At Springville High School, students are not only learning a trade—they’re building futures, thanks to the dedication of longtime welding teacher Brian Ostler. With 25 years of service at Springville High, Ostler is more than just an educator; he is a mentor, a motivator, and a community cornerstone. For his unwavering commitment to his students and his craft, Mr. Ostler is this month’s featured Teacher of the Month.
A Springville native and proud 1983 graduate of Springville High, Ostler is a Red Devil through and through. After spending time teaching in Indiana and Ohio while earning a Master’s degree, he returned home—and there was only one school he wanted to teach at: the one where his own journey began. “Teaching at Springville is not just a job for me. It’s where I belong,” Ostler said.
In the welding shop, Ostler has spent nearly three decades helping students develop real-world skills that translate directly into careers. Recently, he organized a field trip to several Utah County businesses to give his students a firsthand look at welding opportunities available after graduation. Thanks to his efforts, many of his students are hired right out of high school, launching successful careers in the trades.
But Mr. Ostler’s impact reaches far beyond technical skills. Known for his genuine care and personal investment in each student, he creates an environment where all learners can thrive—especially those who may have struggled in traditional academic settings.
One parent recently shared a powerful story with Springville High Principal Robert Fleming, praising Ostler’s positive influence on their son. The email read, in part:
“My son has always struggled in school. He is very smart, but behavior has been a challenge. In his life, he has never had a call home for something good. Well yesterday, Mr. Ostler called just to let me know how good our son has been doing in his class. Mr. Ostler let us know that he passed off some skills and that he is a good kid to have in his class. I can’t begin to tell you what this meant to his father and I. I even started crying and we took our son out to celebrate after school. I am grateful for Mr. Ostler who has taken the time to call and to see my son for the amazing kid he is. Mr. Ostler has created an environment where my son could feel seen and thrive. Our son could not stop smiling and was so proud last night. This was what our family needed. I have not seen that in my child for awhile now. Thanks for having such wonderful staff..”
These are the kinds of moments that define Ostler’s career. His favorite saying captures his philosophy perfectly: “I’m not in it for the income, but for the outcome.” He adds, “I love it when I see the light go on in a student and they finally ‘get it.’”
Brian Ostler’s devotion to his students and his trade has made a lasting impact on the Springville community. As he continues to guide, teach, and inspire, he remains a shining example of what it means to be an educator who truly makes a difference.
Congratulations to Mr. Brian Ostler, our Teacher of the Month.
