Secondary Teacher of the Month - November
by Deborah Hicks
December 01, 2009
The Secondary Teacher of the Month for November 2009 is Coach Stephen Heidenreich. Steve is the teacher for our Broad Horizons campus, and is also the Head Cross Country Running Coach and an Assistant Track Coach.
CARING: Steve’s interaction with his student’s demonstrates caring on a daily basis. I’ve witnessed Steve on many occasions throughout the years interacting with his student’s (both Broad Horizon’s students & athletic students) and the witnessed interaction has always been positive. His conversation with students is always done in a way that demonstrates respect, caring and understanding for the student, even in situations when the students are not always respectful. I believe that his positive interaction with students is encouraging to them and promotes positive behavior in the student. He never belittles, yells, or treats students in a way that makes them feel un-important or not valued. That being said, I believe in my heart that Steve values each student as a person, and has high expectations and hopes for their success.
PASSION FOR TEACHING: Steve’s passion for teaching is obvious again in his interaction with students. Even though he is not teaching in a formal classroom setting with a specific subject, his ability to help all students as needed, and flexibility is helping the students who are assigned to him to be successful. Steve is always smiling, always positive, which demonstrates that he loves and is passionate about teaching and helping students to succeed.
INSPIRING: I’ve witnessed Steve coaching for many years, both during the track and field season and also the cross country season. His unique and positive coaching style inspires his students to be winners. I’ve seen Steve run across the football field while his students were running around the track, shouting phrases of encouragement and urging students to keep going and give 100% each day. Again, his interaction with these students is always positive, encouraging and his growing and winning cross country program is evidence of this.
SELF-LESS: On mornings when I think I’ve arrived at school early to get my busy day started, I am often greeted by Steve and the cross country runners. The many hours before and after school as well as throughout the summer show that Steve puts the needs and what is best for his students above his own.
DEDICATION: Steve’s dedication to teaching and students is evident in the daily interaction with students in the classroom and while he is coaching them. I believe that the success and growth of the newly formed cross country team speaks loudly of Steve’s dedication to students, and CPISD.
