Robert Steagall
Robert Steagall
Hornet of the Hive
Andrew Biven, Staff WriterHornet of the Hive
January 31, 2025
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Robert Stegall can almost always be found during his down-time, with a book walking through FBHS. Photo by: Allison Dobson
Robert Steagall has been teaching U.S. Government at Flour Bluff High School, for over two decades. With 22 of his 24 teaching years spent at Flour Bluff, he has become a fixture in the school community, inspiring students to question their beliefs and think deeply about the world around them.
Teaching wasn’t Steagall’s first career path. After serving in the military, he initially considered a career in medicine. However, it was his wife—an educator with over 30 years of experience—who encouraged him to explore teaching, eventually leading him to Flour Bluff.
“Even in the military, I was teaching things,” Steagall said.
Steagall's teaching philosophy centers around encouraging students to question and defend their current beliefs.
“Not to get them to accept the things they’ve always believed, but to make people actually think about why they believe what they believe,” Steagall said.
His classroom reflects this approach, with walls covered in student-created art and projects that honor various viewpoints and opinions.
“[The walls] show that I want to engage a student in the different things they believe,” Steagall said. “Sometimes not all of the things on the walls agree with every aspect of what every student believes, but I want to show them that we listen to everyone’s philosophy and opinions.”
During Homecoming week 2022, Steagall showed his "Dark Side" with the force. Photo by: Audreana Underbrink
What Steagall loves most about Flour Bluff ISD is its unique sense of community—diversity ranging from students in military families, island residents, and transplants across the country.
“It’s not quite the same as anywhere else,” said Steagall, “We are a very mixed group, a melting pot unlike any other in the area.”
During the 2024 Stingline Holiday Dance Clinic, Steagall dresses as St. Nick to take photos with the children. Photo by: Audreana Underbrink
His colleagues and students have also shaped his experience. From former students who now teach alongside him at Flour Bluff ISD, to colleauges who have moved on to larger roles in and outside of working in schools, one thing they could all agree on, was the difference that Flour Bluff ISD has to offer and the drive to invest in the community.
“Many of the teachers in my department and across the campus are the people who call Flour Bluff their home under all circumstances,” he said. “They keep wanting to do it because they like our district.”
Over the years, Steagall has played many roles at Flour Bluff, including leading Student Council, a role he passed on to Mrs. Saenz. His legacy, however, lies in the intellectual curiosity he instills in his students. “I want people to think about WHY they think what they do,” he emphasized. Former students often reach out to thank him for challenging their perspectives.
Outside of teaching, Steagall is a man of many interests. He serves as an elder at Good Life Church, teaches young married couples, and enjoys fishing, hunting, and collecting firearms.
"[I collect] basically every form of firearm including bows and arrows," Steagall said, "I used to fence when I was younger."
A lover of books, he is rarely seen without something to read in hand. He also has a unique talent for accents and hopes to pursue voice acting in retirement.
"[Another career I would pursue is] voice acting, I still think it is going to be a wonderful retirement job," Steagall said.
His favorite piece of advice, both for students and colleagues, is simple yet wise.
“I don’t think any of us should ever take anything at face value. Ask questions.” Steagall said.
He also encourages kindness and understanding across differences of any kind. He feels it is important to know that people with different belief systems aren't bad for thinking differently, they too are human.
Steagall teaches his Government class at Flour Bluff High School.Photo by: Alyssa Stringer
“Whatever you see in the media about people being angry with each other and enemies over political differences is not true," Steagall said, "Most people, your neighbors and friends and family, may not agree, but that doesn’t mean you dislike the people you disagree with.”
Through his dedication to teaching and his commitment to promoting critical thinking, Steagall has made an incredible mark on Flour Bluff High School. His legacy will continue to inspire students to question, explore, and grow.
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