After 5 decades of working here at Braintree High School Michael Bochman Assistant Director of Special Services is retiring and leaving an unforgettable mark on the Braintree High school community. Mr. Bochman was more than just a teacher to some, he was someone people looked up to. Looking back to the start of Mr. Bochman’s career credits the former Principal of BHS.
“Dave Swanton, former BHS Principal, AP & Coordinator, was my Stonehill College football coach 1983-1985. Every day before practice he would tell us about the alternative program, the student membership and how proud he was of being their teacher. After two years of listening I knew that I wanted to be part of that team. I joined Dave and my close friend Mike Tosone at Braintree High School in September 1986.”
Mr. Bochman was incharge of the alliance program here at Braintree High school which became a major part of his career allowing him to succeed in many ways.
“Alliance is a name later given to the original Alternative Education Program at BHS which was established by Dave Swanton, John W. LeRoy (former principal) and John Malloy (former special services director) in 1983. Everyone’s overarching goal was different as specific student learning needs, building discipline and financial considerations all played a role. I believe that Alliance was started as Dave simply cared deeply for students who did not succeed in the general population. He provided a highly structured, disciplined and safe learning environment where students found success in all life areas.”
He expresses that being a teacher was most definitely not always the easiest task. He was faced with many bumps in the road early on in his career which made him the person he is today.
“I was a psychology major and a criminal justice minor at Stonehill College. I was not prepared for a career in education and learned quickly that being a teacher was tough work. I was beyond challenged in the front of the classroom, I was humbled and I questioned my career choice for a few years.”
While talking about things Bochman has learned about people from his job, he continues to say,
“To quote Harry Bosch by Michel Connelly, “Everyone matters or no one matters!”
Mr. Bochman finishes by expressing, “Pride – That is all anyone needs to know about the first floor programs!”