Over the morning announcements on Oct. 6, Principal Jason Hayes announced Stephanie Lewis as Santa Fe Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Lewis has taught at Santa Fe for eight years. She currently teaches both Introduction to Advanced (IA) and on-level Chemistry and on-level environmental science classes. She is the head coach for girls cross country and the assistant coach for girls track, and is also the co-sponsor of NHS.
Mrs. Lewis never expected to win Teacher of the Year, and is extremely grateful for the support she received along her teaching journey. She credits much of her success to the new experiences Santa Fe has brought her.
“I take on tasks I don’t think that I would ever be able to do and just kind of go with the flow,” Lewis said. “I’m always trying to hone my craft and become a better teacher, and I’m always open to new ideas and new ways of doing things.”
The adventure that teaching has taken her on has allowed her to understand new topics, modern ideas and fresh mindsets.
“My love of learning put me on a journey for teaching others,” Lewis said. “I like to teach people, watch them grow, and watch the light bulb come on.”
In order to thrive upon her own path of education, Mrs. Lewis often sits in on veteran teachers’ classes to observe and take back strategies for her own classroom. Through her newfound social connections, she has grown to appreciate both her students and fellow coworkers.
“Being able to be flexible and make sure that you don’t get too set in stone just makes things easier,” Lewis said. “It makes it less stressful even though you’re stressed in the moment.”
Throughout her eight years of teaching, Mrs. Lewis has learned the art of ‘compartmentalization’, or dividing each individual activity or class she heads into a specific box. This way, she can manage her individual productivity levels more effectively while continuing to build personal relationships with students.
“Whenever I’m in the classroom, I’m teaching,” Lewis said. “Whenever I’m out there, I’m just coaching.”
From lab mixups to a lack of classroom space, Mrs. Lewis embraces spontaneity and views teaching struggles as a pathway towards a better future for Santa Fe. She is infinitely honored for the recognition her fellow teachers have bestowed upon her, and is focused on furthering her students’ schooling adventures in the best ways possible.
“As teachers, it’s what we’re here for,” Lewis said. “We give people opportunities to become the best versions of themselves. I just want to see all of the students succeed in whatever it is that they would like to do with their lives.”
Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year, Stephanie Lewis!
