Faculty
Dean Presson
Student Credit Recovery
He / him
Dean joins Odyssey School to facilitate Credit Recovery for high school students to successfully complete a course of study if not completed during the regular term.
Dean’s full career is in education with many years as a community college Adult Basic Education and GED instructor. Prior to moving to Asheville in 1988, Dean was a facilitator at the West Area Learning Center of Central Piedmont Community College, tasked with administering entrance exams; then, guiding adult students through college preparation in either reading, language arts or mathematics. After moving to Asheville, he taught for AB Tech as an ABE and GED instructor at the Craggy and Buncombe Correctional Center throughout the 1990s.
In the fall of 1999 until 2006, he worked for Asheville City Schools teaching at the Metro School Program which later became part of Randolph Learning Center. While there, he was honored with a Teacher of the Year award and earned tenure in NC Public Schools. Then, Dean taught for a new credit recovery and long-term suspension program in Asheville called the New Day School. He was the sole teacher in a program that accommodated tuition-free adjudicated, long-term suspended students and after school credit recovery students. Long-term suspended Middle Schools students were able to earn passing grades, and high school students earned credit recovery through the software program. During the summer, Dean ran credit recovery, for all core subjects, summer school sessions using the credit recovery software at the New Day Program.
Dean was NC licensed and certified in middle and high school language arts, social studies and math. From 2008- 2021, he taught mostly 11th grade English and occasional math classes at Buncombe County School’s Community High School in Swannanoa. There, he retired from public schools with twenty years of service. Since then, he has been a part-time GED instructor at the Western Correctional Center for Women in Swannanoa, a program under AB Tech. He is grateful to join the Odyssey School community.
Odyssey
News & Events
It will be here before you know it! Odyssey's 16th Annual Festival of Light is an evening filled with joyful, creative and whimsical skits, songs and performances from students pre-k through 12th grade. Thursday, December 14th at 6:30 PM. #theodysseyway #odysseyschoolavl
Here is the link for online donations! Every bit helps Odyssey to the Annual Fund goal and is tax-deductible. Please allow us to make this unique education available to those who can't afford it. Donations also support classroom resources and teacher professional development. https://odysseycommunity.org/donate🍂📚✉💚#givingtuesday
Here is the link to make your tax-deductible donation to Odyssey School's Annual Fund and in the process join a global campaign of generosity! https://odysseycommunity.org/donate/
🌟 It's #GivingTuesday! 🌟 Today, I am asking you to support our school for a purpose bigger than ourselves – to support the bright young minds at Odyssey School Asheville. 📚✨ Our mission to provide innovative, inclusive, and individualized education has never been more vital. With your support, we can ensure that every student has the tools to succeed, explore, and dream. 💡 Here's the impact of your generosity: Increased opportunity for students through scholarships. Access to technology and materials that support learning. Improving our facilities ensures that we maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment. Every contribution, big or small, opens up a world of possibilities for our students. 🌈🌍 🤝 Join us in this movement: Donate via the link on our website Odyssey School Asheville. Share this post and spread the word. Tag us in your stories with #odysseyschoolavl , and tell us why you believe in our School! Let's shape a future filled with curiosity, creativity, and community. 💖 Thank you for being a part of our journey. 🙏 #OdysseySchoolAdventures #odysseyhighavl #OdysseySchool #odysseyschoolavl #greatschools #828isgreat #ashevillenc #givingtuesday #firstchoice #thankyou Dr. Eric "Big E" Howard Head of School
Friendsgiving at Odyssey 🌟 Gratitude for Odyssey School Asheville 🌟 Reflecting on my time at Odyssey School AVL, I am overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude. This incredible place has shaped my academic journey and left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. 📚💖 🌿 The teachers at Odyssey are more than educators; they are mentors, guides, and friends. Thank you for igniting my curiosity and for nurturing my thirst for knowledge. 📝🧠 🌎 Odyssey's commitment to experiential learning has broadened my horizons and allowed me to explore the world around me. Every moment has been a learning opportunity, from outdoor adventures to hands-on projects. 🌍🌄 💪 The supportive community at Odyssey has taught me the importance of collaboration, empathy, and resilience. Together, we've overcome challenges and celebrated victories. 🤝❤️ 🎨 The arts have been vital to my journey here, allowing me to express myself creatively and find my unique voice. Thank you for fostering my artistic growth. 🎭🎨 🌞 As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my life, I carry the lessons, friendships, and memories from Odyssey School Asheville. I am truly grateful for this remarkable journey. 🚀🌈 #OdysseySchoolAdventures #odysseyhighavl #OdysseySchool #828isgreat #greatschools #ashevillenc #gratitude #lifelessons #EducationJourney #thanksgiving #thankful #friendsgiving
Empowering educators at A+ Arts professional development with the incredible teachers of Odyssey School Asheville! 🍎🎨 Exciting times ahead as we nurture creativity and excellence in education. #OdysseySchool #ProfessionalDevelopment #EducationJourney #ashevillenc #828isgreat #A+ #greatschools #odysseyschoolavl