Congratulations to teacher Joseph "Joey" Dean, Cass High School's 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year! Dean teaches Agriculture as a pathway here at Cass High, and his current course offerings include Basics of Agriculture, Plant Science, Nursery Landscape, Agricultural Leadership, and Forestry. He also has previously coached Cass High football and baseball.
Coach Joey Dean (center right), pictured here with his family members (left, center, and front) and Head Principal Stephen Revard.
Coach Dean was a graduate of the Class of 1997 from Cass High School, so it's safe to say that he knows exactly what it means to "Love Blue and Live Gold!" After graduating from Cass, he attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, then moved on to work for the State of Georgia for 10 years. He realized his true calling, though, while serving his community as a volunteer coach for youth sports.
"I realized that I had something to offer our youth," he says, "and also that I stayed young surrounding myself with young people." He went back to school, receiving a degree in Education from Kennesaw State University in 2009. He was hired here at Cass, his Alma Mater, and has been with Cass High for all 12 years of his career in education.
Coach Dean's favorite part of this calling is building relationships with the students he teaches, which he believes are our future. "My favorite part of this calling is.... helping give students life skills and strategies that they may not find readily in their lives. I want to make each generation better than mine."
Coach Joey Dean (center), pictured here with Assitant Principal Jennifer Suarez (left) and Head Principal Stephen Revard (right).
"Cass High is honored that Joey Dean will represent the Colonel Family as our 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year," says Principal Stephen Revard, "Coach Dean exemplifies what it means to be a Colonel through positive relationships with students and staff. He helps students grow academically, builds character, and prepares them to become productive members of their community. His lasting impact extends far beyond the classroom and our campus. "
When asked what he thinks about being named Teacher of the Year, Coach Dean had this to say:
"To be named Teacher of the Year by my peers is extraordinary. I feel like an imposter at times. I have days that I am not as productive as I want to be, or I realize I missed a chance to connect with a kid. The list of shortcomings I assign to myself can be long. This is an affirmation to keep trying. Though perfection is unattainable, constant forward progress will always get you to your goal. "
Congratulations again to Mr. Joey Dean! Your Cass High Family are all so grateful to have you!