Stephaen Hood
I am an AACPS: Dance Teacher, Bates Middle | 22-23 Rising Star
We are excited to spotlight Stephaen Hood. Stephaen Hood is a 22-23 Rising Star Teacher.
Mr. Hood was nominated by the school’s principal, Katherine Hicks. The Bates Middle School Dance teacher is a University of the Arts in Philadelphia alum.
We had an opportunity to talk with Stephaen about being recognized as a Rising Star Teacher.
Here are a few highlights of the conversation:
Describe who you are in 5 words or less.
What was your motivation to go into education?
I definitely think it’s in your blood, honestly, because when I was growing up, I would have never said to myself that I was gonna be a teacher.
What would you tell your future self about your potential as an educator?
What one thing do you love about working in your school?
The best part about working at Bates is feeling heard.
What is your favorite memory of your family and friends supporting you on your journey as an educator?
I have a few, but I would have to say my mother and my fiance coming to my dance concert and helping me with hair and greeting the kids. They literally show up for me even when I don’t think I need it.
Thinking about the future of education, what are you most excited about for schools?
I’m really excited about the growing diversity.
What is one hidden talent you have that no one, or few people, knows about and would surprise them?
I’m starting to realize this now, I sing a lot when I teach. I’m very musical. When I try to get the kids to focus as well; the kids talk to each other and say “wait, Mr. Hood sings too?”
If you had to make a time capsule about this year as a rising star teacher and you had to include an item, an image, a quote and a song/melody, what would you include?
I’ve been doing the dance company here and I love my merch. We get a lot of jackets and pants, so I want to include my dance company jacket. Our staff photo. The quote, “dance like nobody’s watching,” and the song is unwritten by Natasha Benningfield as it embodies what we do here.
What is one reason why someone should choose to become a teacher?
Louis Nesbitt, PDM Department
The journey of an educator is a lifetime. We are thankful to those who have chosen to embark on this path. As a community, one of our greatest capacities is availability, so when the opportunities arise, find your own way to support education.
