At Bridges, we believe that great teachers don’t only focus on academics. They are dedicated to nurturing the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically. This month, we are excited to launch our new spotlight series with Brian Dugan, a dedicated educator whose passion for individualized learning, experiential education, and personal growth is inspiring our Flamingoes and the greater Bridges community.
Beyond the Break: A Surfer’s Path to Education
Brian Dugan grew up in Boca Raton, Florida, where he spent his teenage years riding his bike to the beach to surf with friends. Unlike the multi-generational surfing culture found in California, Brian was the first in his family to surf; his parents’ passion was diving the depths of the ocean, not riding its waves. For Brian, surfing became more than just a hobby—it was a way of life and a profound learning opportunity.
Brian attended the University of North Florida, earning his undergraduate degree in English Education before continuing for his Master’s in English. Even before stepping into the classroom, he knew he wanted to explore the world and live somewhere other than Florida. During Graduate School, he joined Rustic Pathways, an international teenage travel company, where he led summer surfing and service-focused programs in Costa Rica. It was during this period that he met his wife, Kristen, who also worked for the organization. Together, they committed to moving to California.
Carving His Education Path
Brian started teaching in Santa Cruz before moving to San Diego, where he taught at a Socratic methodology school. This environment, much like Bridges, emphasized small class sizes and a high level of collaboration between students and teachers. In addition to teaching 8th and 11th grade, he even coached the school’s surfing team—a uniquely Southern Californian experience!
Following his time at the Socratic school, Brian transitioned to a one-on-one school, which served as his first foray into special education. After a year and a half, he was promoted to director of education, essentially serving as the school’s vice principal. In this role, he became intimately familiar with student assessments, accommodations, and customized curriculum, all of which prepared him well for his current role at Bridges.
Hello Portland!
After visiting Portland, Brian and Kristen were drawn to its unique blend of urban life and outdoor adventure. Despite initial concerns about the colder climate—having grown up in sunny Florida—the accessibility to both the coastline and the mountains won him over. They also appreciated the lower cost of living and the opportunity to have a private yard for their dog, Juno. Brian moved to Portland just 30 days before starting his position at Bridges. His wife, also in education, works as a special educator in the North Clackamas School District.
Teaching Philosophy: Lessons from Surfing and Siddhartha
Brian’s experiences with surfing and literature deeply influence his teaching style. He believes that some lessons can only be learned through experience—trial, error, and repeated failure are essential parts of the educational process. Reflecting on his early surfing days, he shares:
“I really wanted to surf big waves, but in the beginning, I would often get pushed back to shore and crushed. The ocean teaches you lessons whether you want to learn them or not.”
This philosophy ties into his love for the novel Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse, which he read around the same time he was learning to surf. The book emphasizes that true wisdom isn’t simply about following someone else’s path—it’s about forging your own. Brian encourages his students to take ownership of their learning in the same way:
“All heroes in every origin story or heroes journey learn from trials and tribulations. Whether it’s socializing or academics, students need to explore and figure out what works for them. They are the owners of their own knowledge and growth.”
Why Bridges?
Brian was drawn to Bridges for its commitment to supporting students through small class sizes, supportive atmosphere, and individualized approach to learning. He’s had tremendous success in the past working with students when he’s been able to tailor academic, behavioral, and social plans to their specific needs.
“The capability of individualizing with a smaller school and class environment is priceless.”
Reflections on His First Year
Brian appreciates the trust and collaboration he has experienced at Bridges. Dr. Hall, Beven, and the administration encourages teachers to implement systems and routines that work best for their students, allowing for a dynamic and student-centered classroom environment.
“Bridges takes a very collaborative approach, not just with students, but with faculty and staff. As new teachers, we were empowered to adjust our methods based on what we learned about our students at the beginning of the year.”
Looking Ahead: Experiential Learning
One of Brian’s future goals is to expand experiential education opportunities for students. He envisions more hands-on learning experiences, whether on campus or out in the greater community.
“Textbooks are great—I love textbooks! But, like Siddhartha, we’re not going to learn everything from one. We need to get out and set our hands on it.”
We are grateful to have Brian Dugan as part of the Bridges team. His passion for education, combined with his life experiences, brings a unique and valuable perspective to the classroom. His dedication to fostering a supportive and individualized learning environment ensures that every student has the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Suggestion for Your Nightstand
Brian highly recommends every parent read, Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. It discusses the imperative role direct exposure to nature plays in healthy childhood development.
