Dr. Kearney Middle School teacher who goes ‘above and beyond’ named February’s Pita Pit Teacher of the Month

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A teacher at Dr. Kearney Middle School says he was “shocked” to be named February’s Pita Pit Teacher of the Month.

Mike O’Brien teaches grade seven core subjects – math, english, social studies and science – along with math nine. According to O’Brien, he has been teaching for just over 10 years.

On being named Teacher of the Month, O’Brien told Energeticcity.ca he was both shocked and happy to receive the honour.

“Ultimately, I’m just a guy trying to do my job well and try and get these kids to learn a few things, whether it’s the content I’m giving them or just some other life lessons,” he said.

“Hopefully, I can keep up with the good work enough that I will have actually really earned that title.”

His nomination letter describes him as “deeply passionate” about helping his students and intentional about creating a “safe, inclusive and welcoming” classroom. 

“Mike is the kind of teacher who consistently goes above and beyond for his students,” the letter reads. 

“By meeting students where they’re at, he takes the time to understand each student’s individual needs and ensures they have the tools and support necessary for equal opportunities to succeed.”

His nominator also noted he uses tools like reader pens to support different learning styles.

According to O’Brien, he completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education at Vancouver Island University before moving to Fort St. John with his wife for his career and to be closer to family.

Asked about the best part of teaching, he said: “It is never a dull day, because there’s always going to be a good story by the end of it.”

He especially values the “aha!” moments, where things suddenly “click” for his students. 

“A couple years ago, I actually heard a kid say, and I quote, ‘I have never understood fractions until this moment,’ and that was just a really cool thing.”

Beyond the classroom, O’Brien says he helps run math contests, coordinates science fair participation and continues a long-running Roman legion event for grade seven students.

“[The students and] teachers get together and we give the kids cardboard swords and shields, and they get to do battle with each other,” said O’Brien, adding the tradition was started years ago by another teacher.

Congratulations to Mike O’Brien, February’s Pita Pit Teacher of the Month.

The monthly event is part of Moose Media and Pita Pit Canada’s mission to honour teachers in the community. 

Each month, the winner receives a $100 gift card and is highlighted in an article on Energeticcity.ca.

Anyone looking to nominate a teacher who deserves recognition can do so here.