Science teacher to retire after 38 years

Katelyn Bagshaw- Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) coach and biology teacher Bryan Thomas is retiring.

Biology and track and field coach Thomas is set to retire at the end of this school year. Thomas is an original Mustang, starting here when the school opened in 1998.

Thomas has been teaching for 38 years, 27 at LRHS and 11 years at Southeast High School. He has not only held the title of biology teacher but science department chair as well.

After retirement he plans to spend time with his children and is planning to join his wife as a volunteer at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota.

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Thomas said, “I became a teacher so I could share my passion for Biology Sciences with my students, and to have the opportunity to coach distance runners. It worked well for me as I taught Biology for 38 years and coached Cross Country and Track and Field for 31 years.”

He has taught many courses including International Baccalaureate (IB) biology and Advanced Placement (AP) biology.

“My biology students have scored the highest on the biology End-Of-Course (EOC) exam every year,” he said.

Thomas feels that students have not changed much from when he first began teaching. He still sees interest and need for guidance in students he teaches.

Thomas said, “The family dynamics have changed over the years; the influence of technology and social media have created many challenges for students to have to endure.”