Onondaga Nation – Bradley Powless has announced his retirement from teaching at the Onondaga Nation School (ONS) at the end of the
2023-24 school year.
Powless began teaching at his childhood elementary school 30 years ago.
“I had just finished earning my Masters degree from Penn State in Special Education when I applied to teach at ONS,” said Powless. “I was excited when I got the call back that I was selected to teach there. That day, I achieved my goal of becoming a teacher.”
ONS has always been a part of Brad’s life.
Before he was born, his family dedicated their time to the school. His grandmother, Cecelia Powless, was the school librarian, his Aunt Beverly was the school secretary, and his mother, Helen, was the school’s first Onondaga Culture teacher and taught him for a year until his younger brother Neal was born. His brother Barry was the culture teacher at ONS for three years in the early 1990s.
While teaching at ONS, Brad’s sister, Nancy Powless, taught first and fourth grade at the Nation School for 42 years. Brad remembers his delightful partnership with Nancy in the primary wing, which created long-lasting memories. 
“It was great teaching with Nancy,” said Powless. “Nancy had been teaching at ONS for a decade before I joined the staff. Her guidance was invaluable in aiding me become a better teacher. She is awesome.”
Brad’s wife, JoAnne Powless, is also a teacher at the school. She has taught fifth grade for the past 15 years and has consistently incorporated Onondaga culture into her curriculum.
“I enjoyed my time going to school at ONS, and I worked to give a little bit of the joy back to the school that the school gave me,” said Powless. “But being able to teach alongside my wife JoAnne has also provided memories I will cherish forever. You cannot take for granted being able to go to school with your partner and be able to talk about your day on the way home.”
Powless started teaching at ONS as a special education teacher. He then moved to the classroom, teaching third and sixth grade before taking on the role of the school’s Onondaga culture teacher.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to help a student learn,” added Powless. “It is also enjoyable to have taught our three children at ONS. My wife and I are so proud of the education our children received here that allowed them to know who they are as Onondaga people as they were able to be successful college graduates.”
Powless’s late father, Chief Irving Powless Jr., advocated for understanding both the traditions of the Onondaga and Haudenosaunee peoples and the studies of our white brothers. So, in his classroom, student drawings depicting clans, wampum, Tadodaho, the Doctrine of Discovery, the Sullivan Campaign, and the Thanksgiving Address keep their history alive for the students.
“The school is a part of the LaFayette School District, and ONS follows the district’s curriculum in ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science,” said Powless. “But we (the three other language teachers and I) provide an additional curriculum to help our kids know more about themselves and our Haudenosaunee way of life. That’s what makes our school special.” 
Powless was also able to give back to the LaFayette boys’ lacrosse varsity team (which he played on for four years in the 1980s) by serving as an assistant coach for ten years.
“Coaching where I once played and built life-long friendships was an enjoyable experience,” said Powless. “Lacrosse is an important part of Haudenosaunee culture. I was glad to share that importance with our non-native players during my time there. Remembering my time with fellow coaches Mike Riese (head coach) and Kevin Gale will always bring a smile to my face.”
As for leaving the school, Powless knows that he will be back inside the walls of ONS.
“I’ve been ‘Mr. Powless’ for so long that being part of the school is something I can’t just stop after all these years.” said Powless. “ONS has always invited community members to join for dinners, concerts, or to share their stories, so I’m sure I’ll be back very soon.”
When he does, “Mr. Powless” undoubtedly will know his way around.