Fairhaven Gym Teacher Makes ‘Every Kid Feel Like a Leader’ [TEACHER OF THE MONTH]

It was field day at the Wood School in Fairhaven. What better day than to honor the school's physical education teacher?

Brian Munce has been teaching the students at the Wood School about fun and fitness for decades. More importantly, he has extended those lessons about keeping your body moving into life lessons of perseverance and leadership.

"He makes every kid feel like a leader," the Ponte children wrote in a letter nominating Munce for Teacher of the Month.

The handwritten note from the family acknowledged that all of the teachers at Wood School have been special to them, but Mr. Munce stood out.  It's not unusual for Munce to stop at one of Fairhaven's parks on his way home to play football, soccer or basketball with the kids.

That type of dedication moved the Teacher of the Month committee enough to select Munce as the final winner for the 2023-2024 school year.

Students and staff gathered outside for field day erupted in agreement when we announced that Munce was the winner.

"Mr. Munce!  Mr. Munce!" chanted hundreds of his fans, including parents.

At a time when positive male role models are vital, Munce is the gold standard.

Munce will receive a $200 Visa gift card and a 50-inch TV from Vermette Development/VCORP and Vermette Enterprises.

We're also grateful to our sponsors A&M Driving School, Bay State Movement Academy, Bay State Gymnastics Academy, First Citizens Federal Credit Union and Prima CARE for helping us pull this off for another school year.

We look forward to bringing back Teacher of the Month this fall. It is far and away one of our favorite programs.