist, Bruce also looks forward to getting plugged into student life. He wants to be a part of all the great experiences and adventures students get to take advantage of at Darlington.
“I am prepared to make a fool of myself in the name of good fun and great memories,” he joked.
While not in the classroom, Bruce enjoys woodworking, playing chess, and spending time with his wife, Darlington alumna Elizabeth (Collier) Bruce ('03), and their two beautiful daughters, Annie Ruth and Rosie.
Editor's Note: This article was written by Chandler Edge ('17), who is serving as an intern in the Communication Office this summer.
