Bluffton University

Athlete, teacher, coach

03/24/2025

Sean Brock changed his major from marketing to primary education and hasn't looked back.

Enjoying Classroom experience from day one

Sean Brock ’25, a primary P-5 education major from Wauseon, Ohio, completed his student teaching during the fall 2025 semester.

Brock completed his student teaching experience at Ottawa Elementary in Ottawa, Ohio, where he taught phonics, math and reading in a first-grade classroom.

“Bluffton provides tremendous opportunities, especially in the education department,” said Brock. “One of the most exciting things was connecting with the students. I was with the same class during my pre-student teaching and I was able to take some of the pedagogical techniques I learned in classes at Bluffton and apply them to my own classroom.”

Brock changed his major from marketing to primary education during his sophomore year and as soon as he stepped into his first classroom, he fell in love. 

“Deep down, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” said Brock. “The marketing program is great, but in order for me to pursue the path of being a teacher, I changed my major to education.”

Dr Gayle Trollinger, professor of education, has been an integral part of Brock’s education journey.

“I emailed Dr. Trollinger to get set up with some education classes,” said Brock.

“The nice thing about Bluffton’s education program is that you are put into a classroom during your first semester and every one of the professors are going to do what they can to help you out.”

Brock is also a student-assistant basketball coach for the men’s basketball team.

“Basketball was my first love,” said Brock. “I’ve also always wanted to be a coach, so I asked Coach Seth Clark if I could be a student-assistant, and he said ‘absolutely.’ I was so excited because not many institutions provide the opportunity to be a student-athlete, a teacher and coach.”

On campus, Brock is a pitcher on the baseball team and has been a member of Bluffton Education Organization.