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Longtime educator, Browns fan  is Edgewood’s Teacher of the Year

Phil LaVelle, an Edgewood Middle School teacher, in his sixth-grade language arts class at the school Wednesday, Sept. 1. Staff photo by Pat Auckerman

PAT AUCKERMAN/MBR Phil LaVelle, an Edgewood Middle School teacher, in his sixth-grade language arts class at the school Wednesday, Sept. 1. Staff photo by Pat Auckerman

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By Andy Sedlak, Staff Writer Updated 10:25 AM Tuesday, September 7, 2010

TRENTON — A zealous Cleveland Browns fan, Edgewood’s 2010-11 Teacher of the Year Phil LaVelle can draw a line between rooting for his favorite NFL team and teaching in the classroom.

“You’re always looking for high expectations from both,” LaVelle said with a laugh. “Sometimes you’ll get surprise endings and you’re always moving forward thinking, ‘Next year is going to be the best year.’ ”

LaVelle, a sixth-grade language arts teacher, was designated Teacher of the Year in April by a group of Edgewood’s principals. Ever since, the normally reserved LaVelle has seen a little limelight.

“Phil is a behind-the-scenes type of guy,” said Alan Freeman, a sixth-grade social studies teacher. He and LaVelle have taught together for 30 years. “I don’t think people always think about him being the force behind the motion.”

In mid-August, LaVelle was recognized at an opening day ceremony in the high school auditorium. Freeman noted Teacher of the Year honors was first baffling to LaVelle.

“He was embarrassed at first,” Freeman said. “He doesn’t go looking for the attention.”

LaVelle is entering his 34th year of teaching, all with Edgewood. Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, he coached many junior high sports, including basketball, football and track teams.

“You learn values and such through sports,” LaVelle said. “To do it well it takes a lot of time and effort. Even if you’re coaching recreational soccer, you have to be ready and organized. I just like being a spectator now.”

Student Monique Sepulveda beams when asked about LaVelle.

“He’s my favorite teacher,” said Sepulveda, who added that LaVelle keeps numerous books in the back of the classroom, which she enjoys rooting through and reading.

Originally from Troy, LaVelle played basketball at Miami University Middletown and received his master’s at Miami’s Oxford campus. He started teaching in 1977. He and his wife, Mallory, have three children: Tara, Lisa and Cody.

Not surprisingly, Cody was named after a former Browns standout.

“I went through my football cards and found Cody Risien, who was an All-Pro offensive lineman for the Browns,” LaVelle said laughing. “I didn’t tell (Mallory) until later I got the name from a football card.”

His wife retired last year after a 35-year career at Edgewood. If LaVelle follows suit, the couple will have contributed a collective 70 years of service to Edgewood City Schools.

“In three years of being in charge of discipline, he’s never sent one kid to the office,” said Russ Fussnecker, middle school principal. “I wish I could clone him.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or asedlak@coxohio.com.

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