Brett Wells, Health and P.E. teacher at West, was once an insecure and sweaty 7th grader like you. When he was young, his mother inspired him to play sports, work out, and helped him to overcome his insecurities. Now, he is a confident husband, dad, coach, and teacher.

Mr. Wells’s mom was one of the most important role models in his life. His mom taught P.E. John Glenn high school and water safety instructor at Oakland Community College. She is a major reason Mr. Wells started teaching. When he was younger, he was insecure, but his mom encouraged him to play sports. The sports helped build his confidence. His mom made a huge impact on his life.

Mr. Wells was a self-conscious seventh grader, but sports changed how he viewed himself. His favorite sports are basketball and softball. Now that Mr. Wells is an adult and has a family of his own, he passes on his love for sports to his daughters, Avery and Ruby.

Mr. Wells coaches many sports. He coaches volleyball, basketball, and coaches his daughters’ softball team. He is also the West Middle School Athletic Director. Mr. Wells coaches and teaches P.E.  because he loves seeing kids have fun and enjoy themselves.

Mr. Wells has been a teacher for 14 years. Mr. Wells is friendly and helpful and teaches because he loves kids. He does not teach for the money. Mr. Wells clearly stated, “I like seventh grade the best because they aren’t needy like sixth graders, but they’re not as careless as eighth graders.” Mr. Wells said that teaching is his passion and he couldn’t see himself in any other career.

Mr. Wells is a family man by heart. He adores his wife, Diane, and his two daughters. Unfortunately, his wife is unable to have more kids because she has epileptic seizures. Mr. Wells said himself, “I would have loved to have had a boy to pass on the family name. Being a father is the best experience ever.”

It was a very interesting story about how Mr. Wells and his wife met. They first locked eyes on a blind date some years ago. In Mr. Wells’s words, “I knew from the start it was a relationship I had to pursue.” He knew right away that it was love at first sight.

Middle school is tough, but how you feel now is not how you’re going to feel forever. Twenty-five years later, Mr. Wells has transformed himself from “Sweaty Bretty” to a role model for all.