The Jag

By Laci Winship

Reporter

A new business teacher is eager to make a difference at South. Gavin Fairbank teaches a variety of business and computer application classes and appreciates the life skills they teach students. 

After growing up in Blue Springs and going to Blue Springs schools, Fairbank was excited to be a Jaguar again, this time, as a teacher. 

“I chose BSS because I actually graduated from here in 2019,” says Fairbank. “I went through the entire district growing up and so coming back to BSSD and especially South was so important.” 

Fairbank graduated from Missouri State in 2023 with a bachelor’s of science in general business and is currently attending the University of Central Missouri to receive a master’s in career and technical education. Education was not his first job, however. 

“After college, I went straight into real estate and became a realtor for two years,” he said. “While doing that I began subbing to pay some extra bills. While subbing I found a true passion of being in the classroom and seeing students grow academically. I knew right then and there that I wanted to have a classroom of my own and do that for students.” 

From his first few weeks at South, Fairbank has already learned a lot about his students. 

“I have learned that students love to learn about business, which makes my job easy,” he says. 

He has also connected with many teachers and staff members. One in particular. 

“So far, I have connected a lot with Mr. (Blake) Sanderson, he is also a new business teacher and funny enough we share a wall! Going through all the new teacher stuff with him made everything easy and exciting.” 

In addition to teaching in the classroom, Fairbank enjoys coaching students on the field as well. He is a football coach at Delta Woods and enjoys all things sports. 

“It is football season now, so fantasy football is a full go,” he says. “Just excited to see how this year plays out!” 

Fairbank wants to impact the journey of his students, as he remembers his own high school experience vividly. 

“It is a full circle moment for sure, since not that long ago I was sitting in these seats doing the same things as these students,” he says.