Great teachers and educators shape the future for their students and Brennan Schrader is no exception. As the guidance counselor at Stanley-Boyd High School for the past three years, Schrader has positively affected the lives of his students in countless ways.
After his high school graduation, Brennan spent his first year at the Chippewa Valley Technical College and later transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Stout where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. After graduation, he started his Masters in School Counseling which he also received from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. From there he decided to start his career as a school counselor in Stanley-Boyd.
“I chose to become a school counselor because I enjoy helping others, and after working at my summer camp, I knew working with high school students would fit me well. I enjoy helping students figure out their post high school paths as well as helping them with other needs as they arise.”
Beginning his career at Stanley-Boyd was an adjustment for Brennan who mentions, “The hardest challenge was starting as the new kid on the block. I had to learn on the fly what my role was and the extra things that come with being a school counselor in a rural school district.”
He explains why he chose to work at Stanley-Boyd. “Other than being one of the few openings in the area for high school counselors, I view the Chippewa Valley as my pearl in the oyster. There are a lot of opportunities out there, but I want to help develop this area into the pearl that it can be. And I feel the way that I can help this is by helping high school students.” Brennan shares that his coworkers have made him feel welcome. “The staff are amazing and are super friendly to outsiders like me coming into the community. They have helped me learn about what makes Stanley-Boyd special.”
If he hadn’t become a school counselor, Brennan says that he would have been a mental health counselor for adolescents. “There was a panel of professors that talked about the different programs that Stout offered and after listening to the panel, I knew that being a school counselor would be a better fit for me. This was later solidified when I had an internship experience with Elk Mound High School during my undergraduate years.”
Born and raised in Chippewa Falls, Brennan currently resides there with his girlfriend, Chelsea and two fur babies, a Persian cat named Bernard and a Golden Retriever/Husky named Oakley, who he hopes to get trained to be a therapy dog for the school. Brennan shares that he has a large plant collection of around seventy-five plants and two different types of carnivorous plants in his basement. He is always open to new experiences and enjoys participating in outdoor activities ranging from hiking to biking to fishing and even sailboat racing on Lake Wissota. “I am always willing to learn something new. Whether that is about unique experiences, or different goals, I am always intrigued by all of the things out there that I am not familiar with,” Brennan remarks.
Brennan’s favorite sports team to cheer on is the Green Bay Packers but his favorite sport to play is soccer, a sport he played for the majority of his high school career and that he later coached for a year with his former coach. In addition, he also played on the bowling team. “I was also on the bowling team for a few years since I had to drive my brother to the practices anyways,” he continues.
In his free time, Brennan takes an active role in the Scouting community where he is the Unit Commissioner for the Pack and Troop in Stanley.
“My role is to help the Pack and Troop with questions and help keep the local unit running smoothly. Out of the many other roles I have within Scouting, I am also the Skipper of Sea Scout Ship 101 out of Chippewa Falls where I help teach youth ages 14-21 how to sail on Lake Wissota,” he shares.
He mentions that when he was in school, he was influenced by his fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Balko. “He made me feel welcomed and I had a really strong connection with him. He made learning fun and interesting.”
A school guidance counselor has many roles which include assisting students in areas of personal growth, academic achievement, social development, and career exploration. They help students identify their personal goals along with their own strengths and weaknesses to become well-adjusted and productive community members. When asked what he enjoys the most about being a counselor, Brennan said, “Learning about all of the different paths that students want to go down. The students are always challenging me to learn more about what is out there for them to pursue.”
Brennan hopes that students and their families will be more informed about the resources that school counselors can offer during their academic careers.
“One thing that I wish people knew about High School Counselors are the different hats that we wear. I have had students come to me saying they didn’t know I could help them with something. This ranges from applications, careers and social emotional needs. Even if I do not have an answer for them, I am more than willing to find the information to help out.” He adds, “In working with students, I would want parents to know that I am a unique tool that can help students when things are not working out. If I do not have an answer, I am more than willing to help find something that might be a better fit.”
For Brennan, his students have taught him that he will never have the answer for everything. “Students come to me with unique challenges or goals that I have no idea how someone would reach. This allows me to learn more about what is out there and will help students in the future to help reach their goals.”
With the school year almost over, Brennan is excited for free money, for his students, that is.
“March and April are heavy with scholarship due dates. So, I am excited to see the applications of seniors that are taking the initiative to get free money that is out there to help with their life goals.”
Brennan’s commitment to his students will enable them to grow and thrive beyond their academic journeys. With his passion for learning and dedication to his students, Brennan Schrader is an asset to the Stanley-Boyd School District.
