Faculty and Staff Updates

In preparation for the 2020-2021 school year, Bishop’s is reimagining how the School will move forward in the era of COVID-19.

 

Head of School Ron Kim announced in late May that in order to “ensure we are prepared for this challenge, we created a new administrative position—the assistant head of school for internal affairs. The most immediate priority for this position is to develop, implement and communicate a health and safety plan for our community.” The assistant head will have oversight in areas of wellness, strategic planning and diversity.

 

Dean of Students Michael Beamer now serves as the assistant head of school for internal affairs. Mr. Beamer began COVID planning at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year, focusing on academic continuity; extracurricular programs; facilities and physical needs; health, hygiene and well-being; dining; transportation; cleaning and disinfecting; updated policies and procedures; and training and communication. In his tenure as Bishop’s Dean of Students, Mr. Kim notes, “Mr. Beamer ensures that we are attentive to a child’s well-being, the context of a student’s behavior and that ultimately, we are oriented around Bishop’s core values. His ability to know each student well and also comprehend broad, institutional priorities provides the School with the adaptability and imagination needed to understand how big decisions have an impact on each of us in the community.” Citing Mr. Beamer’s six years of service in the U.S. Navy, including two as the navigator onboard a destroyer, he adds, “In that role, he was responsible for making sure that everyone on board got to their destination safely. Mr. Beamer brings the wisdom, judgment and calm demeanor in turbulent conditions that will help us do the same thing — reach our goals safely together.”

 

Three subsequent leadership appointments for the year were also announced. Michelle Shea has been appointed as the dean of students. Ms. Shea has enjoyed a long-standing teaching career at Bishop’s and has been intricately involved in the lives of the students as a coach, ASBC advisor, sponsor to the Black Student Union and the Muslim Student Association, Discipline Committee member and advocate. Ms. Shea looks forward to further supporting our students and will also teach a section of English. 

 

Shane Walton ’98 will take on the role of associate dean of students. His long history at Bishop’s as an alumnus, classroom teacher, coach, assistant director of athletics and assistant dean of students, as well as his extensive experience and insight on character education, mentoring, leadership and coaching bring value to the School. In addition to supporting the work of the dean of students, Mr. Walton will teach L.E.A.D., serve as the ASBC sponsor and as an advisor, and lead character education and mentorship initiatives. 

 

Finally, Jasmyn Tanner '98 is the new director of middle school student life. As a career educator and Bishop’s alumna, Ms. Tanner understands the culture and climate at Bishop’s, and has modeled herself as a lifelong learner deeply committed to the social and emotional learning needs of middle school students. She understands the emotions along with societal pressures that middle school students face. Ms. Tanner embraces her role as a teacher-counselor and is dedicated to strengthening the support systems available to our middle school students. She will continue to teach sixth grade English and serve as an advisor.