David Learish began working at West Branch in the fall of 1999. He currently teaches 7th-grade health, physical education for 11th and 12th-grade boys, and safety education. He is also in charge of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club (FCA), which he co-advises with high school English teacher, Sadie Dickson. The FCA meets weekly during the school year, except during the spring sports season, and sponsors several events, such as flag football games and a badminton tournament.
Learish attended Clearfield High School, where he was involved in football, baseball, and FCA. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministries from Geneva College and took many education courses. After graduating, he worked for Marriott International for four and a half years before deciding to pursue his dream of teaching and coaching. He later took additional classes at Michigan State University and Lock Haven University before coming to West Branch. In the spring of 1999, he began coaching baseball and substitute teaching at both West Branch and Clearfield. He served as head baseball coach for 12 years and has remained involved in coaching in various capacities ever since.
Learish is deeply involved in the West Branch community. He continues to serve as an assistant baseball coach and is known for his positive presence around the school. He’s always making conversation and brightening people’s days. It is clear he loves what he does. Junior Kyla Kephart shared, “Mr. Learish is such a joy to have in our school. He makes FCA very fun and leads us all closer to Christ! He is very kind and one of my favorite teachers! He’s always welcoming and always has a smile on his face!”
Mr. Learish is truly appreciated as both a teacher and a coach. West Branch thanks him for his ongoing dedication to the school.
