Brian ReardonBy Eleanor Mathews, Watchung Hills Regional High School
WARREN TWP. - Brian Reardon was one of the “Greenbrook 10”, the cadre of teachers who came over to the Hills in Sept. of 1990 when Green Brook students were officially transferred to Watchung Hills Regional. A graduate of William Patterson College with a Masters degree from St. Peter’s College, Brian also previously taught in Jersey City and Bridgewater.
A member of the Phys Ed department, Brian briefly coached freshman softball and freshman boys track (three years each) and boys track (nine years).
Reardon's specialty, however, was health education for grades 9-12. "It's a demanding curriculum.", he said. "The course contents like all other curricula are laid out by the state of NJ. You must adhere to those standards and content. How you deliver it is up to you.", he added.
"There aren't many male teachers in this subject area. So, I try to teach health ed from the male perspective while creating the most positive environment possible."
His department supervisor, Mario Diaz, said of Reardon, “He’s a great guy to work with. He infuses the essential questions of health ed to his students – always adding a touch of human interest.”
Reardon’s long range retirement plans are on the shelf until his daughter completes her last year of college. But somewhere in the future, this “crazy golfer” hopes to get back to his favorite sport. He’s played all over the United States (except Pebble Beach), and has hit the ball in Ireland as well. He “broke 80” once – so his dream is achievable.