Brad Peterson

Brad Peterson

Humor, Compassion, and a Fondness for "The Simpsons"

It would be impossible to profile math department head Brad Peterson without references to his affection for "The Simpsons." Upper School Director Linda Tapsak says he's the Homer Simpson of their office, but fellow aficionado Greg Talmo, Breck's network coordinator, says Brad actually combines "the dedication of Mr. Smithers, the intelligence of Lisa and the down-to-earth common sense of Homer."

Brad credits an "earlier than most" career crisis with his becoming a teacher. As a Ph.D. candidate in economics, he says, "I realized that I was at grave risk for a career that would keep me sitting in an office all day. It would have suited my intellectual interests, but it just didn't seem like fun." So instead of completing his doctorate, he spent a year and a half and got a second bachelor's degree, in math education, and he hasn't really looked back since. "I got a twinge at about the time I'd have finished," he admits, "but this was the right thing to do."

Linda describes Brad as "a diamond in the rough. He's a gentleman with great humor and compassion — both intellectual and practical." And among his Upper School colleagues, he's a welcome presence. Says science teacher Chelen Johnson, "Brad keeps us all on our toes. It's impossible to stump him on movie quotes or any Simpsons episode." Adds Greg Talmo, who often meets him in the cafeteria at about 9:15 for coffee, "Brad's painfully dry sense of humor is my morning respite."

A native of Richfield who now lives in south Minneapolis, Brad and wife Anne met at Richfield High School but didn't hit it off until they ran into each other again as students at the University of Minnesota. Daughter Bridget now completes the family. When he's not at school, Brad says, his favorite activities include riding his bike, reading, and, not surprisingly, watching "The Simpsons" with his daughter.

One of the things he likes best about Breck is that it appeals to his sense of the straightforward. "It may sound like administration-speak," he says, "but I really appreciate the fact that the mission is such a significant part of our decision-making. The mission is a document that has real meaning."

At the time of this interview, however, Brad's mind was on more practical pursuits. He and Anne were getting ready to host Thanksgiving for their extended family, and Brad has long been the designated turkey and stuffing chef. "It's the only food of consequence I prepare," he laughs, "but it gives me a chance to use my grandfather's chestnut oyster stuffing recipe."

As Homer Simpson might say, "Mmm ... stuffing."