CHS welcomed a new administrative assistant Brian Bevan to their staff a little over a month ago. Bevan has been a teacher for six years. He spent three years as a World History teacher at Marina High School in Tucson, Arizona, and most recently at Tallwood High School as a World History 1 and Virginia/US Government teacher.

Bevan grew up in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, and attended three different colleges. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and Social Studies at Bloomsbury University and his Master’s in Education Development and Strategies from Wilkes University. In the last year, Bevan obtained his Educational Leadership Endorsement from Longwood University, giving him the credentials to work in school administration and supervision.

Bevan is eager to serve as an administrative assistant at CHS and will become an Assistant Principal in the coming years. He oversees freshman students and transportation, in addition to a multitude of other administrative tasks.

Q: As a Pennsylvania native, how happy are you that the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl? What lessons can their victory teach students about overcoming setbacks or challenges?

A: “Surprisingly, I was rooting against the Eagles! Many of my friends growing up were Eagles fans and I had the misfortune of consistently being around an overconfident fan base that made it easy to make them a team to root against. But if there is a lesson in their victory that we all can relate to and learn from, it’s that staying positive during the difficult times is critical for success. Their early season was less than ideal and even had people calling for their coach to be fired.  It’s easy to get discouraged in the tough times, but maintaining optimism helps you stay on track and find solutions and achieve what you did not think was possible, and their victory is a perfect example of that.”

Q: As a former history teacher, what time period or event did you most enjoy helping students learn about?

A: “My favorite period to cover in my time teaching history was the Renaissance. The period was defined by the birth of modern thinking and innovation and embraced the concept of humanism, a philosophy focused on human potential, creativity, and reason. Teaching this period allowed our class to emphasize the importance of individual potential and achievement and allowed me to encourage students to strive for excellence and embrace the idea that they can shape their own futures.”

Q: Was there an event that made you decide to transition from teaching to leadership, or was that always your plan?

A: “Throughout my life, I had the honor to serve in multiple leadership roles, so when I got into teaching, the plan was to pursue a leadership position at some point in time. As a teacher, I loved connecting with students and seeing them grow, but over time, I realized that I wanted to create positive change not only for individual students but for the entire school or district. The more I experienced leadership in a teaching context, the more I realized I could leverage that passion and skillset to foster positive change on a wider scale, which is ultimately what led me to pursue a leadership position.”

Q: In your new role as an administrator, what school setting or grade level would you like to serve, and why?

A: “While I would be proud to serve any grade level as an administrator, I love the idea of serving as the administrator for freshmen, which I am fortunate enough to have that opportunity to serve here at Cox! Having taught mostly freshmen my entire teaching career, I recognize that this grade level is a critical transition period for students as they move from middle school to high school. Freshmen are navigating new academic challenges, forming new social connections, and adjusting to a more rigorous environment. I find it incredibly rewarding to support students during this pivotal time in their educational journey. By working with freshmen, I would have the opportunity to positively influence their high school experience from the very beginning, helping them build strong foundations for academic success, personal growth, and social-emotional development.”

Q: How important do you feel student journalists are in the dynamics of a high school setting?  What steps would you take as a new leader to ensure that journalism programs continue to thrive in high schools?

A: “Student journalists play a crucial role in the dynamics of a high school setting. They provide a unique and valuable perspective on school events, issues, and student life, offering their peers a voice and creating a space for open dialogue. Student journalism also helps foster critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills, which are essential for students’ academic and personal growth. As a new leader, I would ensure that journalism programs continue to thrive by first recognizing their importance and providing strong support. This would include ensuring that student journalists have access to the necessary resources, whether it be technology, training, or mentorship from experienced educators. Creating a safe, open environment where students feel encouraged to explore diverse topics and voices in their writing would be something I would love to see continue as a new leader.”

Q: Finally, as a member of the Class of 2025, what advice do you have for seniors as they transition from high school to college?

A: “My advice for seniors as they transition from high school to college, or any other journey our students choose to pursue, is to embrace the change with an open mind and a sense of adventure. Take the time to explore your interests and step out of your comfort zone. It is scary to step outside of your comfort zone, but that is where you will learn so much about yourself and find a true sense of accomplishment. Make the most of these opportunities, but remember that it’s okay to take things one step at a time.  It’s ok to get frustrated or sad. It’s ok to have bad days. But keep having days. Keep trying your best every day because every day won’t be bad, that I can promise, and your impact on the world and the people around you is greater than you can ever imagine.”