During my junior year, one teacher really stood out to me. He supported me through everything, even on the days when things felt overwhelming. Whether it was understanding chemistry or dealing with personal challenges, Mr. Steeves was always there to help me push through.
I remember getting a 44 on a test and thinking a 100 was out of reach. But he never saw me the way I saw myself in those moments. Instead, he saw my potential, even when I couldn’t. He noticed my self-doubt and helped me slowly change the way I thought about my abilities. With his patience, guidance, and extra help sessions, I started to believe in myself again and eventually reached goals I once thought were impossible.
What I appreciate most is not just what he taught me in chemistry, but how he changed my mindset. I’ll always carry that with me. And I’ll never forget something he always says: “Repetition is the mother of skill”. That line still stays in my head whenever I’m facing something difficult, reminding me to keep going even when it feels hard. And with that being said, I decided to conduct an interview and ask him how he became the teacher he is.
What made you decide to become a teacher?
“I come from a long line of teachers (grandmother, father, four out of five siblings became teachers). I stayed away for a while because I thought I’d be doing it. After all, that’s what everyone else did, but I found myself volunteering to teach religious education and working with a youth group – and I loved science and had a science degree, so I decided to get my master’s in education and stop fighting the inevitable.”
How long have you been working at Island Trees, and what are your favorite classes to teach?
“I’ve been teaching at Island Trees for 22 years. My favorite classes to teach are chemistry, forensics, and astronomy.”
What is your favorite thing about Island Trees?
“My favorite thing about Island Trees is the people—both my colleagues and students. The smaller school environment makes it easier to build strong, meaningful connections. I love seeing my students succeed, and even hearing from them after they graduate to see where life takes them. Those lasting relationships have been especially rewarding, but daily, just seeing a student struggle with a concept and then get it, that’s what it is all about!”.
What do you like to do outside of school/work?
“I love hiking, photography, and seeing new places. I visited the National Parks in Colorado a few years ago when my niece was working in Aspen, and went to the Grand Canyon a few years before that. I’ve been to Italy, saw Pope John Paul II, visited areas in Germany that my ancestors came from, and saw lots of castles! At home, visiting with family and friends, gardening, exercising, watching the latest Marvel or Star Wars series, and listening to podcasts/audiobooks.”
What is one fun fact about you?
“One fun fact is that I was born on February 29th, so I only have a birthday every four years.”
