For over 18 years, Jason Bevil has been a cornerstone of Hamilton County Schools (HCS), dedicating most of his career to fostering young minds at Apison Elementary. Initially teaching 3rd and 4th grades, Bevil has since become a trailblazer in STEM and computer science education. Through his passion for technology and innovation, he’s creating unique opportunities for students to explore, experiment, and excel.
Bevil's journey into education was unconventional yet inspiring. Starting in retail sales, he pivoted to a career in teaching with a focus on technology, earning a technology award upon graduating college. From early experiences learning how to implement and utilize Promethean boards into classrooms to leading one of the HCS cutting-edge Volkswagen eLab initiatives, Bevil's evolution mirrors the technological advances he teaches.
“My favorite part is watching students figure something out or take an idea beyond what I ever imagined,” Bevil shared. This sentiment reflects his hands-on approach to teaching, whether it’s guiding students through coding challenges or engineering projects. For instance, in one standout activity, students used coding skills to program robots to navigate a maze they designed themselves. The excitement and collaboration among students brought his vision of interactive, real-world learning to life.
Bevil’s work takes student learning beyond standard classroom instruction. Students at Apison receive 50-minute lab sessions for every grade level weekly. Throughout his career Bevil has led after-school coding and advancement clubs and championed projects like building electric cars and participating in drone leagues. Each initiative seamlessly blends academic skills with critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
“Computer science is more than just using technology; it’s about teaching kids to think critically, explore cause and effect, and develop creative solutions,” Bevil explained. This philosophy aligns with Hamilton County Schools' broader mission to prepare students to thrive in life by blending technical skills with innovation.
Looking ahead, Bevil envisions his lab becoming a hub where teachers can partner to transform challenging academic concepts into hands-on experiences. Additionally, Bevil hopes to expand his efforts to engage the broader community by planning family nights at the lab. These events would allow families to experience the power of hands-on learning firsthand, showcasing the creative problem-solving and teamwork their children practice every day. “I want families to see how these activities inspire students and prepare them for the future,” Bevil said. To support the growing needs of the lab, Bevil has also spearheaded fundraising initiatives, such as designing and selling holiday-themed tea light holders. These projects not only provide essential supplies and resources for the lab but also give students the opportunity to see how their creations can be used in practical, real-world applications.
Bevil firmly believes in preparing students not just for academic success but for a future in a technology-driven world. As Bevil puts it, “Technology is not going away. We’re building a foundation now so students can use these skills to make their lives—and the world—better.”
Jason Bevil exemplifies the transformative power of dedicated educators in shaping future-ready students. His work reminds us that when students are inspired and equipped, there are no limits to what they can achieve.