Once a Brilla Cardinal, Always a Brilla Cardinal

At Brilla Schools, we believe one’s character is always evolving, no matter your age or experience, and forming young people in virtue and wisdom isn’t just a mission statement—it’s a lived experience.

Today, as a Resource Specialist and Program Coordinator at a charter school in Los Angeles, and children’s book author, Dan carries the lessons of Brilla forward, influencing a new generation of educators and students.

The Power of People and Purpose

Looking back on his time at Brilla, Dan recalls that what stood out most wasn’t just the mission, culture, or curriculum—it was the people. “I was recruited by leaders who saw potential in me, even as a new teacher,” he reflects. Dan shared that the principal’s joy and intentional leadership, along with the guidance of mentors like Jolleen Wagner, now Brilla’s Chief Mission and Advancement Officer, created an environment where he could thrive.

His role in founding Brilla College Prep Middle School on Courtlandt Avenue was transformative. It was here that he fully embraced the integration of character education into daily learning, discovering firsthand how deeply a school’s mission can shape its students and staff alike.

Carrying Character Forward

Brilla’s emphasis on character formation alongside academic excellence continues to shape Dan’s approach to education today. “One foundational lesson that has stayed with me is the belief that every person has inherent dignity,” he shares. “It was the first tenet in our staff handbook at Brilla, and it still informs the way I interact with students, families, and colleagues.”

Working in special education, Dan often encounters students facing significant barriers. He sees their struggles not as a reflection of their character, but as challenges that require empathy, patience, and understanding. Whether helping a disengaged student regain confidence or ensuring a child who hasn’t had a break in hours receives support, he remains committed to honoring the dignity of every learner—just as Brilla taught him.

A Culture of Celebration and Reflection

Among the many practices Dan has carried forward from Brilla, structured opportunities for celebration and reflection stand out. At his current school, he has introduced a symbolic monthly award—a styrofoam rock labeled “You Rock”—that students pass to one another in recognition of their peers’ contributions. In his special education team, a similar tradition with a styrofoam star fosters gratitude and community.

He also champions journaling and reflection, a staple of Brilla’s advisory curriculum and character education approach. He engages high school seniors in walking exercises, allowing them to reflect, process their experiences, and develop active listening skills.

These seemingly small moments reinforce the values of character formation and virtue that were so central to his time at Brilla.

Wisdom: Knowing What Truly Matters

At Brilla, wisdom is defined as “Making thoughtful choices, demonstrated in word and action, with knowledge of the things that matter.” This principle of the “knowledge of what truly matters” continues to guide Dan’s decision-making. He recounts a moment when he struggled to reach a parent for an urgent meeting. After repeated attempts, he learned that the parent had been seriously ill. “That put everything into perspective,” he says. “While academic progress is urgent, wisdom reminds me that fostering trust and understanding with families is just as important.”

Balancing academic rigor with relational depth has become a cornerstone of Dan’s leadership style. Every decision he makes is rooted in the understanding that education is not just about delivering content—it’s about forming character and building lasting relationships.

The Spirit of Brilla Shines Brilliantly

Now on the West Coast, Dan deeply values his time in the Bronx. “There’s a resilience, heart, and humility in the Brilla community that’s truly special,” he says. He recalls attending a Brilla graduation and unexpectedly running into a former student’s father. “He was picking up food but sat down to chat with me for 20 minutes, proudly sharing updates and photos. He even FaceTimed his daughter so we could reconnect—all while double-parked,” Dan laughs. “That moment encapsulated the Brilla spirit—deep pride in education, community connection, and a relentless commitment to the next generation.”

Brilla Cardinal for Life

For Dan, being part of the Brilla family means carrying forward the resilience, humility, joy, and excellence he experienced. “No matter where life takes us, the spirit of the Bronx and the values of Brilla stay within us,” he says. His advice to Brilla graduates: “You will enter different communities, each with its own identity, but you carry the essence of Brilla with you. It’s your job to either seek out those same values or create them wherever you go.”

Dan McCauley’s journey is a testament to the lasting impact of Brilla’s approach to education. From fostering character formation to leveraging data-driven instruction, he continues to embody the principles & virtues cultivated during his time at Brilla. His story proves that Brilla’s mission doesn’t end at graduation or moving across the country—it’s a lifelong commitment to forming young people in virtue and wisdom. Because once a Brilla Cardinal, Always a Brilla Cardinal.