{"id":2727,"date":"2025-05-07T18:52:56","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T18:52:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.americanboard.org\/blog\/?p=2727"},"modified":"2025-10-21T17:41:03","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T17:41:03","slug":"teacher-scholarship-winner-stevens-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.americanboard.org\/blog\/teacher-scholarship-winner-stevens-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"Teacher Scholarship Winner: Steven’s Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For Steven Ness, teaching isn\u2019t just a job\u2014it\u2019s a calling grounded in service, second chances, and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to learn and grow. As a 2024 Teacher Scholarship Recipient, Steven honed his skills. Now, Steven serves as a certified general science teacher and the GED\/HiSET testing coordinator at a correctional facility in his local community. But his path to the classroom is one shaped by perseverance, purpose, and the power of opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steven received a full teacher preparation scholarship during last year\u2019s Teacher Appreciation Week. He was one of five recipients to earn the scholarship offered by American Board<\/a>. \u201cEarning the scholarship helped me big time,\u201d he shares. \u201cI was able to start my journey sooner and take my time soaking in all the material\u201d His experience as a substitute teacher years ago revealed just how rewarding education could be\u2014and pushed him to take the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Safe Space for Learning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now certified, Steven supports students working to earn their high school equivalency in a setting where success is hard-won. \u201cFor our HiSET\/GED testing, one of the tests they need to pass is science. So if the students have questions, I can help them find the information they are seeking.\u201d Many of his students express regret about not finishing high school, and some spend years preparing for a single exam. Still, Steven sees progress and promise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat keeps me motivated is seeing these students pass their tests and move on to college,\u201d he says. \u201cI try to talk to them about their future. I want them to feel like someone cares about them, what they want to accomplish, and their dreams.\u201d For many, the classroom is a rare place of calm and focus. \u201cMost of our students are pretty mild mannered. They see our school as their safe space for two hours a day within this harsh environment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Encouraging Future Educators<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Steven encourages others to consider teaching\u2014especially those who may feel unsure. \u201cTry working as a substitute teacher first,\u201d he advises. \u201cYou get your feet wet before diving completely in. Once you decide to become a teacher, you realize how rewarding it is\u2014at any level and in any setting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steven is living proof that impact doesn\u2019t depend on location. Whether in a traditional classroom, an online classroom, or behind the walls of a correctional facility, you can support your students’ education with hope and dignity. Your community’s students needs people who understand their challenges and believe in their potential. If you’re ready to give back in a lasting way, learn more about teacher certification<\/a> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Steven has been featured as one of four program graduates who truly embody the theme From the Community to the Classroom<\/a>. Meet the other featured graduates below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n