Joseph Stephens' Advanced Placement English classes are so popular that students enroll even if they aren't in the honors program. That's right in line with Mr. Stephens's personal belief that students can do anything if they think they can. To further prepare students for college, Mr. Stephens introduced educational technology into the school by helping to set up three computer labs as well as two mobile laptop labs. He also encourages teachers through example to use other technology, such as interactive whiteboards, projectors, presentation software, and much more. This National Board Certified Teacher is a leader in his profession by presenting professional development workshops at his school and is also the technology coordinator charged with helping teachers pick out the most appropriate and effective technology to purchase.
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to seek out opportunities for involvement in the Milken Family Foundation as soon as possible. It is a great regret, and something I intend to change, that I have not done enough with the prestige of this award to improve the profession.
