Administrator Spotlight

Jason Brunner

Assistant Principal, Old High Middle School, Bentonville Schools

Jason Brunner, Assistant Principal at Old High Middle School, says education was never in his mind as a child. However, various experiences in college introduced him to the idea of education as a career path. "Once I got my foot in the door, I couldn’t get enough!" he exclaims. "Now I can’t think of anything better than a career of serving the young people, families, staff, and community I get to serve."

After spending a couple of years in Springdale, he joined the Bentonville School District teaching various social studies classes at Washington Junior High for five years. He next spent a year at Bentonville High School before taking on the role of assistant principal at Old High Middle School, where he's remained for 17 years.

Mr. Brunner says his favorite thing about his job is easily the people. "Working with kids gives me energy. Partnering with our parents to help their children is an honor. Working with teachers that have the best mindset for kids is a privilege!" he says. The most challenging part of his job is that so much is thrown at educators, and balancing responsibilities can be difficult at times. However, he emphasizes that "it is ALL important for kids!" One thing he enjoys that others might find surprising is the TESS process with teachers. He says, "TESS allows an instructional leader the opportunity to continue to build the relationship between evaluator and teacher. TESS forces administration to put all of the managerial tasks to the side and focus on the instructional leadership portion of the job. TESS allows administrators to assist teachers to become the absolute best teachers they can be. Once again, this is all a WIN for the kids."

He suggests that anyone considering the career should "Keep your eye on the 'why.' Know and understand why you are doing this on a day-to-day basis. The work can be hard, but if you know the 'why' then it makes it ALL worth it." The most helpful advice he has received is "Don’t start the process of problem solving by thinking in absolutes. An absolute can close the door on an issue too quickly and do irreparable damage to the situation. Ask questions. Listen. Learn. Process. THEN make the decision and stick with it." As for his future plans, he sees himself closing out his career in education in the next few years, stating "It is not too far away for me. I hope to start the next chapter in my life, getting to travel with my wife, and EVENTUALLY spend time with grandchildren."

?Q&A! with Jason Brunner

How would your co-workers describe you?

Jason is the best kind of Old High superfan. comes in the form of cheerleading our teachers, pumping up our school to anyone who will listen, and defends even the toughest students by shouting their strengths! He's the guy you can count on to see the best version of yourself and it inspires people to actually BE that version.

What’s something that amazes you?

I am amazed at our children's continued ability to adapt. No matter what is thrown at them.

What have you done that you are most proud of?

I helped raise two very good young men.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

Spend time with my family, cheer on anything Hogs and Kansas City Chiefs, travel, read, and binge on TV shows

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List"?

Following the final grouping at the Masters golf tournament on a Sunday afternoon at Augusta National in April

If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing?

This is hard for me to even imagine. However, I would like to think it had something to do with traveling.

What are the goals you are still working toward?

I want to be the best version of me. I know that God has given me so many gifts. I just want to use all those blessings to be the best I can.

When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered?

A believer, a good father for my sons, a good husband to my wife, a good family member, a good friend, and as a constant advocate for young people

What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?

Networking. I have met so many people through AAEA. I have learned so much. However, even better….I have made many good friends throughout my time involved with AAEA.