FLORA, Ill. Flora High School’s newest construction teacher, Brian Scarbrough, is no stranger to the halls of FHS, or the workbench. A 1993 graduate of the school himself, Scarbrough returns not just with pride for his old school but with decades of hands-on experience and a passion for teaching life skills through industrial arts.
Scarbrough, who recently joined the Flora Unit #35 School District, brings a unique background to the classroom. While he originally earned degrees in History and Political Science with plans to teach, however, life had other plans. In 2000, he moved back home to help run the family business at Flora Lumber Company, where he spent years teaching customers about construction without ever setting foot in a traditional classroom.
“I guess you can say I’ve spent my life teaching,” said Scarbrough. “Whether it was helping someone install cabinets or guiding them through a project, I’ve always enjoyed showing others how to build something useful.”
Now, he’s turning that experience into a second career, this time inside the woodshop at FHS, where he teaches Construction I & II and Woods/Prod Technologies I & II. His teaching style is deeply rooted in hands-on learning, with an emphasis on real-world application.
“I want students to walk away with more than just a grade,” he said. “These are skills they can carry into their careers or use for the rest of their lives.”
Scarbrough’s classroom welcomes students from freshmen to seniors, and he believes each brings something valuable to the table. “Every student can excel if they choose to push themselves,” he said.
In just a few days on the job, Scarbrough says he’s already felt welcomed by staff and students alike. “FHS staff is the best in the business,” he said. “They’ve made this transition into teaching feel right.”
He hopes his long-term impact reaches beyond the school walls, or even the shop walls, which he jokes are 2.7 miles away from the main building. With a shortage of skilled laborers in the workforce, Scarbrough wants to spark interest in trades like plumbing, electrical work, and contracting.
“My ultimate goal is to be a part of a vocational program that shows our community what we’re capable of,” he said. “We want students to see opportunity, not just in college, but in trades that are the backbone of any town.”
When asked about his ideal student, Scarbrough doesn’t hesitate: “Someone who digs deep and puts in the effort. That’s who I love working with.” And while he’s focused on building skills, he also builds trust. His approach to discipline is clear: respect is mutual, and expectations are set early. “I respect my students 100% until they disrespect me,” he said. “Then, it’s off to the office.”
A father of three FHS graduates — with daughters who finished in 2007 and 2024 — Scarbrough’s roots run deep in Flora. “I grew up here. I graduated here. And now, I get to give back here,” he said. “Go Wolves!”
Looking ahead, Scarbrough hopes to stay at FHS for the long haul, helping to shape a thriving industrial arts program and deepen connections between the school and the community. Whether through class projects, community involvement, or simply opening his shop to showcase student work, he wants everyone to see the value in vocational education.
“My door’s always open, and my email is just a few clicks away,” he said. “If we can inspire just a few students to consider the trades, then I think we’re building something pretty great.”
– His 9th-hour class
