The inside of David Steffen’s classroom at Simmons Career Center is lined with three rows of computers. A mock green screen that students use to create “The Morning Show” leans against one wall. Some students have decorated the whiteboard with their names in bubbles and other drawings. But it is the far back of the classroom that is Steffen’s pride and joy.
The wall, which runs half the length of the classroom, is covered floor to ceiling with certificates detailing students’ certifications in the Microsoft, Adobe and Certified Internet Web (CIW) fields. The large mural signifies the passion Steffen has for his job and the students he works with.
It is completely filled, forcing Steffen to place the certificates that his students have earned this year — 75 so far — onto another wall. But Steffen, who was named the HCTAA Business Teacher of the Year, wants his students to earn another 25 certifications before this school year is finished.
“It’s something they can walk out (of here) with,” Steffen said. “And it will help them.”
Steffen has been teaching at Simmons Career Center since the school opened in 2004. In 2010, the first certification was earned. The following year, two students earned certifications.
Since then, that number has jumped. Last year, Steffen’s students earned a total of 103 certifications, some earning between five and 10. Steffen is proud each time one of his students earns another certification, especially since many of them doubt their abilities at the beginning of the school year.
“A lot of these kids have never turned on a computer,” he said. “You cannot believe the expression on their face when they pass. Just the sense of accomplishment.”
According to Jama Hoffman, a certified school counselor for Simmons Career Center, Steffen deserves all the credit for these students’ accomplishments.
“He gives them something they can do well,” Hoffman said. “Something that they’re proud of. He shows the kids that they do have abilities.”
Besides his regular classes, where he teaches students the skills that they need to pass their certification tests, Steffen is also in charge of the senior yearbook and senior slideshow, as well as the school’s morning show broadcast. Along with his students, Steffen creates almost all media that the school may need — from flyers and programs to invitations and signs.
As if that weren’t enough to keep him busy, he is also the club sponsor for Future Business Leaders of America. At competitions, the club has taken first place in web design and second place in business presentation. His involvement both in the classroom and out of it has encouraged his students to succeed, giving them the necessary skills for the technology industries.
“Working with these guys is just the most fun,” he said. “I learn with them every day. If I don’t learn something every day I come in, I don’t think that was a good day.”
Learning alongside his students is exactly what Steffen does. In addition to his own 20 certifications, Steffen also has a reading endorsement and has worked as a district trainer for Hillsborough County. This, he believes, allows him to help students in multiple fields.
“Kids can work on reading and learn content at the same time,” he said.
Steffen earned this certification after he began working at Simmons Career Center so that he could better help his students. For those who know him, like Hoffman, this action comes as no surprise.
“He is gregarious and outgoing,” Hoffman said. “He gives confidence to the kids.”
Hoffman also said that Steffen is known for recruiting students in the hallway to the business technology program, even allowing them to join his class in the middle of the year. Beyond that, he is known for following up with students when they start to have multiple absences.
“He’ll say that he was worried about them and asks how he can help them,” Hoffman said. “He never forgets his kids.”
Even with multiple certifications and endorsements, Steffen was surprised to find out that he had been selected as the HCTAA Business Teacher of the Year.
“We have awesome business teachers (in the district),” Steffen said. “For me to be in the same conversation is pretty cool.”
But Steffen believes the award was one that he would not have earned without his dedicated students.
“I’m lucky to have great kids,” Steffen said. “You have to give it to the kids. I don’t take the test, they take the test.”
When asked about his next teaching goal, he gestures to a blank wall in his classroom.
“Filling another wall,” Steffen said. “I think that’s the best thing I have going for these kids.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.