May 2022
Teacher of the Month
In cooperation with the Mayor's office and City Council, the Rotary Club of Okla. City recognizes an outstanding teacher in our community.
Don V. Stephens III received a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications from Oklahoma Baptist University and has taught at Southeast High School as a Career Tech Teacher for grades 9-12 for five years.
Don begin his career in education in 2017 after 22 years as a film and video entrepreneur. He has provided local and regional video production training and served as an adjunct professor
Don has implemented a film and video curriculum at Southeast High School and incorporates real-world concepts and basic life skills training in his students. His lessons often include elements of their school as subjects of the videography, from sporting events to poetry competitions. Don’s classroom approach is to introduce new topics through productive struggle
Don believes that “Outstanding teachers provide students with a safe environment in which to explore opportunities,” and he strives to improve his own teaching skills and offer assistance to others. He seeks out opportunities to collaborate with peers and creates interdisciplinary lessons.
Don believes the main levels of accountability in the teaching profession should be a combination of teaching and professional accountability. He is an advocate for working adults becoming teachers as a second career and sees it as a way to give back to the community. He volunteers with the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oklahoma City and has been on the boards of The Not Alone Project and Oklahoma City Film Row . He is an active member of his church and has served in many volunteer positions.
