Teacher: Intervention Specialist
By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak
September 23, 2021
Welcome back to BHS, Coach “Shep”! Jeff Shepherd is an intervention specialist in our high school and has many years of experience, not only with teaching but also with coaching. Previously, Shepherd coached basketball for 10 years here at Brooklyn with numerous conference championships. He is known by many of his colleagues and students for his level of determination, kind personality, and sense of humor.
Q: What inspired you to be an intervention specialist?
A: “My son has been a huge inspiration. Since he has special needs, I work a lot with him at home. I like to help kids who need a little extra help; it’s a good feeling. I also like to help all kids with all levels of education. All in all, I like to help everyone.”
Q: What made you decide to return to Brooklyn High School?
A: “When I left Brooklyn High School, it was more because there were some things going on. Coming back to Brooklyn was an easy decision to make. I still have a lot of friends here, and this school is almost like home. I’ve been here previously for 10 years. I’m very familiar with the school, despite all the changes. There is still a lot of familiarity within the school.”
Q: How do you think you’ve positively affected your students in the past?
A: “I think that since I’ve coached and taught for many years, I now have that connection with students. Last Friday night’s football game, there was a student there that I hadn’t seen in about 20 years. He had made it a point to come and talk to me and made a comment to me saying I kept him calm and gave him reassurance when it was difficult for him to do so.”
Q: How do you deal with a stressful situation in school?
A: “I try to rely on the support of my colleagues and my peers. I try my best to surround myself with a positive support system, and there are other people who do similar things.”
Q: What is your favorite part about coaching basketball?
A: “One of my favorite parts about coaching is being around the guys in a non-academic setting and still trying to teach them similar lessons outside of the classroom, such as life lessons and discipline. It’s pretty much the same as the teaching part. Winning games is also nice, but the better part is seeing the guys grow so much in the duration of the season. There’s nothing like having your athletes come back and thank you for being a great coach; it’s gratifying!”
Q: What was a time in your life that was most memorable to you and why?
A: “Getting married was a big part of my life, but adopting my oldest son was pretty special. I have three kids. My oldest was adopted, and two months later, we had our own miracle baby. My youngest daughter is adopted as well. It’s important to remember that there is no difference between adoption and biological children.”
Q: What is your life like outside of school? What do you like to do in your free time?
A: “In my free time, I like to hang out with my family, my wife, and kids. Sometimes, we go to see movies, and sometimes, we hang out with neighbors and their kids. I also like to fish with my sons. Starting a normal day with three kids can get very hectic and chaotic. Everyone is running around, trying to do their own thing.”
Q: If you could coach any other sport, what would it be and why?
A: “I would coach football. I simply like the contact and the development. My son plays football, and I’ve coached him before as well. There’s nothing like the thrill of the Friday night lights, if you will. The sound of the band playing, and your players playing the game under the lights at night is all quite an experience.”
Thank you, Coach “Shep”. Welcome back to the Hurricane family!
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 