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.”
Bradley Upshaw
Tarzana, CA | Years Taught: 1985 – Present
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
Inducted: 2018
State: California