Indianapolis, Indiana – In the latest edition of the IPS Employee Spotlight, we’re excited to highlight the journey of Brett W. Townsend, a dedicated educator whose impact on both students and the broader school community has been profound. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people at Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS).
Brett’s path to education was influenced by a combination of family legacy and personal experiences. Growing up in a family where both parents were public school teachers in Northwest Indiana, the value of education was deeply ingrained in him from an early age. As he reflected, “Education is important to me because it is a challenge to be a better version of oneself through openness and investment in others.” Brett recalls sitting at the dinner table, listening to his parents share stories from their classrooms. These stories were not only entertaining but also filled with passion and dedication. It was clear from a young age that teaching and learning were at the heart of his family’s identity, a legacy he would eventually continue.
Brett’s early interest in education was also shaped by his love for music. Throughout his K–12 years, he was actively involved in various music programs, participating in orchestra, jazz band, and concert band. It was during this time that his music teachers, such as Dan Pritchett, Tim Kopf, and Hans Sturm, inspired him. “They taught me universal lessons about personal growth, the continuum of learning, and being true to your passions,” he said, citing their influence on his decision to pursue a career in education. Initially, Brett chose to pursue a degree in music education at Ball State University, but he later transitioned to anthropology before fully realizing that his true calling was to become an educator.
After spending some time substitute teaching, Brett earned a master’s degree in special education from Indiana University Northwest. His passion for teaching and his experience in the classroom led him to the IPS Winter Job Fair in 2015, where he was hired by Harshman Middle School. Now, after nearly a decade of service, Brett has found his place at Harshman, teaching students and coaching a variety of sports, from boys’ soccer to track and field, and most recently, taking on the role of assistant athletic director.
Brett’s professional journey at IPS has been marked by his dedication to providing exceptional education for students with a range of academic and behavioral needs. For most of his career at IPS, Brett has worked as an inclusion teacher for 8th grade students. More recently, he transitioned to 7th grade, where he continues to support students with resource needs. His teaching role is just one aspect of his contributions to the school. Over the years, he has also coached boys’ and girls’ futsal, track and field, girls’ golf, and more. His ability to juggle these responsibilities speaks to his dedication and commitment to his students’ success both inside and outside the classroom.
When asked why he chose to work at IPS and what keeps him motivated to stay, Brett pointed to the strong support system provided by his colleagues and administrators. “I work at IPS because I have administrators and colleagues whom I trust,” he explained. This trust has been instrumental in enabling him to support the students who need it the most. Brett appreciates the flexibility and support he receives to meet the needs of his students, even when faced with unforeseen challenges and obstacles. “Despite professional disagreements, personal feelings, and the array of daily, unforeseen complicating factors, I know that I am supported in my decision-making,” he said. It’s clear that Brett’s commitment to his students is fueled by the trust and collaboration that IPS fosters.
Brett’s experience in education has also provided him with valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of working in special education. He noted that before joining IPS, he worked for a Special Education Cooperative, which served multiple school districts. This arrangement, he said, often made it difficult to form strong relationships with colleagues or advocate effectively for the students he was serving. “This disconnect as a pseudo-employee created many complications regarding advocacy for my caseload, building working relationships with colleagues, and having a clearly defined hierarchy of support as a young educator,” Brett explained. It was only after joining IPS that he truly felt connected to the school community and supported in his role as an educator.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Brett’s career at IPS has been the opportunity to help students overcome significant challenges. In particular, he recalled the success of one student who was released from special education services after demonstrating significant progress. The student had struggled with emotional regulation and social interactions, often resorting to aggressive behavior when faced with anxiety or frustration. However, after receiving academic and emotional support at Harshman, the student made remarkable strides in managing his emotions and, as Brett shared, was eventually able to “demonstrate that he no longer needed support.” For Brett, this moment was one of the most fulfilling of his career, as it marked the successful culmination of years of hard work, both on his part and that of his colleagues and the student’s family.
Brett’s daily approach to teaching is driven by his constant goal to be responsive, not reactive. “My constant goal as an educator is to be responsive, not reactive,” he stated. This mindset helps him stay focused on his students’ needs and allows him to adapt to each situation with a calm and measured response. By staying proactive and open to new approaches, Brett is able to provide a supportive environment where his students can thrive.
Another aspect of his work that he finds incredibly rewarding is being part of the Rebuilding Stronger initiative within IPS. Brett emphasized the importance of the initiative’s focus on middle school education and its efforts to ensure that students are prepared for high school and beyond. “The greatest strength of the Rebuilding Stronger initiative is the reopening of traditional 6-8 middle schools in IPS,” he noted. He believes that this cultural shift is essential for students as they navigate the transition from elementary to high school. Brett sees this as a long-term benefit for students, helping them develop the skills necessary to succeed in high school and beyond. He is confident that IPS middle schools will soon prove that they can provide the best educational experience for all students, not just those who fit a specific mold.
For those who are just starting out in their careers at IPS, Brett offers invaluable advice. “Find your foundation in veteran teachers, the more years of experience the better, who choose to talk positively about students, classes, and colleagues during more casual conversations,” he recommends. According to Brett, these experienced educators are essential for maintaining a positive, growth-oriented mindset in the face of the challenges that often come with teaching. They help new teachers see the long view and continue to find joy in the process of working with young people.
Brett’s dedication to his students and his passion for education make him a standout member of the IPS community. His story is a testament to the impact that a committed educator can have, not only on their students but also on the broader school environment. As he continues to support and inspire the students at Harshman Middle School, Brett W. Townsend’s influence will no doubt be felt for years to come.
