From leaving well-paid jobs to follow his dream of teaching, Brent Bloom’s journey is a testament to his faith and determination as he embraces his role in inspiring high school students.
Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith to achieve your dreams. Sometimes that leap finds you in a classroom filled with high school students, a sombrero perched on your head, teaching Spanish.
That is exactly what happened to Brent Bloom. He is set to graduate with a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction with Teacher Certification in Secondary Education degree in May 2025. This achievement is a culmination of decades of growth, faith and transformation. His journey toward education, however, didn’t start in the classroom, but in places many miles away from his current career.
A risk pays off
Brent had two major jobs before pursuing his teaching dream: a 26-year tenure at Aunt Millie’s Bakeries and just over a year at the Michigan Department of Corrections at Lakeland Correctional Facility in the kitchen. So, why would someone leave these good-paying jobs?
To follow their dream, of course!
The pivotal moment came when Brent applied for a position helping inmates receive their GEDs, a role he was unfortunately denied due to lacking further education. One of the inmates asked Brent, “‘Why wouldn’t you want to apply to help students in a high school setting?’” This question sparked a realization for Brent, leading him to transition into the uncertainty of substitute teaching. “The idea of taking a great leap of faith allowed me to feel liberated in my choice. I always thought that I could never pull the trigger to leave a well-paid position to chase a dream.”
With every risk come challenges, and Brent faced them head-on. Knowing he wouldn’t be paid during the summer as a substitute and balancing his responsibilities with studying, he tapped into his retirement funds to support this new chapter.
Teaching with joy
Today, Brent teaches Spanish to ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders at Quincy High School, where he’s known for his infectious enthusiasm and ability to connect with students. “I am still excited as I greet students wearing a sombrero and at times singing in the halls of Quincy High School between hours simply because it is better than being in a factory,” he says, highlighting the joy he finds in his work compared to his past career.
He values creating a positive atmosphere in the classroom, something he emphasized early on in his coursework. “I have been able to maintain a positive classroom atmosphere and that is one major factor I shared early on in my coursework here at CUAA—the importance of creating a positive atmosphere.”
Brent also believes in being authentic and relatable to his students. Drawing on advice from friends at Aunt Millie’s and even inmates from his time at Lakeland Correctional Facility, Brent strives to keep things real with no deception in the classroom while “keeping things light and funny while teaching the rules of Spanish.” His past careers have taught him valuable lessons in order and assertiveness, skills that he now incorporates into his teaching. While humor and positivity play a large role, Brent also understands the importance of structure and discipline, ensuring that students not only enjoy the learning process but also stay focused and engaged. This balance of authenticity, lightheartedness, and firmness is key to the classroom atmosphere he cultivates.
Family as a foundation
Throughout his journey, Brent has relied heavily on the unwavering support of his wife, Liliana, who completed the same program he is currently working through.
“I see God through the actions of my wife,” he explains. “She is the rock that keeps me moving ahead when times get tough in the classroom. I helped around the house and gave her space to complete her goals. She is doing the same by keeping me focused on my work by holding me accountable to my dream.”
Their shared experiences as Spanish teachers have deepened their bond and helped them remain focused on their goals.
Mentors and guidance
Brent attributes much of his success to the mentorship of Dr. Sara Clemm von Hohenberg (Dr. CvH) at CUAA and the teachers at Bronson Jr./Sr. High School. Their collective guidance has been instrumental in shaping him as both a student and a teacher.
“Dr. CvH has offered her time in making sure that my needs are met academically by solving questions and helping me through this process,” Brent says, emphasizing how her support has been crucial in navigating the complexities of returning to school.
In addition to Dr. CvH, Brent credits his coworkers for their role in his development as an educator. “The teachers at Bronson Jr./Sr. High School have helped me by being my mentor in the hours worked thus far and staff members who support my efforts,” he explains. These mentors have provided practical, hands-on guidance as he has spent time in their classrooms, learning from their experience and applying those lessons to his own teaching.
Challenges and overcoming adversity
His journey into education has not been without its share of challenges. Transitioning from long careers in the bakery industry and corrections into the classroom was a leap of faith. Overcoming personal obstacles, such as vision loss, added further complexity. Balancing his studies with substitute teaching has also tested his resilience. Reflecting on the transition, Brent shares, “The hardest part about going back to school is that I’m 50 years old and while my peers are thinking about retirement, I am getting into education.” Despite these challenges, Brent has never wavered in his pursuit of his dream.
What has helped Brent most during these tough moments has been his unwavering faith. “He (God) has led me blindly all this way by allowing others to take me by the hand and show me how He wants me to work for His kingdom,” Brent shares, reflecting on how his faith has guided him through adversity. For Brent, faith is not just a source of comfort, but a driving force that shapes his decisions and keeps him moving forward, even when the path is uncertain.
“Furthering my education will give me access to one day share the Gospel with others.”
Looking ahead: the dream of teaching social studies
Brent’s ultimate goal is to return to work near his wife and secure a position as a social studies teacher at Bronson Jr./Sr. High School, where he hopes to continue inspiring and shaping the lives of young students. “My ultimate goal after graduation is to be one who can help offer influence on the next generation of Michigan high school students,” Brent shares, reflecting on his passion for education and his desire to make a meaningful impact in the classroom. For him, teaching social studies is not just about covering historical facts or government systems—it’s about fostering critical thinking, encouraging students to engage with the world around them, and helping them become informed citizens who can contribute to society.
Life’s new possibilities
After initially beginning his studies nearly three decades ago, Brent returned to school in 2022 at Liberty University, ultimately graduating in May of 2023. Now, in the pursuit of his master’s degree, he has once again embraced the idea of lifelong learning. “I started in August 2023 with hopes to finish my run with a master’s degree,” he says, underscoring his determination and perseverance. This ongoing commitment reflects Brent’s belief that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams and make a meaningful impact through education.
“Life is like Schrödinger’s Cat from The Big Bang Theory. You will never know what you are capable of until you open the box,” Brent muses, reflecting on the bold choices that have shaped his journey. For him, opening that box has led to a world of new possibilities—one filled with opportunities to impact lives, inspire students, and follow the path that God has laid before him. What started as a leap of faith into the unknown has now become a calling, where every day in the classroom is a chance to make a difference.
Want in?
Interested in a shift in your career? Concordia’s teacher certification program allows you to earn your Teacher Certification in elementary or secondary education. Our flexible post-baccalaureate program makes it so you can continue working while completing your coursework, with the flexibility to complete student teaching at a school local to you. Combining your teaching certification with a master’s in curriculum instruction (MSCI) can set you apart in the field, with an added bonus of being eligible for financial aid!
—This story is written by Keara Chaperon, Social Media Manager for Concordia University Ann Arbor and Concordia University Wisconsin. She may be reached at keara.chaperon@cuaa.edu.