Early positive influences put new superintendent on educational career path

Tyson Beshore

Nevada R-5 Superintendent

What inspired you to become an educator?

Many people have had a special teacher that influenced their career choice. My high school coach/ history teacher was a strong inspiration to me, and one of the main reasons that I wanted to go into education. Jerry Cornelius treated us fairly and I always respected that. He motivated his players to do their best and helped them to reach their full potential. I entered the education field with aspirations of influencing youth in a positive way like he did.

What do you expect to be most challenging in your new role and why?

The most challenging task is to make certain that our district provides the best educational experience for all of our students. While this is a difficult undertaking, it is one of the utmost importance. The success of our youth is the key to our community's future.

What three moments in your education career have been most memorable?

I always enjoy it when I am able to visit with past students. One former student came to see me several years after he graduated. He told me that the visits that we had while I was a middle school assistant principal helped turn his life around and got him on the right track. He went on to share his successes and future plans. Our conversation meant the world to me.

In the spring of 2003, I was coaching an extraordinary group of young men in baseball. Not only did they have talent but they were also hard working and fun to be around. We were fortunate enough to play for the district championship in Carthage against McDonald County. The game was an intense one and went into extra innings. The Tigers prevailed and won! The happiness that I felt for the boys as they accepted the district champ plaque was immeasurable.

I will never forget when the Nevada High School softball team won the state championship in 2010. It was an amazing experience for the team, coaches, district, and community. It will be etched in my memory forever.

Experience and where (school, position, years)

I am fortunate to have spent my entire educational career in the Nevada R-5 School District. When I was first hired, I was a high school teacher. I have served as middle school assistant principal, high school assistant principal, middle school principal, and assistant superintendent prior to taking my current position as superintendent.

Education

I graduated high school from Rich Hill in 1992. After attending Cowley County Community College, I transferred to and graduated from Tabor College with my bachelor's degree. Shortly after beginning my teaching career, I received my Master of Science degree in educational leadership from Pittsburg State University. In 2009, I earned a specialist degree in educational leadership from Saint Louis University. I also received my doctoral degree in 2012 from Saint Louis University in educational leadership.

Coaching background (what sport, where, years)

* Tabor College assistant baseball coach / Hillsboro, Kan. / 2 years

* Hillsboro American Legion head baseball coach / Hillsboro, Kan. / 1 year

* Tabor College assistant women's basketball coach / Hillsboro, Kan. / 1 year

* High school assistant football coach / Nevada / 3 years

* High school assistant softball coach / Nevada / 2 years

* High school assistant baseball coach / Nevada / 2 years

* High school head baseball coach / Nevada / 4 years

* Middle school girls' basketball coach / Nevada / 6 years

* Middle school boys' basketball coach / Nevada / 1 year

Hometown

My sister and I were raised in Rich Hill, Mo. Our family lived on a farm outside of town.

Family

My wife, Kristy, and I have two wonderful children. Calli is a student at Nevada Middle School and Cade attends Truman Elementary School.

Interest/hobbies

I enjoy watching and coaching my children in their various activities. My family and I are passionate supporters of the Kansas City Royals and attend several games each year.

Church affiliation

I am a member of First Baptist Church.

Anything you'd like to add

I am thrilled to be the Nevada R-5 superintendent. Nevada has been my home for over 17 years. I look forward to working with the R-5 staff, students, parents, and community to pursue the best educational system possible.