This is Michael Blanchard; Teacher, Coach, and Author
- This Is Rutherford
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
By Jennifer Ersalesi
Rutherford teacher, Michael Blanchard, has inspired many as a teacher, coach, parent, and now, author. Drawing from the life lessons he has discovered throughout his teenage and adult years, Michael has written a book, The Path We Take. This is Rutherford interviewed Michael to learn more about his book and his teaching and coaching career.
TIR: How long have you been teaching in the Rutherford School District? What have you taught and what are you currently teaching?
Michael Blanchard: I have been teaching for 25 years in the Rutherford School District. I started as an elementary school teacher and eventually moved into a basic skills position before taking on a special education role as a co-teacher for middle school Science and Social Studies.
TIR: How long have you been coaching? Which sports do you coach?
MB: I coached wrestling from 2001 to 2013. During that time, we enjoyed some of our best moments with the sport. We continuously sent wrestlers to the NJ state wrestling tournament in Atlantic City. We also had great team success. I became the treasurer of the Region 4 Coaches Association before eventually stepping back from coaching when my third son was born. Next I took on leading the Nutley Youth Wrestling Program and I have been involved with that ever since. In total I have been a coach for 26 years.
TIR: You recently published a book, “The Path We Take”. Why did you decide to write this book?
MB: It first started as a hobby to fill my time after one of the last seasons I coached in Nutley. As I began writing the stories, I realized I had the makings of a solid book that showed how I had shaped my leadership journey. I decided to turn the stories into chapters and create a book that I hope resonates with anyone - regardless of whether or not they are involved with a sport like wrestling.
TIR: Are there particular life stories and people who inspired you to write this book?
MB: The book starts with a pivotal life moment at age 17 and then travels through some of my time in college into adulthood. It is filled with life lessons and stories of family and friends. And, yes, it has multiple inspirations throughout it. The Path is about the choices we make and the people we choose to surround ourselves with. People matter! Love is paramount!
TIR: What do you hope that readers take away from this book?
MB: My hope is that readers will see the value of how they spend their time in life and recognize how valuable it is to be positive, self-motivated, and live a life full of purpose/passion. Chase the things you love to do and spend time with people who lift you up!
Dr. Jill Garripoli Pedalino, RHS Graduate and award-winning Pediatrician, praised Michael's new book, "It is a wonderful experience when you read this book. A word that I had said when I read it was...elevated...because everything in this book is about elevating yourself, the people you're around, the things you do with your life, the way you think about things, and the word elevated is in this book throughout the whole thing."
TIR: What else would you like to add?
MB: I have been fortunate to be surrounded by love and support throughout my life. The best gift is being able to share that with others.
The book is available here: https://thepathwetake23.com/books/the-path-we-take.
