A Concordia University graduate, where he earned his teaching credential, Mel Brencius is an elementary school teacher with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in working with children in grades four to six, with whom he takes a collaborative approach to ensure his lesson plans serve the needs of individuals as well as the collective. Mel Brencius aims to make his lessons fun and exciting, having been inspired by The Price is Right host, Bob Barker, as a child.

Mel Brencius often talks about his fascination with Bob Barker, which he developed after growing to admire Barker’s comical abilities and gentle manner. Whenever Mr. Brencius was asked who he wanted to be when he grew up, he’d answer Bob Barker because he hoped to bring the festive and enjoyable atmosphere Barker created to whatever career he entered.

Mel Brencius chose to teach because it allows him to create that same atmosphere for his students. He considers teaching as an opportunity to be somebody else’s Bob Barker through his ability to entertain and engage. His main goal is to develop such a strong understanding with his students that they don’t want to “change the channel,” much as he didn’t when he watched The Price is Right as a child.