We are delighted to announce our March 2025 Teacher of the Month. Brandon Sullivan is a third grade teacher at Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8 Community School (BVHM). We are honored to recognize Mr. Sullivan for his unwavering dedication to his students, school, and community!
Mr. Sullivan’s dedication shines through in how he fosters a welcoming environment where every student can feel comfortable being themselves and engaged in learning. His students enjoy a wonderful rapport with him and feel empowered to express their thoughts and feelings. In his classroom, students enter a learning space that celebrates who they are while encouraging them to reach high standards. Mr. Sullivan skillfully builds these meaningful relationships to inspire confidence and motivation in his students, helping them achieve their learning goals.
One 8th grade student says, “Mr. Sullivan is funny and nice. Also, he’s very dedicated to helping his students, even if you give him a hard time, and outside of class, he’ll listen to you when needed.”
When Mr. Sullivan was made aware of concerns regarding bullying towards a particular student, he took immediate action by creating an incident tracker to share with his fellow teachers and staff. Although this student wasn’t in Mr. Sullivan’s class this year, he had been part of Mr. Sullivan’s class in the previous year. This highlights Mr. Sullivan’s genuine commitment to student well-being, showing that he truly cares about their success beyond just academics.
Another 7th grade student says, “I like Mr. Sully cuz he is a chill guy. He likes me ‘cause he sits me with my friends. I like reading and watching The Outsiders with him.”
Another 8th grade student says, “Mr. Sullivan is kind and passionate. He helped me with test taking and writing essays. He gave us a lot of helpful strategies to use during tests and taught us how to cite evidence.”
What’s more, Mr. Sullivan is a delight to work alongside, thanks to his positive, can-do attitude, proactive spirit, and approachable nature. He is dependable and cherished not only by students but also by his colleagues and peers at BVHM. His strong connections with both students and staff create a warm sense of community and teamwork at BVHM.
In Mr. Sullivan’s class, the seating arrangement and vibrant classroom culture promote collaborative thinking. His students thrive as they learn to work together as a team. When one student in a group needs assistance, he thoughtfully addresses the whole table, recognizing that others may have similar inquiries. He also encourages his emerging bilingual students to support one another, fostering an environment of shared learning and engagement.
Another 8th grade student says, “Mr. Sullivan is a friendly teacher. He helps me practice my English and learn about the history of other countries.”
Additionally, Mr. Sullivan is keenly aware of his class’s understanding and adeptly adjusts his explanations to cater to different learning styles. If students are grappling with claims one week, he ensures that the following week includes whole-group practice, where they’re supported in pulling quotes and crafting explanations that back their claims.
Mr. Sullivan exemplifies a student-centered, asset-based approach in both his teaching and interactions, showing how he sets up his students for success by being attuned to their needs.Meet other Teacher of the Month awardees, and nominate a special SFUSD teacher in your life.