Goodbye, Mr. Beaty (You’ll Be Sorely Missed)

When students begin their new 2012-13 academic year on Aug. 14, they can expect many surprises, not the least of which could be warmer classrooms than last year’s first few weeks of school, thanks to the August heat.

But perhaps the biggest surprise will be this: Brent Beaty, one of the most well-regarded teachers on campus, won’t be there anymore.

“Mr. Beaty,” as he’s fondly referred to by his students, will be leaving Eagle Rock High and joining La Cañada High School instead, according to La Cañada High School Assistant Principal James Cartnal.

Mr. Beaty, who chaired the Social Sciences Department at Eagle Rock High, besides teaching AP History, AP Government, and AP Economics, is regarded by many as among the most committed teachers not just at the school but anywhere in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

“He’s thoughtful and extremely dedicated,” said Stephan Early, an English teacher who specializes in teaching Shakespeare.

Early will never forget a year during which Mr. Beaty traveled to Texas on vacation and spent an entire week correcting advanced placement tests. Early, too, was correcting English composition tests at the time, and he recalls that they were “mind-numbingly boring.”

“We’re very excited about having him [Mr. Beaty],” Cartnal told Eagle Rock Patch over the telephone. “We’re lucky to have such an outstanding teacher come to LaCañada High School.”

Cartnal said that Mr. Beaty applied for a job opening for a social science teacher posted on the school’s website.

“He responded, came for an interview and was selected,” Cartnal added, declining to say if — and how many — other candidates for the position were also interviewed.

Eagle Rock Patch is waiting to hear back from Mr. Beaty about an interview request.