If home is where the heart is, Rose Stevens’ belongs at Dellview Elementary School.
“It’s my heart and soul. I can’t imagine doing anything else. My heart lives and beats within these walls.”
Stevens would be the first to tell you she’s no good at retirement. She retired three years ago after 28 years in education but never strayed too far from her beloved Dellview Dolphins. She volunteered with the PTA and continues to fill in as a substitute.
“I’ve failed retirement miserably, but I’m thankful for it,” said Stevens. “These kids are special. The staff is special. I believe in my kids. I have grand-students, so I taught their parents and now I’m teaching them. When you come to Dellview – if you belong here, you stay.”
She can remember playing school and teaching friends, siblings and toys as early as the third grade. Her love for teaching carried her as a student at Olmos Elementary School, Nimitz Middle School and Robert E. Lee High School. Every day, Stevens wakes up and goes to work in the community that raised her. Now she’s inspiring the next generation to discover their passion.
“We may not have a lot of treasure, but we all have time and talent and these kids give generously of both,” said Stevens. “They’re well-rounded kids who work hard. And when you have good leadership, you want to be here. There have been some amazing principals over the course of my time here.”
Stevens has spent the last two weeks teaching a wide range of students involved in the Elementary Jumpstart Program. It’s been so much more than eight days of instruction for Stevens and the kids. They’re covered math, reading, science and spelling with a refresher on what it’s like to navigate an elementary campus.
“Beyond the academics, they’re really getting familiar with being at school again. These kids are going to be leaders when school starts because they’re going to know the routine on campus.”
Because at Dellview, leaders are teaching the next generation of leaders #theNEISDway.
