Mr. Stephen Todd Evans
Executive Director
Stephen Todd Evans
Profile
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A native of Southmont North Carolina, Stephen Evans was born to Ida May and Harold Evans, the second oldest of four children. As a child he dreamed of playing in the National Football league. With such a goal in mind Stephen set his sight on Ferrum Junior College prior to obtaining a scholarship to Marshall University. After a successful sports and academic career he was picked up by the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL which lead to the fulfillment of his dream, the NFL. Due to unforeseen injuries his professional sports career was short lived thus he turned to his backup plan, education.
Stephen always found himself constantly visiting various schools talking with children, reading stories in the classroom or spending big bucks on ice cream for all of the children. Little did he know at the time, that his true calling was in Educational Leadership as an “Agent of Change.” A real “Mover and Shaker.” Within a few years Stephen began painting the canvas of American Education implementing innovative, successful academic and behavioral strategies for general and special needs children. He was so intrigued with learning behaviors that he earned his Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling during the early 1990’s. He continued serving as a Special Needs Counselor /Assistant Principal at a middle school in North Carolina for seven years before moving to Michigan with his new wife and becoming a licensed counselor; general education, multi-age, multi-abilities / special needs instructor, professional speaker and workshop facilitator.
During the mid 1990’s Stephen was then introduced to the Charter School movement. While completing his doctoral in Educational Leadership he sharpened his skill as a High School Principal on the East side of Detroit. Stephen’s accomplishments during this time can only be stated as unbelievable. In 2000, he was recruited to help an ailing charter program recover in Pontiac, Michigan, which was in trouble, with a half million dollar deficit, enrollment of 75 students and declining infrastructure. Within seven years he and the staff flourished by leaps and bounds, dissolving the deficit, creating a very positive balance and eventually becoming a K-12 Charter School program with over 1200 students, the largest Charter School in Michigan in 2007, according to USA Today. By any measure, this is a quite impressive accomplishment. To many, Stephen is known as the “fixer”.
Stephen says that his 22-year career has encompassed five states and has been a very exciting, enriching, rewarding journey. From the Hills of West Virginia to the inner-city culture of Pontiac, Michigan, he has enjoyed educating children, teens and adults from all walks of life and various socio-economic settings; wealthy, impoverished in rural, suburban and urban environments.
The unique, successful K-12 cutting edge opportunities he served in as a teacher, counselor and principal, superintendent provided a springboard for his speaking career. He was blessed with opportunities to speak with educators throughout the US and the World about successful, innovative strategies for at-risk children. He continues to uplift and aspire many through motivational speaking. He has pretty much spoken to just about every type of audience there is from; schools to universities, clubs and organizations, community programs, businesses, prisons, churches, rally’s etc… anyone that has head him speak would understand why he has been so successful.
In January of 2009, Stephen rolled up his sleeves and began work here at Suncoast School of Innovative Studies as the New Executive Director. He says, “I absolutely love it here, the students, staff and community are great, very supportive.” He says he has a tremendous vision for the school, within a few years, with continued support he expects Suncoast School of Innovative Studies to be nationally known for its remarkable program. If you have any doubt, take a look at his very long list of accomplishments. It is obvious that his character is one of commitment and loyalty. Although, Stephen has an impressive list of honors and credentials, he says his greatest accomplishment is his 9 yr old daughter.
In closing, he credit’s God for all of his successes; as a team leader, he vows to serve in a spirit of excellence to help Suncoast School for Innovative Studies and our children reach its full potential! He looks forward to meeting all of the parents, so please stop by his office.
Stephen Todd Evans
