News - Norfolk Academy

Sep 11 2020

Evan Mitchell begins in 2020-21 as a Middle School Spanish Teacher. He also will coach basketball and baseball.

Academic background:
B.A., Davidson College

Additional experience:
A native of Wilmington, Delaware, Mr. Mitchell attended Tower Hill, an independent K-12 school where he was an accomplished three-sport athlete and worked as a baseball camp counselor during the summers. He then attended Davidson College, where he pursued his language interests. He lived and studied abroad in 2015-16 in Arequipa, Peru, where he grew his language skills, traveled through parts of South America, and played semi-pro baseball in a small Peruvian league. Upon graduation from Davidson in 2017, he worked at IBM as a technology consultant based in Chicago. At IBM, he specialized in software design and taught Design Thinking workshops with clients throughout Latin America. During this period, He also served as a mentor to eighth grade students in SPARK, an educational organization that helps Chicago youth develop skills and learn about careers in technology.

Tell us why you wanted to become an educator:
I was always taught that everyone should work at a job that excites them and that matters. Most of my family works in education and I’ve always loved working with kids. I love to coach and teach, so being an educator was a perfect fit.

What most excites you about working at Norfolk Academy?
The kids! The students are incredibly talented and hardworking, which makes teaching an absolute pleasure. Norfolk Academy also has an outstanding reputation for supporting its faculty and staff, which makes it a great place to work.

Norfolk Academy is unique because…
The school operates quite impressively - from the reopening plan to the distance learning plan and everything in-between, every detail is meticulously thought through to set up the students for success. The approach to the 2020-21 school year and the preparation that has gone into safely returning to school is emblematic of a culture of excellence that is rare, even in the independent school community.

Last book read:
Colson Whitehead’s Nickel Boys. A fantastic read.

What do you like to do in your own time/when you’re not working?
I love any activity that takes me outside! This year’s goal is to learn how to surf.

Favorite food?
It’s a tie - Sushi and Pistachio Halo Top Ice Cream.

A movie is being made about your life. Who would they cast to play you?
John Krasinski

Fun fact your students might find surprising:
I’m a novice beekeeper. When I spend time at home in Delaware, I help my dad tend to his beehives. He has had them for years, but I only recently became involved. Extracting honey from the hives is my favorite part!

“When I grow up, I want to be…”
Stephen Curry. I’m still waiting for the Warriors to hold open tryouts, but I’ll be ready when they do.