For many years, our well-known art teacher has been more than just a teacher at our school. He has been someone we could all count on for creativity, support, and entertainment here at Concord. Every moment in the hallway or in a classroom with him is always one to remember. His sarcastic jokes and effective laughter have never failed to put a smile on our faces. His deep care for his students and friends here at school creates an exciting and trustworthy bond. Brian Couling is truly one of a kind.
Mr. Couling has attended Concord his whole lifefrom kindergarten to his senior year. He is an alumnus of both this schooland Spring Arbor University, receiving his Bachelor’s of Arts in Math, as well as his teacher certification and Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. In 1996, Couling started teaching at Concord High School. Some of his favorite mediums to teach are pottery, black and white photography, animation, watercolor, and pen and ink. Although he teaches all these mediums, his favorite of all time is simply helping students improve and enjoy the process of creating art.
Couling enjoys a full classroom and is always ready to introduce a new project to his students. In fact, Couling has been teaching both high school and middle school students for 30 years. For his middle schoolers, he introduces all the exciting projects, like pen and ink, acrylic paintings, and airbrush, with the effort to test his students’ art skills to their full potential while prioritizing their interests. His high schoolers do a wide range of exciting projects as well. These include 3D art, pottery art, and 4-year art students get to paint ceiling tiles to leave behind their desire for art that was inspired by Mr. Couling.
Couling is one known for his excellence in bringing students’ imagination onto paper. With many different amazing artworks from many students, Couling was able to participate in the Jackson art teachers’ county-wide show multiple times, and many students were able to win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd based on their artwork. Hannah Ryan, a junior here, has won many awards in the art show. These wins make her feel seen by her creativity that Couling helped inspire. She really appreciates Mr. Coulings’ inspiring words, which have helped her art reach the art show. She also appreciates how he lets her express her interest while teaching her new techniques.
Over the years, countless students walked into the art room and left with much more confidence and appreciation for Mr. Couling’s encouraging personality. One of those students, Joe Bulko, who was class of 2022, still remembers the impact Couling left on him many years later. “Mr. Couling left a profound impact on me as a student. I always enjoyed art, and though it has been over four years since I was last in his class, I can still recall how he both depended on my enjoyment of the subject and my artistic ability under his guidance.”
While some knew Mr. Couling for his creativity in the classroom, his dedication to Concord goes beyond just teaching art. Bulko also explained, “Mr. Couling contributed a significant amount of his professional-working life to Concord Schools, a small portion of which I am only able to appreciate and comprehend.” This commitment that Bulko explained could be seen not only through teaching, but through countless ways he supported the school outside the classroom, including running the school merchandise company, which helps build school spirit throughout the community.
Couling has impacted a wide variety of students here at Concord, and being able to share our love and appreciation for him, we gathered a few words from some of his previous students. Iyla Weeks, class of 2025, describes her experience with him as a teacher as positive because of his ability to create an encouraging and creative environment. Weeks explains, “He always made art feel less intimidating, always persuading me to gain confidence when trying new things and ways to express my own ideas. I appreciate most how patient and supportive he is with every student, no matter their skill level. He impacted my interest in art by making me more motivated and inspired to keep creating. Because of his pushing me, I have continued on to pursue an art minor in college. Thank you, Mr. Couling, for everything you have done for not only me, but also Concord.”
Trenton Frazer, class of 2026, has spent 6 years with Couling. To him, Couling has helped him grow in many ways as he watches him make the drawings proportionate, teaching him the unique ways to draw. Frazer shares that, “Mr. Couling has proved to me that you can do anything you truly put your mind to. He will really leave the legacy of organizing one of the best art programs and helping his students bring forth the best art possible, while holding his students to the highest standards.”
Beyond all the pretty canvases, successful art shows, and a class full of love, Mr. Couling spent the years helping lead the school behind the scenes. As the teachers’ association president for over 15 years, Couling has been a strong voice for the staff and school community. All the teachers here really appreciate his efforts and support. Shane Reiniche, a previous teacher here, shared a few words about him: “I have known Mr. Couling for over 30 years as a colleague, neighbor, and best of all, a friend. He is truly one of the most conscientious, dedicated, selfless, and humble men I have ever encountered. One of my favorite memories of him is when he basically scaled down a steep hill in Scotland to get water for our tour bus that had broken down. Concord schools are losing a giant who will sorely be missed.”
Although Mr. Couling may not be a face to walk past every day in the halls or a laugh to share during a joyful moment, his legacy will forever remain. Once he’s no longer teaching in the school, he still plans on organizing the food for thought program here and staying involved with some of the activities that will call for his volunteerism. He plans to expand his T-shirt business, known as Couling’s Creations, as a full-time job.
We will miss everything about you, Mr. Couling. It was truly a reward to share memories and growth with you!
