Jervey D. Edwards

Principal
Nassau BOCES Career Preparatory High School

Jervey Edwards began his educational career 23 years ago as a woodshop teacher for Nassau BOCES. The administration soon realized his potential and promoted him to the role of assistant principal of two consecutive programs, before eventually appointing him to the helm of the Career Preparatory High School (CPHS).

Mr. Edwards is an “out of the box” educational leader who has developed a multifaceted approach that provides students with a number of avenues to achieve success. Under his leadership, CPHS has boasted a 90 percent graduation rate for the past 10 years.

For several years, Mr. Edwards has engaged CPHS in an equestrian program that gives students work experience in large animal care. He has implemented a home appliance repair training program through PC Richard that provides students with practical skills they can use as a foundation for a career. He has also developed college partnerships with Hofstra University, Farmingdale State College and Nassau Community College, giving students the opportunity to earn college credit.

Working in conjunction with the Hempstead School District, Mr. Edwards spearheaded the Twilight Program for students who are unable to complete their high school education. The program prepares students for the Regents Exams, as well as the Test Assessing for Secondary Completion (TASC) for a high school equivalency diploma.

Nassau BOCES has looked to Mr. Edwards to share the CPHS model of educational success and improve graduation rates throughout the agency. To that end, he has conducted a variety of teacher training programs. He has also made CPHS shop facilities available to students in diverse programs throughout Nassau BOCES, helping provide them with the requisite amount of training hours they need to graduate with Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement (CDOS) Credentials.

A former Army Major, Mr. Edwards was honored with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Scholarship Award for his “years of dedicated service” to our nation’s armed forces, as well as its educational system.

“Jervey Edwards is an exceptional educator who has worked tirelessly, regardless of the capacity in which he is performing,” wrote his award nominator. “He is a supportive leader who has positively influenced colleagues and students alike. He is a great mentor, motivator and advisor, and an all around superb person.”