Teacher Spotlight

Elliot Kidd
Social Media Manager
  Bonneville High School has different aspects of science that students can learn about. Bradley Coombs, a science teacher, is responsible for many of these classes. His classes include two outdoorsman classes, Vertebrate Zoology, Anatomy and Physiology. 
  Coombs was fresh out of Kansas Wesleyan University when he got an offer to be a substitute at BHS.  Due to a teacher leaving during the school year, Coombs took over his classes for the remainder of the year as a full-time substitute. The following year, he was hired as a full-time teacher. At the end of 2024, Coombs will complete his fifth year teaching. Having started college with the hope of becoming a physical therapist, during his sophomore year Coombs decided to take a scientific path. One of the biggest reasons he chose to change career paths was the physical therapy world is often “cut throat.” When looking at other career options, his love of math and science was kept in mind. Coombs had a love of both; however, he chose science because he enjoys teaching ecology.
  Coombs enjoys teaching all his classes; however, he enjoys some more than others. One of Coombs’ favorite subjects to teach is the outdoorsman class. He explained, “Ecology [is the] base of learning Idaho's ecosystem.” Pairing well with his outdoorsman class, Coombs prefers a kinesthetic approach to teaching, including projects and assignments. Coombs’ outdoorsman classes give students the opportunity to gain basic knowledge of the surrounding environment as well gain a hunting license and a boating license.  Coombs prefers to live as life takes him; he lived by the motto "go where the building blocks [fall].” However, Coombs never saw his career path to be football, an extracurricular activity he did. He saw himself down the path of science or math. His interest in mathematics was partly due to its influence on science formulas. If he needed to he could teach a math class. However, Coombs prefers to stick to his habitat, science. 
     For upcoming students some things to know before taking Coombs classes. His teaching is mostly based in sketch books, heavy lectures, and activities based teaching. In his five years of teaching at BHS. Coombs has helped the BHS science department grow in their many programs for students to learn.