Carl Brownlee
Position: Middle School Social Studies Teacher
School: Fisher Magnet Upper Academy
School District: Detroit Public Schools
City, State: Detroit, MI
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Carl Brownlee was nominated by a community member, Marlon Johnson.
"Carl Brownlee is not just a teacher; he is a beacon of inspiration and a catalyst for positive change in the lives of countless children. With over two decades of dedication as a Middle School Social Studies teacher at Fisher Magnet Upper Academy in Detroit, Brownlee, a Marine Corp Veteran, has become synonymous with excellence in education and mentorship. His impact, however, extends far beyond the accolades and into the lives of students in one of the most challenging environments, the 48205 zip code, renowned as one of the most dangerous in the United States," stated Johnson.
In an era marked by challenges and adversity for students, Mr. Brownlee stands out as a compassionate figure who goes beyond the call of duty. His commitment to his students extends far beyond the classroom, encompassing moments of joy and hardship alike. The Michigan Department of Education recognized his extraordinary contributions by naming him Detroit Teacher of the Year, and now it is time for the broader community to acknowledge his impact.
Mr. Brownlee's teaching style goes beyond textbooks and lectures. He creates a safe space for students to share their concerns, providing a listening ear when needed. His virtual field trips to other countries expand the students' horizons and foster a love for learning beyond conventional boundaries.
What sets Mr. Brownlee apart is the depth of his connections with students. In a world where many students face unprecedented challenges, including the loss of parents, Mr. Brownlee emerges as a steady pillar of support.
His former students attest to his lasting impact on their lives, with some maintaining contact for two decades. Mr. Brownlee has been invited to family events and celebrations, stepping in as a surrogate father for those who needed guidance and support.
Mr. Brownlee's advocacy for more African American men to become teachers is timely and essential. He understands the significance of representation and mentorship in shaping young lives.
Above and beyond the recognition he receives, what truly brings him joy is observing his students' achievements. For him, teaching transcends being merely a profession; it is a profound calling to lead, inspire, and elevate. Mr. Brownlee's impact resonates far beyond the confines of the classroom.
"His ability to connect with students personally, instill a sense of responsibility, and serve as a father figure to those in need makes him a worthy nominee for LifeChanger of the Year. Carl Brownlee is not just shaping minds; he is shaping futures, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to call him their teacher and mentor," stated Johnson.
Mr brownlee congrats so proud that even 18 years later your teaching (Peter Vetal)and redirective words have carried on with me I hope and pray my son can be blessed with your knowledge with some one as instructive as you get being a champ
Where do I begin with Mr. Carl Brownlee? This phenomenal man has been my husband for 25 years in May. Life-changing is beyond defining what he represents. He is a wise, well-educated man who shares all he has inside of him with his students, the community, and his family. As he constantly walks with integrity and dignity, his heart is always in the capacity to impact his students. I've watched him sacrifice his time, health, and finances to ensure his students have the knowledge and tools needed to navigate through life.
As black male teachers are at a minimum in the city of Detroit where kids are highly at risk of encountering multiple challenges, Mr. Brownlee has not only played a role model of an excellent teacher but has demonstrated being a father, both parent, listener, and advisor to his. He has watched many of his students lose their lives and I have witnessed his commitment to assisting other students get through tragic times as he struggled himself. He is dedicated to teaching, going above and beyond to ensure his students receive the support and best education possible.
I know that Mr. Brownlee impacts many because a great deal of his students express how he has inspired them to succeed and achieve their full potential. Twenty-five years later he continues to have relationships with his students. He attends weddings, baby showers, sports competitions, and many achievements in their adult life. His Facebook post on Father's Day tears Jenkins as hundreds express how he was the father they didn't have.
My husband has implemented innovative teaching methods that have had a transformative effect on his students and the learning environment. He has shown outstanding leadership in the schools he taught empowering his colleagues, students, and parents to excel and make a positive impact. He is a strong advocate for educational equity and social justice, working to ensure that all students have access to quality education and opportunities for success.
Our only child, Mr. Brownlee has impacted us as a family. His love, decision-making, and support have brought nothing but happiness to our family. He has shown me how to be a better person. I am a Twenty-six-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department and I have experienced some tough days, his warm hugs, support, and kind words always make my days easier. He's a great father and has embedded education as a primary necessity in our daughter's life and for that, she too is educated and successful. He has changed our lives as a family and I'm thankful for him.
Ultimately, Mr. Brownlee's nomination is well deserved. There aren't teachers such as Mr. Brownlee.
Mr.Brownlee is literally the BEST teacher any student could imagine having. From school to grown adults Mr.Brownlee exceeds expectations of being a teacher . He welcomes everyone with open arms & makes sure that everybody is treated equally & learns something rather it’s in school or for adulthood . To some he’s just a teacher, but to most he’s like a father figure. I love you Mr.Brownlee
Carl Brownlee is my uncle. As well as a mentor, educator, and exemplary leader. Each summer spent with him was full of learning. At the age of ten, He introduced me to educational fun. From completing entire subject workbooks to spontaneous museum trips. These summers spent are still very relevant to my present day. I am so thankful to have had them.
Mr. Brownlee was my middle school social studies and home room teacher for two years 7th and 8th grade. He has always been a great teacher and I loved the way he taught his class. He made social studies fun to learn about I’ll never forget it he is like my family I been calling him uncle since I’ve known him. He deserves everything that comes his way he is a True definition of a legend.
Best teacher I’ve ever had
#LCOY
It is an honor to speak on Mr. Brownlee for lifechangeroftheyear he has demonstrated the excellence of a devoted teacher to all students, a mentor, a leader, a Man who loves & respects his wife and family, a life changer is Mr. Carl Brownlee . His life deeds is proof showing that he believes in his students and have great concerns for their education
As a family member, we are very proud of the life changing leadership Carl projects on so many young lives. Taking special interest as an educator, teaching Social Studies, I'm sure it gives him a chance to discuss hot topics.
If you want to gauge his impact with our youth, just look at his social media and annotate the messages from those he inspired over the years.
Thank you Cousin, our youth need men like you!
Mr. Brownlee is a teacher,educator, leader and mentor to students in and out of the classroom. He instills confidence in young people to be your best and to not put limitations on your abilities.
I had the pleasure of working alongside Mr. Brownlee for 14 years. I worked with Mr. Brownlee at Fisher Upper Academy. Mr. Brownlee is the best at what he does. He is a awesome educator; however it doesn’t stop there. He is a mentor for the students especially the male students. He cares for the students beyond the classroom. He has definitely helped me out on several occasions. He is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone around the school and believe me, we all called on him. When I think of the best to ever do this thing called an educator he is the first one to come to my mind. Mr. Brownlee style of teaching is positive and innovative. He has a unique style when teaching his subject; which is Social Studies. He knows how to keep his students engaged and excited to learn. Mr. Brownlee has definitely been a life changer for many students who grew from his impact on them. Therefore he is more than qualified to be the next Life Changer of the year because he already is.
A true humanitarian! One of the kindest people I know & a very selfless person. The true definition of a leader. Mr. Brownlee is the best!!
Mr.Brownlee is a true inspiration. He is uplifting and kind he is very deserving of this nomination. He has motivated my child to the point that she became a teacher. He’s very dedicated to each and every one of his students. He takes time out of his personal day to support them though sickness as well milestone achievements.The support from him has made many of his students pursue higher education and better Careers . He is still their go to person and he always receives them with love and care. I praying that the lord bless him with this LifeCharger Award because he has been a blessing to my family as well as countless other families.
Mr. Brownlee was my middle school social studies teacher almost 20 years ago. Not only is he a teacher, he’s a mentor, and father figure. He always pushed me to my limit and left me with knowledge i still use to this day. Literally one of the best people I’ve had the privilege to meet!
Mr Brownlee was My Social Studies teacher 22yrs ago. He was a great Educator and cared for all the students. Always encouraging and affirming. He is a True Legend of DPS!
Carl Brownlee is a phenomenal person and an even better life-toucher / teacher. He genuinely loves his students. He invests in their lives with his heart, mind and spirit. They feel safe and valued whenever he is around. He has a huge heart that he readily shares with not just his students, but all in his learning environment. Carl makes the most difficult tasks appear easy because of his dedication and respect for the educational process. I was blessed to have been able to answer the call of education with Carl some 20+ years ago. He took the reins of professional Educator and never looked back. He has been a fine example to his colleagues as well as his academic cohort. He has been touched by a power much higher than our own to reach, teach, love and protect the most valuable asset in our lives……, our children. Thank you brother!
Was my teacher in middle school I’m 32 now. Mr B has made a tremendous impact on my life and supports me and my family till this day! I can call for advice and or counsel or just to talk about everyday life. I was able to give an interview about Mr. Brownlee when he won teacher of the year and I couldn’t believe that his passion to support the youth is still going strong. This man is a national treasure for the youth and I’m a testament that his leadership and guidance change lives.
There are many great things that I can highlight about Mr. Brownlee. He was my middle school teacher. He is one teacher that have made a tremendous impact on the lives of many students such as myself, that extended far beyond the classroom. I’m very proud to know he is being recognized for his dedication and hard work. Throughout the years, he has been a great role model and inspiration for many. His passion for teaching and love for learning in a positive environment has helped many students gain the necessary skills needed for academics and life. We’re so proud of Mr. Brownlee and wish him the very best in all that he does. His genuine love and care for students makes him deserving of the Life Changer of the Year award. He is deeply respected and appreciated. Congratulations Mr. Brownlee!
When I was a new teacher, Carl provided valuable mentorship that made me a better teacher. He’s not only a valuable teacher for kids but he’s a valuable teacher and inspiration to other educators as well.
Mr. Brownlee goes above and beyond to ensure his students get the best experience ever. His lessons were not just about reading through textbooks and taking quizzes. He went out of his way to have us hands on his and really taught me valuable life lessons that I will cherish forever. He’s the epitome of a great man, role model, and mentor. He gives his all to teaching and it’s amazing to see him still going strong. I will never forget him. How could I.
Mr. Brownlee is the definition of a real educator. He was my social studies teacher in middle school and 13 years later he has turned into family. He hasn’t missed a prom, graduation celebration, baby shower or anything for me or my brothers. He even helped me get into grad school. Mr. Brownlee is so deserving because he cares about his students and sees the best in them. He will push you out of your comfort zone just to see you be great and once you reach that potential he is there every step of the way moving forward.
I had Mr Brownlee as my social studies teacher about 19 years ago and the impact he had on my life is unforgettable!!! I can't recall if I ever expressed my appreciation to him, BUT I definitely appreciated him then as much as I appreciate him now!
I can recall, like it was yesterday, how much passion he had when teaching each and everyone of us. There was no favoritism at all! He treated each student with importance! He had an energy that could be felt even if you weren't one of his students.
One memory I have in his class was when we did the slave ship. He did somewhat of a "recreation" of the ship and allowed his students to get inside, as part of the lesson, so that we could get a feel of what slaves went through when being transported to the United States.
Mr Brownlee would converse with us about the importance of getting our education and staying out of trouble in school as well as outside of school. For me it wasn't his words alone that captivated me and made me want to be the best Danielle I could be, but also the love for his students that was felt when he spoke and the passion in his actions. I felt like family! We felt like family! He treated us like family! Like we were one of his children!... he pushed us to be our very best and never gave up on us! Not even when we were a hand full and that meant the world!!!
In this present day Mr Brownlee still interacts with his former students and encourages us STILL! HOW DO I KNOW??? Because I witness it happening all the time on social media! AND I CAN'T HELP BUT TO SMILE! This is A GREAT and RARE PERSON! EDUCATOR! MAN!!! If you're lucky enough in this life to cross paths with someone like him be GRATEFUL! AND THANKFUL!
Much love to you Mr Brownlee!
Mr.Brownlee is an upstanding man of the community and a true role model to all that have the pleasure of knowing him. Although Mr. Brownlee was never my teacher in the classroom, he has been instrumental in teaching me life lessons that I utilize daily. He has treated me like family since the day we met and made sure I knew he would be there for me always. I will forever cherish our conversations and the constant love you show to me. Thank you for being you and I’m honored to have you in my life.
An Amazing teacher that goes above and beyond for his children he teaches and any young person he comes in contact with. Mr. Brownlee is a gem to the DPS district. He is truly deserving of this award!
Mr. Brownlee changed my life. He is an important figure in the community. He is so involved and most importantly HE CARES. This man is dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives. You can not meet this man and remain the same or unchanged. God really works through him to touch you. He is so genuine and kind. He inspires me to do better everyday
He’s an amazing teacher , wonderful friend and mentor. He helped me grow tremendously and everything he taught me stays with me today! He deserves it
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Carl Brownlee for many years as a middle school teacher for three of my grandchildren. Mr. Carl Brownlee has instilled many positive attributes into students they could carry throughout their adult lives. Long after they have graduated high school and college, pursued careers, built their own families, and much more, Mr. Brownlee is still there with them as a life-changing inspiration. Mr. Brownlee is an awesome educator who wears many hats: teacher, mentor, counselor, friend, husband, dad, and so much more, not only to his family but to everyone he comes in contact with. Congratulations on your nomination!
Mr.Brownlee isn’t just a teacher he so much more , He’s a life coach , a philosopher and a father to all children that he’s encountered. He is the structure that young black men need and long for that didn’t have the privilege of grown up with their own father . Mr. Brownlee is one of the most impactful persons men and teachers I’ve ever came across and he actually cares . He a dear friend and I love him for all that he do and has done for children just like myself … thank you
Mr. Brownlee is a pillar of the Michigan educational community. He offers himself as a mentor and a pair of hands in the recruitment and retention of male teachers of color, who comprise less than 2% of all teachers in America. He has been a mentor to hundreds of teachers and thousands of students in Detroit and works hard to set a positive and focused example of love, self-discipline, and purpose. Keep up the great work!
I can’t think of anyone more qualified and deserving to receive Lifechanger Of The Year than Mr. Brownlee. His demonstrative style, passion and dedication for teaching is unmatched. He knew how to challenge us at different levels within the class. He accepted us and tried to work with us individually. He was always very supportive and encouraging. He respected us and commanded respect. Not only was he a teacher but also a mentor. Although Mr. Brownlee was extremely passionate about his subject he often utilized his classroom to teach greater life lessons beyond subject matter. Not only were we taught social studies but self control, respect for not only others but yourself, discipline and accountability. He’s genuinely the best academic teacher I have ever had in my experience who has left an indelible mark on my life. I often wonder if he know exactly how impactful he has been beyond teaching. Hands down the greatest!
Mr. Brownlee has certainly had an impact in my life. He was my middle school teacher over 20 years ago. Mr. Brownlee has certainly made a positive and memorable impact by implementing factual knowledge inside and outside the classroom. There are so many scenarios that I still speak about pertaining to his teachings that will stick with me forever. I must say that I’m very aware In today’s society because of Mr. Brownlee. Thank you for all you do!
I had the pleasure of being one of Mr. Brownlee’s students for 2 years. I was ecstatic to see him teaching my younger brother many years later at another school because, I knew he was getting an amazing teacher. He was and still is a positive role model to myself and many others. I could always tell that he cared, it was never just a job for him. He was the male figure that many of us desperately needed in our lives. I’ll forever consider myself blessed to have had him as an educator.
Mr Brownlee definitely had an impact on me as a student. From instructional task to learning and gaining discipline, he has guided me and more others to stay on the right path.
He was one of my teachers at Peter Vetal. Not to down the rest of the staff but Mr Brownlee had an impact on student like no other teacher I personally known or had. Great job on showing the community how to teach and guide youth to stay on the right path. DPS and other school districts DEFINITELY need more like him. ??
Mr Brownlee, just know you did way more beyond the standard!!! I’m sure you know that already!
One of one Mr.B has been a pillar of the community for a long time. He actually help me grow into the man I am today. He is a man of character, a man of faith, man of integrity a true leader and legend of his own rights.
Most definitely a great male figure! He makes a difference and has made a difference and hopefully he can continue
Mr.Brownlee is one of those people who you can’t believe is real. He taught two of my older brothers, myself, and my younger brother, and all of us agree he had one of the greatest impacts in our life. He positively impacts all students he comes in contact with by showing real and tough love when needed. He spreads positivity and encouragement in so many ways, while always reminding us that we were all beautiful and deserved to be successful regardless of our background. Thousands of his students still contact him wanting to share our life after middle school with him some 5,10, and 20 years later because he constantly shows that he genuinely cares. If I could use one word to describe him and all that he does it would be unreal, because its so hard to believe that one person has touched so many lives and continues to do so on Detroit’s Eastside. He really deserves the world!
I was a colleague of Carl's from 1999-2005 in a K-8 school that was in dire need of not just good educators but great role models, and "Mr.B" (as the students called him), was that and much more. His teaching style was very descriptive and brought to life true civics education. His students were not only learning from textbooks but the physical props and visual aides he created in class gave the students a feeling that they were actual in the time period of the current lesson. From the origins of the North Atlantic slave trade to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, he offered the students a classroom style of teaching that they still relish as current parents with children of their own! He was and still is a father figure to not just students of his personal classroom but to many others throughout the school. As he did by being honored Michigan's "Teacher Of The Year", Carl Brownlee will no doubt carry the banner of Life Changer Of The Year with the same recognition and respect that the very title indicates.
Mr. Brownlee was my middle school Social Studies teacher almost 20 years ago. He has always encouraged me to be my best. He takes the extra time to ensure that he builds personal life long relationship with his students. I remember going back to middle often after graduation just to update Mr Brownlee on my life. Mr Brownlee is more than deserving of being named a Life Changer of the year. He is and always will be one of my life changers. Congratulations Mr. Brownlee
Carl Brownlee, the Social Studies Teacher at Fisher Magnet Upper Academy, stands as an exemplary candidate for the 2023-24 LifeChanger of the Year Award. His profound impact extends beyond conventional educational boundaries, making a lasting difference in the lives of students navigating the challenges of inner-city Detroit.
In the heart of one of the most challenging zip codes in the country, Carl has not only facilitated an in-depth understanding of history but has also been instrumental in developing crucial life skills among his students. As the former principal at Fisher Magnet Upper Academy, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative influence he had on both students and the learning environment.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Carl was a pioneer in integrating technology into his teaching methods. His innovative approach not only engaged students but also set a precedent for others. His commitment to excellence was recognized when he was acknowledged as the Michigan Department of Education Teacher of the Year in the Detroit region, a testament to his dedication and impact.
Carl’s influence expands beyond the classroom, as he maintains meaningful relationships with students as they transition into adulthood. This enduring commitment reflects his passion for nurturing not only academic growth but also the holistic development of individuals.
In addition to his exceptional teaching, Carl has generously shared his best instructional practices with peers and educators throughout the state of Michigan. His willingness to contribute to the broader educational community showcases his leadership and commitment to enhancing education beyond his immediate surroundings.
In conclusion, Carl Brownlee’s remarkable contributions to education, coupled with his innovative teaching methods, leadership, and ongoing impact on students, make him an outstanding candidate for the LifeChanger of the Year Award. His legacy is not just in the lessons taught but in the lives positively transformed in one of the nation’s most challenging environments.
Mr Brownlee is just not a teacher . He is a father figure , a great role model. He was always my go to person,he help his students succeed academically, even when that takes extra time to alter a lesson, one-on-one time teaching the student, or staying after hours to make sure they understand the concept. I'm so proud to say I learned from you. You have been a true inspiration, and I'm so honored to have had you as my teacher during this important chapter of my life. Your passion for teaching and genuine care for your students have made all the difference in my academic success. THANK YOU SO MUCH MR.B! We Love You.
