Mark McCann continues to bring decades of professional and military experience to his history classrooms at Brevard High School, where he has taught since 2007.
His teaching is enriched by 36 years of service with the Air National Guard, including North Carolina's 245th Civil Engineer Flight in Charlotte, from which he recently retired. His military career took him around the world, providing firsthand perspectives that bring history to life for his students. His military service included deployments to construct critical infrastructure in locations such as Antigua, Germany, Italy, Norway and the Navajo Nation.
Mr. McCann teaches an impressive range of courses including world history, U.S. history, civics & economics, AP U.S. History, AP Government & Politics, and AP Human Geography.
"He has been a dedicated history/civics teacher at BHS for many years," said Brevard High School Principal Mick Galloway. "He is respected by his colleagues and students."
He holds a B.A. in social studies education from Nicholls State University and an M.A. in history teaching from the University of New Orleans.
McCann began his teaching career in Louisiana's public schools in 1995, balancing his civilian and military responsibilities for years. While living in New Orleans, Mr. McCann performed life-saving duties as part of the Louisiana Air National Guard during Hurricane Katrina. Following the hurricane, which displaced him from his home, he relocated to Asheville. He has taught history at BHS ever since.
A daily commute from Asheville might deter most people, but Mr. McCann said it has been worth it. He found his teaching "home" at Brevard High School, and said the students and his coworkers make it special.
The discipline and leadership skills honed through his military service translate directly into his classroom, he said. This makes for a classroom where students are even more engaged in learning. McCann's combination of academic training and knowledge, military service and real-world experience makes him an invaluable resource for students.