Here you can view a sample of the recommendations and testimonials that I have received from students, parents, colleagues, administrators, and community members. Each sample quote is a link to an image or PDF of the testimonial itself, so simply click on the quote and the full text will appear in a pop-up window. If you are utilizing a pop-up blocker, you may need to disable it to view the full screen versions.

Awards

• Disney American Teacher Award Nomination
• Excellence In Teaching Award
• ETS Recognition of Excellence
• You Make A Difference Award

Administrators

• Brad Zdenek is a bright, articulate, energetic, optimistic colleague. His technology knowledge and skills are broad and impressive, and are at high level that is rare, especially among people with his academic preparation … (LinkedIn Recommendation) – Dr. Kyle Peck (Executive Director)
• Mr. Zdenek’s’ record was impeccable, his knowledge and expertise unquestioned and his capabilities as a teacher and leader was an inspiration to the total school. He has the skills, ability, knowledge, and talent to excel at an exceptionally high level in any program …– Bobby Allen (Principal)
• I frequently received phone calls from parents wanting me to know that while their children never liked school before, they came home talking about “Mr.Z” and his class. Mr. Zdenek’s knowledge of children coupled with his unique style of teaching and his incorporation of the various learning styles will help him be an effective instructional leader … – Jennifer Carnes (Assistant Principal)
• This young man is one of the brightest, most research-oriented teachers I have encountered in over thirty years in education. His intellect, passion for exactitude, and his bottomless curiosity single him out. He has the ability to conduct an extremely effective verbal presentation and to stimulate active inquiry and interest … – Robert Christesen (Assistant Principal)

Colleagues

• Brad is a very detailed and professional educator. Patient and thorough, you can depend on Brad to smile and persevere. His leadership with the Regional Educational Laboratory at Penn State made large data-collection assignments successful and rewarding. Brad is a devoted dad and husband with a work ethic and personality to make him a success at home and a benefit to any organization. (LinkedIn Recommendation) – Larry Wess (Executive Director)
• Brad was excellent at organizing professional development workshops to meet the needs of diverse stakeholder groups. He was responsive and good to work with. (LinkedIn Recommendation) – Ellen Mandinach (Senior Research Scientist)
• I have observed him in the literal classroom setting and the global classroom setting. In both situations students and adults seem to be mesmerized by his way of sharing his wisdom and experience. They seem eager to learn more from him. Not only does Brad have an enormous wealth of knowledge and experiences to share, but he is also able to instill the desire in others to continue their learning process which is a skill many teachers strive for years to acquire … – Jennifer Barnett (Teacher)
• … he covered the curriculum and covered it with a combination of facts, details, stories, hands-on activities, projects, research, group work, and just about any other teaching style you could ask to find in an experienced teacher’s classroom … – Laurie Hayes (Teacher and Mentor)
• Brad consistently presented his knowledge to the students in a manner that grabbed their attention as well as triggered their curiosity to know more. His knowledge base was expansive due in part to his continued travel around the world, awareness of varied perspectives regarding current events, and his genuine dedication to his profession … – Keiba Nimmons (Teacher and Team Leader)

Parents

• When I met you this year and saw how you taught, I thought, “that’s the way I want to teach.” So … even though you are much younger than me, you have been an inspiration to me as well as to your students … – Kim Z. (Parent and Teacher)
• You have a special gift for your work and are truly what I would call a life-changing teacher … your level of enthusiasm, knowledge, and respect for other cultures and people that you shared with Leah led to many interesting home discussions and helped navigate through uncertain times … – Judy J. (Parent)
• You are such an asset to the teaching profession … – Donna W. (Parent, Teacher, and Mentor)
• Hannah has had a wonderful year, thanks to your teaching! She truly has a love for Social Studies and you inspired her … – Karen M. (Parent)
• Today, Seth informed me that Social Studies was his favorite class. When asking him about this, he told me that it was because you made learning so much fun … – Karla W. (Parent)
• My husband and I would like to express our sincere thanks for the outstanding job you have done with the seventh graders this year. You have made social studies interesting and relevant, and more importantly, you have taught the kids how to respect and appreciate other cultures … – Shelagh K. (Parent)

Students

• You’ve inspired me that I can be an even better person than I am now. You’ve also taught me that one person can change the world if they have inspiration and determination … – Diana C. (Student)
• … I guess what I am trying to say is that you have a gift. You were able to reach at least one person (me) and I’m forever grateful. Don’t ever give up teaching, because you are so inspiring and I hope your next students will get as much out of you as I did … – Sarah G. (Student)
• You have blessed all of your students with the gifts of knowledge and tolerance, and those are the best gifts you could give. You have enriched our minds and spirits with your passion for culture and other lands … – Leah J. (Student)
• (Poem) You were always there, You made school fun, you did not have a teacher’s pet, you loved everyone … – Danielle S. (Student)

Community Members

• Brad Zdenek, “Dr. Z”, as the students here at REACH call him, has been truly a “GOD Send”. He is a very diligent worker, very punctual, shows much enthusiasm working with youth, he’s caring and very much considerate of others. These are but a few adjectives I would use to describe Brad. The students all love him … – Judy Duncan – (REACH After-School Program Director)
• Thank You for making our school a better place – The students of Easter Seals Child Development Center
• You have so many wonderful talents and we are blessed that you are willing to share them with us. – Jim Watt (Easter Seals Central PA Senior Development Associate)