At Salem Community High School, the Business and Technology Department has built a reputation for equipping students with practical, career-ready skills. Offering courses like Business Concepts, Career Exploration, and Web Design, the program provides students with the foundational knowledge they need to thrive in the fast-evolving business and tech landscapes. Overseen by department chair Stacey Beavin, the program has become a launchpad for future entrepreneurs, designers, and business professionals.

Although Stacey Beavin is nearing retirement after 32 years of teaching, her focus remains firmly on the students and the innovative programs offered by the department. From Computer Applications to Entrepreneurship, her goal has always been to ensure that students leave with skills they can apply in real-world settings. “One of the most rewarding parts of teaching business is that students can use what they’ve learned immediately, whether that’s navigating Excel or designing a website,” she explains.

A standout feature of the Business and Technology Department is its emphasis on realworld application. Students have access to a fully equipped green screen studio where they can broadcast, podcast, and hone their digital media skills using today’s most advanced tools. From video editing to graphic design, the department offers opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with technology they’ll encounter in the professional world. “We want our students to walk out of here ready to contribute in a real way,” says Beavin. “It’s about preparing them for the future.”

The program’s comprehensive curriculum spans a variety of disciplines. In addition to Business Concepts and Digital Communications, students can explore Marketing and Advertising, Entrepreneurship, and Computer Applications, gaining a broad understanding of how businesses operate in today’s tech-driven marketplace. The Entrepreneurship courses, in particular, encourage students to think critically about business strategy, innovation, and real-world problem-solving. Meanwhile, the web design and digital media courses help students develop technical skills that are highly valued in the modern workforce.

Beavin has always been a champion of bringing practical, real-world skills into the classroom. “When students can connect what they’re learning to real-life applications, that’s when education becomes truly meaningful,” she explains. Countless former students have returned to thank her for the lessons they learned in her classes, often citing how much these skills helped them succeed after graduation.

As the department continues to evolve, it maintains strong ties with the local community, collaborating with area businesses to provide students with internship opportunities and hands-on learning experiences. These partnerships not only enhance the educational offerings but also help students build networks that may benefit them after graduation.

Although Beavin is approaching the next chapter of her life, her legacy will live on through the programs she’s nurtured and the students she’s inspired. “Teaching has been an incredible journey,” she reflects, “but it’s always been about the students and preparing them for what’s next.”

Salem Community High School’s Business and Technology Department continues to stand as a model of how education can bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce, providing students with the tools, skills, and confidence to succeed in an ever-changing world.