Meet Oyster Bay's New Teachers: Mr. Brush

By Kevin Hart

          He’s the new face of the Oyster Bay's Physical Education Department; however, many of us have already met him while playing sports or walking to class. Yes, he’s Mr. John Brush.

     ​      Mr. Brush attended high school at East Meadow High School, and he received his undergraduate degree in Physical Health and Education at Long Island University Post; he received his master’s degree in Special Education at LIU Post as well.
         After graduating from high school, Mr. Brush enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served from 2000 to 2009. After he left the Marine Corps, he began coaching a variety of sports, including wrestling.
      When asked why he chose to work for the district, Mr. Brush told us, “It’s a very supportive community, and it’s a very supportive administration we have here. As far as the teachers I’ve worked with, they’ve all been a very helpful team.” He also noted, “It just seemed like it was a good fit for me.”
          This is the first year Mr. Brush is teaching full time in the district. Before becoming a full-time PE teacher at OBHS, Mr. Brush was hired as a Teaching Assistant for the Special Education program, and he has helped in the ACE program as well. 
        Mr. Brush also shared that he plans on developing relationships with all of his students. "I feel like if you have a relationship with a student, that student trusts you, and you can uplift that student. It will make that student want to learn, pay more attention, and succeed in the things you have to offer.”
       Like many other educators, Mr. Brush wishes to continue to grow in his career, saying, “There are a lot of possibilities out there. There’s always the possibility of becoming an Athletic Director, a principal, or even a superintendent. As of right now though, I really enjoy teaching, and I really enjoy coaching.”
       Not only does Mr. Brush love teaching children, but he has three of his own kids. He loves being a dad to his three children: JJ, 11, Ryan, 7, and the youngest, his daughter Nicki, 1.
     Mr. Brush is excited to be teaching at OBHS. He wishes to continue developing relationships with the student body as a trustworthy and inspiring teacher and coach. It is assured that he is an excellent fit for our OBHS family.
​      Welcome aboard, Mr. Brush!