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Gem Prep Educator Earns Idaho New School Fellowship to Launch School in Twin Falls
Educator Adam Bruno is not new to Gem Prep’s mission and their commitment to Idaho scholars. He is currently a Secondary Social Studies teacher at Gem Prep: Nampa, and as an Idaho New School Fellow, is working with the Gem Prep leadership team and Bluum to launch a Gem Prep school in Twin Falls in 2023.
“Taking what I’ve learned from those really awesome folks and just continue to spread that mission and to give Idaho scholars the best opportunity to learn, to go on to college, and to become the best people they can be. So when I saw this was an opportunity I was like this is it. This is the chance,” Adam said.
Adam was born in Illinois and attended college in Ohio. Bruno will receive his M.Ed. Educational Leadership from the University of Idaho in the spring of 2023. He has his M.A. in History from Miami University of Ohio and his B.A. in History from Valparaiso University. He is excited to bring his experience and education to Twin Falls to serve our students and families.
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Q: What inspired you to become an educator?
A: “I just think back on my own life and the biggest most important people in my life outside of my family, were educators. I think it’s safe to say I’m not the person I am without some really great teachers. And just thinking about education — that is the future. That might sound a little cliché but creating a strong, democracy, a place where everybody can thrive, we need really good teachers, we need really good teacher leaders. That’s what drove me to wanting to become a teacher, just to be able to inspire the next generation of people and to be a part of making a really great community where I am and that’s now Idaho — which I love.”
Q: What made you decide to pursue the Idaho New School Fellowship and to work with Gem Prep?
A: “I love the work Gem Prep does, so when I saw Gem Prep had the opportunity partnering with Bluum to create another school and be able to spread our mission — I was like — I want to be apart of that. I’ve gotten the opportunity to work with really awesome school leaders in my years at Nampa, and I was like, I think I can do that. Taking what I’ve learned from those really awesome folks and just continue to spread that mission and to give Idaho scholars the best opportunity to learn, to go on to college, and to become the best people they can be. So when I saw this was an opportunity I was like this is it. This is the chance.”
Q: What part of the Idaho New School Fellowship/Gem Prep experience are you most excited about? Or looking forward to?
A: “I think just spreading the mission of what Gem Prep does and what Bluum has backed us to do and what we’re all about, just getting the chance to help so many more scholars get the chance to learn, achieve their highest potential. Building a new school is so cool. I’ve been working with veteran Gem building leader Nanette Merrill, who’s been opening our Gem Prep Meridian North school. I’m just learning everything that goes into this work. It is so exciting. Being able to have that opportunity is going to be super cool.”
Q: What do you hope to bring to the school? What’s your vision?
A: “Building on our Gem Prep mission and vision of preparing scholars for college, giving them those college credits, giving them the opportunity for college and beyond. But I think personally what I can bring is a lot of enthusiasm, and that coaching idea to help coach teachers — to help their scholars succeed. For me leadership is all about coaching and helping people become the best them. Once teachers are the best versions of themselves then they help scholars become the best version of themselves and then we all succeed.”
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of this adventure you’re on?
A: “There are so many things. This is such an awesome opportunity, But I think learning from a lot of really great people because I think the moment you stop learning you just made a huge mistake —or else why are you in education? So, the most rewarding part is just getting the chance to learn, and then take what I’ve learned and help other people continue to grow to become their very best.”
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Bluum is honored to work with the Gem Prep leadership team to support Adam Bruno and his role in helping to launch a great Gem Prep school in Twin Falls. Get to know our other new Idaho School Fellow for 2021, Logan Waetje.
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