Brendan O'Hara

English Language Arts Teacher

Educational History

M.F.A, Creative Writing, Hamline University
B.A., English/Education, University of Iowa
Licensed in Communication Arts & Literature 5-12, State of MN

Why I Choose to Work at Nova

For the opportunity that it gives me to bring my creativity and quirky passion for teaching to Nova’s unique and exciting student population.  I also value small, diverse learning communities who take risks in education.

Hobbies/Interests

When I am not at Nova, I can most likely be found adventuring the cities with my wife and two-year-old son, who both bring me immense joy. In addition, biking, hiking, writing poetry, posting letters, baseball, bonfires, and my record player, round out some of my more recent tastes.

Favorite Books

This is an unfair question for a Language Arts teacher to answer. How about I include my recent favorites in each genre…

Poetry: Black Aperture by Matt Rasmussen (heart-wrenching)
Creative Non-Fiction: The Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard (wondrous)
Fiction: The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss (nerdy and lovely)

Favorite Work of Art

The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt van Rijn. What a sharp look at the virtue of compassion!