Innovative Educator of the Year

Don Bland Honored from Pioneer High School
Posted on 11/21/2017
Don Bland and his wife Coco GrahamOn Saturday evening, November 18, at its Annual Conference held in Reno at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, the Nevada Association of School Boards recognized the achievements and contributions of school board members, teachers, administrators, educational advocates, and others from across the State. Mr. Don Bland of Pioneer High School, Carson City School District, was awarded Innovative Educator of the Year. (Mr. Bland pictured with his wife Coco Graham).

This Award recognizes the invaluable service provided to Nevada’s children by those individuals who demonstrate their leadership by promoting and implementing innovative programs designed to improve student achievement.

Mr. Bland is in his second career serving in Pioneer High School, Carson City. He previously worked for a consulting group that specialized in master planning for school districts in California. After that chapter in his life, Mr. Bland began his Nevada teaching in Lyon County where he developed a Gifted and Talented program that benefited many students attending Lyon schools.

Four years ago, Mr. Bland arrived at Pioneer High School as a biology teacher. There he implemented a Health Science Career and Technical Education course. This program has since evolved into a three-year sequence that includes Health Information Management I and II.

Mr. Bland has worked with local healthcare companies to get their help in obtaining the most up-to-date software in this field, making Pioneer High School the only school in Nevada to offer electronic recording. Mr. Bland has worked with Physician’s Management to begin an internship program for interested students.

As a result of the experiences that Mr. Bland has provided students in this health care program, its graduates are able to enter the working world right after graduation with a generous wage of $18.00 per hour. Graduates are actively recruited by local healthcare companies.

Mr. Bland also started a Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Club. His health students competed in the 2017 State Leadership conference in Reno where they earned both gold and silver medals.

As if all of this were not enough, Mr. Bland started a music class that includes beginning and advanced guitar with keyboard and percussion components. He is truly a Renaissance man AND innovative educator—highly respected throughout Carson City School District.

Click here to read the entire news release.