Dr. Brian Friedt has one clear objective: to help struggling students graduate. Toward that end, Friedt empowers students to achieve their academic potential and to prepare for post-secondary success. His commitment to student success landed Friedt in the “Staff Spotlight” for March.
Friedt joined the Cuyahoga Heights Schools as an Intervention Specialist (special education teacher) in 2004. In 2020, he was named the district's Multi-tiered Systems of Support/Transition Specialist. In this role, he provides a range of services to students as they work their way towards graduation, largely through the freshman foundations and sophomore strategies courses. This critical support might include equipping students with organizational skills, communication skills, tutorial assistance, and other tools necessary to help them be successful both in school, and eventually, in the workforce. Toward this end, Friedt actively collaborates with classroom teachers to develop and implement effective strategies to engage students in the classroom.
In one particular example, he helped Geometry students connect the knowledge they were learning in class to everyday life. Working with math teachers, he assisted students to measure and determine the size of what eventually became a 10- by 20-ft. hoop-shaped edifice. The project evolved into what is now the greenhouse and garden project adjacent to the baseball field.
Friedt frequently assists struggling students in meeting graduation requirements, whether that be preparing for state tests or overcoming academic challenges in the classroom that puts them at risk for not graduating. “He ensures that every student has the support they need to succeed,” said fellow Intervention Specialist Beth Pavec, who nominated him for the Spotlight honor.
Friedt, a professed vegetarian who has three sons attending the Cuyahoga Heights Schools, has organized meaningful and enriching field trips to help students envision themselves beyond high school. Professing the importance of flexibility in this role, he frequently works outside the traditional work day to help students achieve academic success.
His exceptional dedication, tireless efforts, and profound impact on the success and well-being of students, as well as his commitment to education and student growth is truly commendable,” Pavec concluded.