New Faculty: John Swallen '83, Lower School Assistant

John Swallen '83 | Lower School Assistant

As we enter into the 2019-2020 school year, let us introduce the new members of our faculty and staff.

We are pleased to welcome [back] to Breck Mr. John Swallen as a Lower School Teaching Assistant. Mr. Swallen knows Breck very well as he is an alum from the class of 1983 and has served as a substitute teacher at Breck for the past two years.

Mr. Swallen is a graduate of Ripon College with a BA in Physical Education and went on to earn his teaching license from Augsburg College. Mr. Swallen shared that his is passionate about teaching because "watching and helping children learn by experiencing something new every day is priceless. I love interacting with children of all ages because they are sponges for life." 

In addition to being a student and substitute teacher, Mr. Swallen also coached soccer for many years. As a former MN Thunder goalie and stand-out athlete during his time at Breck, Mr. Swallen is a member of the Breck Athletics Hall of Fame. He shared, "For years I played and coached soccer but I always wanted to teach. After substitute teaching for two years, the faculty and staff made me feel as though I was part of a family. Life came full circle for me when I was hired for the preschool assistant position. I now know that I am home...again."

Mr. Swallen is still involved in athletics by serving as a youth soccer coach. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time at his cabin with family, running around with his Aussie Shepherds, and playing golf.