Coming to us with a breadth of experience in education, he started his teaching career in New York State. There he taught for 25 years as a music educator, bringing distinction to the instrumental music departments of two school districts, guest conducted numerous festivals and adjudicated for the New York State School Music Association. In 2007, he left the classroom to work in higher ed. development after completing a second masters degree in communications. For the next twelve years, Steve assisted in achieving fundraising and engagement goals for private universities in New York, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Six year ago, Steve came to TES as a substitute teacher and was asked to step in to teach math and science to our 5th graders. It was during this time that Steve became a part of the TES community and regained his love for being in a classroom. Steve lives in Gibsonville with his fiancée and dog, Cooper, and runs a small portrait photography business on the side.