Stephen Herr was nominated by his colleague, Sandra Doran.
Mr. Herr recently accepted a task that is both exhilarating and highly challenging. In his new role as associate head of school for North Tampa Christian Academy, he jumped on board a year early to help oversee the colossal task of launching four learning communities for grades Pre-K-12 for this 21st century learning campus opening in August 2018. In everything he does—from selecting furniture to planning the campus technology infrastructure, the children are first and foremost to Mr. Herr.
Mr. Herr describes his vision for North Tampa Christian Academy, saying “I want these students to enjoy learning. Our school needs to be inviting, enticing and energizing. I believe North Tampa Christian Academy can be a place where students are proud to try hard, treat one another kindly, and reach for excellence.”
His latest project has been to work with companies that build furniture from natural products, coordinating with the natural playgrounds that will invite children to explore the outdoors. In his new role, he has supported the head of school, visiting seven innovative schools around the country to develop a program that will feature the best research-based practices possible. He has been actively involved in developing a model that will include competency-based grading, project-based learning, and outdoor education with a goal of individual student mastery in a warm, inviting context.
Before joining the NTCA team as the associate head of school, Mr. Herr spent eight years as the principal of East Pasco Adventist Academy in Dade City, FL where he was able to see a 220% increase in enrollment through developing relationships with the church and community, developing a stronger partnership with Florida Hospital and community organizations, and adopting and hosting an after school athletic program.
“Stephen’s energy, vision and optimism are compelling this dream forward,” Doran said. “He is dedicated to doing everything it takes to provide the very best for all children.”
Stephen is a true visionary, always seeking new and creative ways to enhance the learning process for his students. His enthusiasm is contagious and engaging, flowing over to his students He is indeed a positive life changer.
I had the privilege of working with Stephen for the last 5 years at East Pasco Adventist Academy. His leadership has resulted in huge growth for our school, as is documented above. He was very successful in building partnerships with the school families, sponsoring church, and the community at large. He encouraged our development as teachers, and made everyone feel like a valued member of the team. His long-range plans for the future of our school will help ensure our continued growth and success. Not only was he a capable leader, he was an excellent teacher who built caring relationships with his students. North Tampa Christian Academy is fortunate to have his leadership as they begin to serve their students and community.
I will always remember Steven's ability to make the Bible come alive in his classes at Highland View Academy (about ten years ago!) Incredibly funny and down-to-earth...I am sure he is doing even greater things with his God-given gifts now!
Great job Mr. Herr! Proud to be one of your past students. Good luck and I hope you get the award. You really are an awesome teacher and great person. :) Plus I will never forget your camp counselor years and all the fun it was.
It is evident East Pasco Adventist Academy is a role model school. Steven Herr's leadership permeates throughout the entire facility. His patient demeaner, innovative ideas, and tireless effort made EPAA a blessing to its community. He is a dedicated husband, a proud father, and has a beautiful Christian family, an incredibly needed example in this day. What a fitting opportunity for him to continue this legacy as principal of NTCA. He is worthy of the nominee and recognition of "Life Changer of the Year."
I had the pleasure of having Mr. Herr as one of my wonderful academy educators in Maryland. He taught Bible courses all 4 years, some math, as well as coached sports. But He was more than a teacher, He was a friend to all of us. We were his first 4 yr class, he had just graduated from college and we were able to connect with him more I think because of that. He is one of the best teachers I ever had, he is kind-hearted and always put the students first. He has done so much for so many young people since then as well. I know God has blessed him and his family and that Stephen Herr will continue to do great things in His name.
My son John had the privilege of being a student of Mr. Herr’s at Highland View Academy. He was always an incredible roll model and lived what he taught. But the attribute that made Mr. Herr so dear to me was the fact that he made God so relavent to the young people. He related to God as a friend and made it ‘cool’ to be a Christian. My son was raised in the church and to always believe and trust in our Heavenly Father, but he came to know Him and understand His presence due in great part to Mr, Herr, a young man unashamed to be called a son of God and to live it everyday. I don’t think he realizes how many lives he has made such a positive impact on. This mother, for one, is blessed to know him and so thankful for his place in my sons life.
As a former student of Mr. Herr (HVA) When I met Mr. Herr, i had just moved from Los Angeles CA. I had no clue what Adventists really believe, but specially didnt have a clue who God was. Mr. Herr taught me so much. He answered so many questions I had that helped me in the long term grow as a Christian. He encourage me and live by example to always in every thing seek God. He taught me Christian leadership. Now, After so many years i still hold dearly everything i learned in his class and during ministry trips. I admire Mr Herr for his devotion and service to God. I thank God he sent someone like Mr Herr to help me in a time when i was just beginning to seek God. Thank you Mr Herr for being a positive influence in my life. I still hold your advice dearly in my heart. You helped me meet Jesus! Forever thankful!
I worked with Stephen for many years at Highland View Academy in Maryland where he served as Religion Instructor, Campus Ministries Director, and Vice Principal, along with many other sponsorships and activities. He was truly one of the best colleagues I have ever had the privilege to serve beside. He is innovative and hard-working, fun, energetic, creative, dedicated to academics, and truly loves the students. He is a man of integrity and principle, and I know that education is his calling and passion. I know that he has made a huge difference in the lives of the students he has worked with, and his fellow teachers and administrators as well. I know that he is deserving of this and many other honors.
Stephen is an outstanding educator! This will be a wonderful way to honor him.
As hard a working admin. you could find. Always putting our students front and center.
As a former volunteer (and school parent) who worked alongside Mr. Herr at East Pasco Adventist Academy, I completely concur that he is an outstanding leader who definitely deserves the honor of being named a “Life Changer of the Year.” A multi-talented leader who not only performed duties of principal while teaching and directing the school’s music groups, he trusted those he worked with, either in a paid or volunteer capacity, to do their best. Through his leadership, he was able to attract many professional caliber volunteers to EPAA who shared a similar passion for promoting and supporting quality Christian education and were eagerly willing to help in a variety of capacities at the school - from school board appointments and technology improvements, to assisting with school publications, fundraising, marketing, and more. Of course, he did all of this with a sense of humor and cheerfulness in the workplace. Looking forward to seeing the success of North Tampa Christian Academy under his and others’ leadership.
I have worked as a volunteer at East Pasco Adventist Academy in Zephyrhills, FL for 5 years. He was a joy to work with, very knowledgable and dedicated to his school, students, and faculty, and above all, our God! He is very worthy of this honor.
Ida K. Sapp-Smith
Adventist teacher in ele. classroom for 25 years
Ele. Music Teacher, Hillsborough County, FL for 10 years
Mr Herr was a great role model for my 13 year old son who attends East Pasco Adventist Academy where Mr Here was Principal.
