Social media accounts: facebook.com/BrownellforMaine; instagram.com/brownellformaine

Occupation: History teacher

Education: MST, Social Studies Education, SUNY Potsdam; B.A., History, SUNY Potsdam

Community Organizations: Maine Council for the Social Studies, board member; First Congregational Church of Pittsfield, member

Personal information (hobbies, etc.): I live in Pittsfield with my wife Kristyn and three kids: Alice, Isaac, and Sophia. I love playing games: tabletop, video games and even civic role-play: I advise Model UN, Youth & Government, and Tabletop Gaming clubs at my school. Last year, I was named Maine History Teacher of the Year. Last year, Kristyn and I also created a child care business in our home, Salt Breeze Learning.

Family status: Happily married, 11 years

Years in the Legislature: none

Committee assignments (if elected): I would be honored to serve on the Education and Cultural Affairs committee.

Q&A

1) Define what “success” would look like if you are elected to serve your district.

Success looks like working families thriving in central Maine. Families should have universal access to child care, afterschool programs, safe and enriching schools, and the ability to age well at home.

2) Name one issue the Legislature handled last session. Explain why you agree or disagree with the final outcome.

Improving teacher and Ed Tech pay is a major issue that hits home for me and my colleagues. I’ve seen the incredible work that ed techs do in my classroom and the difference they can make for a student who needs support. Still, schools across Maine are facing shortages of teachers, ed techs, and other support staff. We need to finish the work that was started and increase pay to reward and recruit people who do incredible work in our kids’ lives.

OPPONENT: Brad Farrin, R-Norridgewock