IPS Employee Spotlight: Martin Bruner Talks About His Career in Education

Welcome to the IPS Employee Spotlight, where we shine a light on the dedicated individuals who significantly impact Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS)t. In this engaging Q&A session, Martin Bruner, a counselor at Northwest Middle School, talks about his career and how he is working to make an impact in the district.

Now in his 15th year in education and fifth year with IPS, Martin has served the district in multiple roles, including math teacher and school counselor. He began his career at Howe Middle School, where he taught math for five years before deciding to pursue a different path in education. Recognizing his passion for supporting students beyond the classroom, Martin earned a Masters degree in School Counseling from Butler University and transitioned into his current role as a school counselor. For the past two years, he has been serving students and families at Northwest Middle School.

Martins academic journey began at Indiana University, where he majored in Mathematics. His desire to help young people learn and grow led him to obtain his teaching license and ultimately sparked his interest in school counseling. His experience in both teaching and counseling has allowed him to build meaningful relationships with students while guiding them academically, socially, and emotionally throughout their middle school years.

Q What specific roles and responsibilities do you have at IPS currently?

ACurrently, I am a school counselor for Northwest Middle School. I have many different roles and responsibilities. I teach lessons to classes on numerous counseling topics such as how to cope with stress. I conduct small individual sessions with students in which I help them with their skills and listen to their needs, academic or personal. I meet every new student and am responsible for introducing our Northwest culture. My role also includes heading meetings on attendance data and reports, in order to boost student participation. I give tours to incoming fifth-grade students and their parents and even visit their current school in order to introduce our middle school culture in a familiar environment. I help our eighth-grade students by informing 21st Century Scholars candidates about their opportunities. I also make sure eighth graders are prepared for high school enrollment, matching student interests to specific classes. I organize college and high school field trips. Lastly, I coach the boys' and girls' tennis team.  Every day at Northwest Middle School presents me with new and fulfilling challenges as a counselor.

QWhy did you choose to work at IPS, and what motivates you to stay?

AI love working with the students and am passionate about helping them reach their goals. IPS has an amazing leadership team that truly listens to new ideas meant to help students. Personally, IPS leadership empowers me as a school counselor to always do what's best for the students. However, the kids are my main motivation. It is an absolute pleasure getting to see them grow day-by-day, and helping them realize their dreams.

QHow has your experience at IPS differed from your previous professional experiences?

AIPS appreciates school counselors and treats them as leaders. Counselors are properly trusted to do their work, and their opinions are valued. IPS looks out for its students and wants what is best for them.  These factors motivate me every day to want to come to work and make a difference.

QWhy is education important to you, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

AWhen I was forging a path during my college years, the luster of math began to lose its shine. I came to realize that cubicles were stifling and numbers monotonous. However, while I worked on my math education in college, I naturally gravitated toward tutoring my classmates. I started to think that I might be able to bring math skills into education, a perfect professional meeting of my two passions.

QCan you describe a particularly rewarding moment or achievement you have experienced while working at IPS?

AThere are numerous rewarding moments, but possibly the most significant experience is witnessing students shift their negative attitudes to something more positive. I tend to challenge quite a few students who detest math class. The most common complaints fall somewhere along the lines of, "I hate math," or "my teacher doesn't explain it well," and even, "Why do I even need to take this class?" etc. I work alongside Northwest's amazing faculty to boost students' confidence, helping them realize they can achieve so much more than they previously assumed. And when those students see their test scores and grades go up, their joy is my joy. Those kinds of moments are priceless.

QHow do you approach your job daily, and what strategies do you use to stay motivated and effective?

AI approach the job every day with as much flexibility and patience as possible. Each day presents wholly new challenges. Some days, I come into work with a list of what I plan to do in a day but shift completely due to daily circumstances. The key to a good day is being comfortable with adaptation. I never abandon goals, of course. I analyze data in order to guide decisions, but also offer flexibility when the students needs merit attention.

QIn your opinion, what are the key strengths of the Rebuilding Stronger initiative, and how do you see it impacting the future of IPS?

AThe Rebuilding Stronger Initiative will benefit students and make IPS even stronger. The new facilities are beautiful, and they get the kids excited knowing their education is worth such an investment. Access to quality education is wonderful for every student, and seeing that equity matters. We have had some eighth graders who leave NWMS with upwards of ten high school credits before they even reach their freshman year, which can give them a great head start on their long-term goals. We have a wide variety of options for electives, all of which excite and interest students. Additionally, with our after-school activities, we have a ton of students opting to stay and enjoy NWMS opportunities even further.

QWhat advice would you give to new educators or staff members joining IPS to help them succeed and feel valued in their roles?

AFirst and foremost--welcome to the IPS family! I sincerely hope you feel like you are part of our family. Reach out to any of us for the support you need. Trust your instincts. You know your students. The more your students succeed, the more motivation you garner.