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Half a Century of Teaching: John Bodley’s Journey at Severn School
For half a century, John Bodley has been a cornerstone of Severn School, shaping young minds and leaving an indelible mark on the community.
As he celebrated his 50th year as a history teacher, coach, and mentor, we sat down with him to reflect on his incredible journey, the lessons he’s learned, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Q. What brought you to Severn?
A. After graduating from college, I was searching for a teaching position at a private day school no further south than Virginia. The University of Pennsylvania placement service sent me a listing for a school in Severna Park, looking for someone to teach U.S. History and European History, as well as coach football, wrestling, and lacrosse. It felt like the perfect fit.
A. After graduating from college, I was searching for a teaching position at a private day school no further south than Virginia. The University of Pennsylvania placement service sent me a listing for a school in Severna Park, looking for someone to teach U.S. History and European History, as well as coach football, wrestling, and lacrosse. It felt like the perfect fit.
Q. Why have you stayed at Severn?
A. My former headmaster advised me to stay at a school for at least three to five years. By my fourth year, I had met my future wife, and Severn began to feel like home. There’s never been a compelling reason to leave. Severn is an incredible place to work, with an outstanding faculty and a motivated, teachable student body. It’s a unique and supportive community that fosters a love of learning.
A. My former headmaster advised me to stay at a school for at least three to five years. By my fourth year, I had met my future wife, and Severn began to feel like home. There’s never been a compelling reason to leave. Severn is an incredible place to work, with an outstanding faculty and a motivated, teachable student body. It’s a unique and supportive community that fosters a love of learning.
Q. How has your role changed over 50 years?
A. I started as a first-year teacher at Severn and have worn many hats over the years. I served as the summer school and summer programs director for eight years, chaired the history department for 35 years, and coached wrestling for eight years and varsity football for 40 years. Over time, I’ve shifted my focus back to the classroom, where I feel most at home. For the past 30 years, I’ve also advised the Fed Challenge or Economics Team, which ties closely to my passion for teaching.
A. I started as a first-year teacher at Severn and have worn many hats over the years. I served as the summer school and summer programs director for eight years, chaired the history department for 35 years, and coached wrestling for eight years and varsity football for 40 years. Over time, I’ve shifted my focus back to the classroom, where I feel most at home. For the past 30 years, I’ve also advised the Fed Challenge or Economics Team, which ties closely to my passion for teaching.
Q. What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher?
A. The greatest reward is working with students and sharing my passion for history and economics. In my spare time, I read history, study economics, and watch classic movies and historical documentaries. (I still can’t believe Severn pays me to pursue what I love.)
A. The greatest reward is working with students and sharing my passion for history and economics. In my spare time, I read history, study economics, and watch classic movies and historical documentaries. (I still can’t believe Severn pays me to pursue what I love.)
Q. Even with the advances in technology, what are some teaching methods or practices that have stood the test of time?
A. The fundamentals remain the same: Students need to know the material and develop critical thinking skills. In the history department, we continue to emphasize document analysis, argument development, and writing skills. These basics are timeless.
A. The fundamentals remain the same: Students need to know the material and develop critical thinking skills. In the history department, we continue to emphasize document analysis, argument development, and writing skills. These basics are timeless.
Q. What’s a lesson or project you’ve taught that you’re particularly proud of?
A. I’m especially proud of the 15 years I spent leading the Fed Challenge competitions. It wasn’t a program I inherited—I started the first Fed Challenge team at Severn. Preparing for the competitions was a tremendous learning experience for the students, and I’m proud that Severn competed in a national academic competition, winning against some of the finest schools in the country.
A. I’m especially proud of the 15 years I spent leading the Fed Challenge competitions. It wasn’t a program I inherited—I started the first Fed Challenge team at Severn. Preparing for the competitions was a tremendous learning experience for the students, and I’m proud that Severn competed in a national academic competition, winning against some of the finest schools in the country.
Q. What’s one thing very few people know about you?
A. I love tasks. I wake up every day with a list of things to accomplish, and my wife often adds to my Saturday task list! Severn has been my first and only teaching position, but it might surprise some people to know that I was the head varsity lacrosse coach at my former high school for one season before Severn hired me in the fall of 1976. I was also a high school All-American wrestler, placing third at the Lehigh National Prep Tournament.
A. I love tasks. I wake up every day with a list of things to accomplish, and my wife often adds to my Saturday task list! Severn has been my first and only teaching position, but it might surprise some people to know that I was the head varsity lacrosse coach at my former high school for one season before Severn hired me in the fall of 1976. I was also a high school All-American wrestler, placing third at the Lehigh National Prep Tournament.
Q. How has teaching shaped who you are as a person?
A. Teaching has reinforced the importance of patience. Students learn at different speeds and at different phases of their lives. Patience truly is a virtue.
A. Teaching has reinforced the importance of patience. Students learn at different speeds and at different phases of their lives. Patience truly is a virtue.
Q. If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
A. Always, always, always pursue your passions. When you do, work doesn’t feel like work.
A. Always, always, always pursue your passions. When you do, work doesn’t feel like work.
Q. What do you want your legacy to be? How do you want to be remembered?
A. I hope to be remembered as someone who was fair and respectful in all interactions with students, colleagues, and parents.
A. I hope to be remembered as someone who was fair and respectful in all interactions with students, colleagues, and parents.
This story originally appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of The Bridge - click here to see the digital version.
