As the final bell approaches this May, it won’t just mark the end of another academic year and the graduation of the Class of 2025. It will mark something far more meaningful, the closing of a remarkable chapter in UC High’s history, as beloved Film Arts and AP US History Teacher Michael Brown will retire after 31 years of dedication, inspiration, and passionate, effective teaching. Over the past three decades, Brown has done far more than teach history and other subjects; he has mentored, motivated, and profoundly impacted thousands of students, shaping generations with lessons that extend well beyond the classroom. 

   Throughout his tenure at UC High, Brown became more than just a teacher, he became a fixture of the campus community and a steady presence whose guidance and wisdom helped students find clarity not only in their academics but in their lives. Whether it be through a thought-provoking lecture or a few words of encouragement, Brown has always made it a priority to connect with his students as people. 

   Yet, ironically enough, Brown never planned on being a teacher. He said, “I was a history major in college because I loved the narrative, but I didn’t have a career in mind — I just followed what I was passionate about and figured I’d sort the rest out later.” It wasn’t until later in life, after exploring careers in commercial real estate, investment banking and restaurant work, that Brown found his true calling in the classroom. “I didn’t have much foundation growing up,” he explained. “My dad left when I was in eighth grade, and I knew I wanted something more stable — for myself, for my future family. Teaching gave me that.”  But for Brown, teaching wasn’t just about the stability it gave him, it was about his students. 

   From his very first year at UC High in the ‘90s, Brown committed himself to guiding students with not only academic insight, but compassion and purpose to life as a whole. “If there’s one thing I’ve always wanted to do, it’s to prepare students not just to pass tests — but to handle life,” said Brown, “to think for themselves, to make decisions they’re proud of.” That intention has shaped every aspect of his teaching. Brown emphasizes self-reflection and emotional awareness just as much as historical analysis or artistic critique. 

  Whether it was through discussions of the deeper meaning of a film or helping students understand the broader trends that shape society, his goal was always to connect learning to life. “Nothing happens in a vacuum,” he explained. “There’s always an action and a reaction, and if you can recognize that, you can make sense of the world around you.”

  Students quickly came to recognize that his classroom was different. It was a space where they felt heard, respected, and encouraged to explore ideas without fear of judgment. “He always made you feel like your thoughts mattered,” said Senior Raman Phyzhk. “Even if you were unsure or confused, he’d meet you where you were and help you grow from there.”

  That personal connection Pyzhyk described is something that Brown consistently prioritized. “I’ve always believed that teaching starts with empathy,” Brown said. “If students feel supported, they’ll be more open to learning. They’ll take more risks, ask deeper questions, and become more confident in their own voices.” This approach to teaching is what makes him different and affects students regardless of who was in the class or what subject was taught.

   So while Brown’s career involved teaching everything from AP US History to Film Arts, his legacy can’t be captured in a syllabus. His legacy and impact live far beyond campus and the classroom. It lives in the conversations that happened after class, the advice given during tough times, and the lifelong impact he’s had on thousands of students who passed through his door. “Mr. Brown didn’t just teach, he made you want to be a better student and person,” said Senior Alejandro Flores-Meja.

   The impact felt by his students was reciprocal within him. As Brown reflected on his time at UC High, he noted that the most fulfilling part of his career has been the human connections. “I may not have made as much money as my friends in the private sector, but I had a purpose. I had consistency. I got to be part of something bigger than myself. And I got to help people find who they are,” said Brown.

   So as retirement nears, Brown is ready for a new chapter, one filled with surfing, snowboarding, travel, and family. “I’ve lived on a schedule for 31 years,” he laughed. “Now I want to see what life looks like without one.” However, this doesn’t mean he has ruled out returning to campus entirely. Brown is still considering doing occasional substitute work, joking that “Maybe I’ll sub a few times a month – just enough to pay for my ski passes.”

   Now, as UC High prepares to say goodbye to one of its most respected and cherished educators, Brown’s influence will remain embedded in the fabric of the school. The values he taught will continue to ripple through the generations of students he’s inspired, because as he always reminded them, “What if it all works out?”