Teacher Feature: Bob Evans, Orchard

Our teacher feature of the week is Bob Evans, skilled and technical science teacher at Orchard Public Schools. 

Where did you graduate from high school? What year? I am a very proud Graduate of Nationally Awarded Blue Ribbon Crofton Public High School.  A few years back in 1981.
​
What college did you attend? (years & degree) I attended the University of South Dakota at Springfield in the fall of 1981 and earned an Associates of Arts and Science Degree in Automotive Technology.  I continued on there until the closing of the USD/S in the spring of 1984. I was transitioned to Dakota College in Madison, South Dakota where I finished my final semester in the fall of 1984 earning a Bachelors Degree in Vocational Technical Teacher Education.  I earned a second Bachelors from Wayne State College in Industrial Technology Education in 1987. I have since earned a Master Degree from WSC in Career and Technical Education. In addition, I have earned additional credit in Graduate Studies in Administration and CTE for multiple Institutions of higher learning.

What places have you taught? I have taught for thirty-one years in the field of Career and Technical Education.  My first seven years I taught at the Vermillion Senior School in Vermillion, SD. I then spent the next eighteen years at the Yankton Senior High School in Yankton, SD. I then came home to Nebraska and taught in Santee and the Community School for five years.  This is my first year here at the amazing Orchard Public School.

What subject/class do you teach? In the past thirty-one years I have taught a wide variety of classes.  I have taught classes that basically are anything to do with making a living with your hands in industry.  I have taught students from the 5th grade all the way to sixty years old, industry work trying to advance in their careers.  I currently teach Skilled and Technical Science classes that range from Welding to Entrepreneurship, Robotics and everything in between. I have the distinct pleasure of team teaching with the awesome and super talented Mrs. Williamson, Business Teacher, in our Entrepreneurship class.  The class is an amazing opportunity for our students to live business.

What is your favorite part of teaching? My favorite part of teaching is knowing every day I get to come to Orchard and work with the best people on the planet to help young people grow as individuals and help them realize their dreams.  I have an awesome job and a huge responsibility, but I am surrounded by the most amazing leaders and co-workers that make every day special.

What are you most excited about for 2017-18 school year? 2017-18 brought me here to Orchard the next chapter of my life.  I knew after the first time I walked into this building and met Mr. Martin and Mrs. Cooper that this was the place for me.  I could hardly contain myself. I am thankful every day for this opportunity.

Do you have any extracurricular activities you are in charge of? (explain if yes) I am co-sponsor of SKILLS/USA with Mr. Odell.  We have made history here at O-C. We have a huge group of students, and our 7th graders have earned eight gold medals and are headed to the state finals to compete for a chance at the national finals.  SKILLS/USA is so vital to our students and helping develop their leadership and technical skills. I am very proud of our chapter.

What are your classroom goals for the year? I am working diligently to help our students prepare to be a part of workforce for our community.  We have been working on the enhancement of education with the incorporation of technology. Of course, that takes resources, so I have been working to let the world know that we are here making a difference and that any resource that can be shared to help with education is greatly appreciated.  We have had local people step up and make huge individual contributions. We have also had businesses from Norfolk invest in our educational system with huge contribution of materials, Norfolk Iron and Steel and Nucor have come through for us.

What brought you to teach here? I came to Orchard because of the people here.  I could see and feel the pride that this community has in its school.  After talking with Mr. Martin and Mrs. Cooper on the day of my formal interview, I knew that this is the place for me.  I only hope that I can contribute at the amazing level that this works at. I know that my passion for education and this great community make this the opportunity of a lifetime.

Can you tell me a little bit about your family? I am very proud to say that I am the father of three wonderful children and two amazing grandchildren.  I have beautiful intelligent daughters, most take after their mother, and a handsome strong brilliant twenty-one year old son. I have truly been blessed in my life to have found an intelligent loving woman, that I am proud to call my wife, that has managed to put up with me for thirty-three years.  I have tremendous support from my family and try everyday to make them proud of me. My father grew up on a Reservation in South Dakota and I am Native American which also drives me everyday to prove my personal goals and earn my place here.

What are your hobbies? I love being outside.  My family and I mow about twenty lawns in the summer, giving us time outside together.  I really love hunting and fishing especially with family and friends. Some of my most cherished moments in my life are being outside with my family and friends enjoying the great gifts that nature has to offer.  I like to cook when time permits and I am a baker of rolls and breads.