Columbus Public Schools (CPS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brooke Kavan as the district’s next Director of Teaching and Learning, replacing Teresa Hausmann upon her retirement at the end of June. Teresa has served as the Director of Teaching and Learning since 2022. “We are grateful to Teresa for her dedication to CPS and her successful efforts to drive meaningful improvements in student learning across our district,” said Dr. Chip Kay, Superintendent.
Kavan, who currently serves as Professional Development Coordinator at Educational Service Unit 7 (ESU 7), will assume her new role and bring her extensive expertise in curriculum, instruction, and professional development to support the district’s more than 4,200 students.
“Her deep understanding of professional development, her expertise in Cognitive Coaching, and her proven track record of supporting educators make her an exceptional fit for this role. We are thrilled to welcome her to our leadership team,” said Superintendent Dr. Chip Kay.
Kavan brings more than 20 years of education experience to her new position. In her current role at ESU 7, she has coached over 50 teachers and principals using the Cognitive Coaching model, managed the Title II-A (supporting effective instruction grant) Consortium serving multiple districts, and delivered comprehensive support for school leaders through Leadership Learning Rounds and whole-staff professional development. She also serves as ESU 7 Staff Development Affiliate Strategist, collaborating with statewide leaders, including the Nebraska Commissioner of Education.
Prior to joining ESU 7, Kavan served as Assistant Principal at Hastings Middle School, where she led the school’s continuous improvement efforts and helped it earn recognition as a Nebraska Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) National Breakthrough School and a National Model PLC School. She was named Region IV Assistant Principal of the Year in 2011-12. Most recently, she was honored as the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA) ESU Staff Member of the Year in 2024.
Kavan holds an Education Specialist degree in School District Superintendent from the University of South Dakota, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Kansas, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Concordia University. She is an annual presenter at the Nebraska Council of School Administrators’ Emerging Administrator Program, Administrator Days, and the State Principals Conference.
Kavan is no stranger to Columbus Public Schools, having served as a 7th-grade math teacher at Columbus Middle School during the 2015-2016 school year. Her return to the district reflects her commitment to the Columbus community and her passion for supporting educators and students.
About Columbus Public Schools
Columbus Public Schools serves over 4,200 students across eight schools in Columbus, Nebraska. The district is committed to preparing all students for success through high-quality instruction, dedicated staff, and strong community partnerships. For more information, visit www.columbuspublicschools.org.