Voices of ZCS:
Three Decades of Teaching, Coaching, and Connection

Zionsville Community High School educator Bob Brennan has been a cornerstone of the ZCS social studies department for three decades: teaching, coaching, mentoring, and connecting generations of students through lessons that reach far beyond the classroom.

In this Voices of ZCS conversation, Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman sits down with Mr. Brennan to reflect on his 30 years of impact, his passion for teaching economics, and the relationships that make education meaningful. Watch their conversation below, then read the full story of an educator whose influence continues to shape the ZCS community.

Zionsville Community High School Educator Bob Brennan sits down for a conversation with ZCS Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman

The Economics of Connection

Teaching, Coaching, and Caring for 30 Years

From classroom lessons to lifelong connections, Brennan’s influence reaches far beyond the walls of Zionsville Community High School.

When Zionsville Community High School social studies teacher Bob Brennan left his career at Pepsi-Cola to pursue teaching, the decision was made in a moment of clarity. His oldest daughter, then in kindergarten, told her teacher, “My mom works, and my dad sleeps.” That comment sparked a conversation at home, and a life-changing career shift. That was 30 years ago.

“My wife and I sat down and planned what we wanted our future to look like,” Brennan said. “I wanted to teach, coach, and be part of a community.”
ZCHS Educator Bob Brennan

ZCHS Educator Bob Brennan and his daughters

ZCHS Educator Bob Brennan and his daughters

In 1995, Brennan began his first year in Zionsville Community Schools, splitting his time between the middle and high schools. Nearly 30 years later, his influence spans thousands of students, countless teams and clubs, and a well-regarded reputation for care, humor, and dedication.

A Passion for Economics and Connection

Throughout the years, Brennan has taught many social studies courses, including geography, modern world history, government, civics, U.S. history and a full roster of AP courses. Today, he teaches AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, government and current events, with economics standing out as his personal favorite.

“I love teaching economics because it applies to so much in life,” he said. “And the kids like it, or at least they say they do!”
ZCHS Educator Bob Brennan

His classroom is full of youthful energy. Favorite lessons include the “Marshmallow Towers” project in microeconomics, where students use strategy and collaboration to build the tallest, most profitable structure, and the Lego Challenge in macroeconomics, which combines creativity and computation.

“Anytime I can get them talking, collaborating, and applying what they’re learning, it’s the best kind of noise,” Brennan said.
ZCHS Educator Bob Brennan

Beyond the Classroom

Coaching and extracurricular involvement have always been a part of Brennan’s teaching philosophy. Through the years, he has been a varsity wrestling and football coach, a middle school coach, a rugby sponsor and the sponsor of several student clubs. He’s also served as president of the teachers’ association, driven a school bus, and been a face at school board meetings.

Mr. Brennan drives a bus

Mr. Brennan drives a bus

“I wanted to make an impact in kids’ lives both in and out of the classroom,” he said. “Coaching taught me that you can help kids improve every play, every day.”
ZCHS Educator Bob Brennan

His approach reflects the mentorship he has received from fellow educators who offered advice along that away that still guide Brennan’s interactions with students today.

A Seasoned Educator with a Counselor’s Heart

For nearly a decade, Brennan stepped into the role of guidance counselor, helping students navigate school.

“I loved that part of my career,” he reflected. “It was meaningful to help students and parents. But I missed the classroom, the energy of teaching and seeing kids learn every day.”
ZCHS Educator Bob Brennan

That balance, between academic goals and personal connection, defines his approach. His advice to new teachers reflects that same philosophy:

“Get involved outside the classroom. Whether it’s a club, a play, or a sport, that’s how you connect to the community. Teaching doesn’t stop when the bell rings.”
ZCHS Educator Bob Brennan

The Human Side of Learning

After teaching an estimated 200 students per year for nearly three decades, plus hundreds more through sports and clubs, Brennan has touched the lives of thousands of Zionsville Eagles. His greatest hope for students?

“Be the best you can be at whatever you do,” he said. “You don’t have to be perfect, just work hard, be kind, and make the most of the gifts you have.”
ZCHS Educator Bob Brennan

His favorite sound in school isn’t loud applause or quiet concentration, it’s conversation.

“I love the sound of kids talking to each other. Learning how to be friends, how to work together, that’s what school is about.”
ZCHS Educator Bob Brennan

Humor, Heart, and Legacy

Outside school, Brennan enjoys science fiction, sweetened coffee, and planning future travel adventures with his wife, including following the Band of Brothers tour through Normandy and Germany and walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

And when it comes to ZCS traditions, Senior Nights top his list.

“Watching seniors walk out with their parents, it gets me every time,” he said. “You see how far they’ve come, and it’s just special.”
ZCHS Educator Bob Brennan

Still Inspired, Still Learning

Even after decades in education, Brennan’s curiosity and optimism remain a bright light. He reminds us that while the world changes, kids are still kids.

“People say kids are so different now,” he said. “They’re not. The world around them is different, but they’re still excited, nervous, hopeful. They just need people who believe in them.”
ZCHS Educator Bob Brennan

And for nearly 30 years at Zionsville Community High School, Bob Brennan has been exactly that educator and person.