Bradley Upshaw

Tarzana, CA | Years Taught: 1985 – Present

Bradley is proud to tell people what he does: “I am filled with purpose and joy every day. My particular skill set matches perfectly with my tasks as a teacher. Inspiring everyone on my campus to self-improve is all part of the job. Every interaction I have with every student is an opportunity to build trust and set higher expectations for what is possible.” Upshaw believes that teaching is storytelling: “I try to find the essential. I do not want to be boring. I do not want to turn off their curiosity and sense of wonder. There has to be a reason to come to school every day. I want students to know that something great is going to happen and they don’t want to miss it. Let’s be smarter and nicer than we were yesterday.”

Additional Recognition

  • 1987 – 2019 • 81 Video in the Classroom Awards- KLCS TV/LAUSD
  • 1988 – 2006 • Lifetime Achievement/Judging Coordinator- CA Student Media Festival
  • 1998 • Excellence as a Distinguished Educator- Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers
  • 2013 National Board Certified (renewed 2023)
  • 2017 • Teacher of the Year Finalist- Encino Chamber of Commerce
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