Think back to when you were a student, back-to-school shopping, finding your classroom, and the exciting lessons that would soon fill your day. The first day of school jitters that were calmed by the friendly, welcoming face, and celebrating the “ah ha” moments when you finally figured out how to solve the problem. Then there was the time in kindergarten, when you went to the restroom but couldn’t remember the way back to your classroom. As panic set in, that friendly face walked around the corner and they knew exactly where your classroom was. These champions make math exciting and words come to life through reading and writing, they stood beside you and cheered as you mastered kickball, that difficult note, or the masterpiece that needed a little finesse.
Although everyone’s school experience was different, teachers are the common thread throughout classrooms and schools. They are the first to welcome you to a new class, they spend extra time working through a challenging problem, and they give you a high five when you accomplish your goals.
St. Vrain is the proud home to nearly 2,000 teachers who spend their days preparing our students for the future. Join us in celebrating our teachers and learn what they enjoy about teaching, why they became teacher and what their favorite memory is from the days they spent as a student in the classroom.
Thank you to all of our teachers.
Getting to know:
Stephen King
Grade 4
Centennial Elementary
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I love the relationships I have with my students and watching them do things they never thought they could.
Briefly tell us about the path you took to becoming a teacher?
One March I was volunteering in my daughter’s second grade class and the teacher told the class to finish a coloring sheet and then go to recess. I was walking around the room talking to students when I noticed this little guy just sitting there not working. I knelt down and asked him why he wasn’t working. He told me, “I don’t want to.” I said, “Everybody likes recess! I’ll help you.” Without moving or looking at me, he replied, “No, that’s okay. My brother is in jail, my dad’s not home, and my mom doesn’t care.” My heart broke. The only thing I could think was, “I care.” I couldn’t get that little guy out of my head, and the next fall I was in school taking my first ever college class. At 28, with a family and a comfortable career I began a 20 year journey that led me here. The past six years have been the hardest, and yet the most rewarding years of my life.
What is your favorite memory from when you were a student?
To be honest, I never really liked school. I was that kid that excelled at recess and PE.