Compiled by Darlene Bowers
Welcome to the Ada Icon’s “Ada Teacher Feature.” Here we share thoughts and insights from local teachers who lift up and inspire our students. Let us lift up and inspire these educators as well.
Today we meet Mike Styer. Ask any parent to name a teacher their student comes home excited about and it will be Mr. Styer. His energy, enthusiasm and dedication to relating to the students and connecting with them propels his popularity, as well as leading an astounding number of momentous field trips. It is certain that Mr. Styer is making a positive impact in our little corner of the world.
What subjects and grades do you teach?
7th and 8th Grade: World History and US Studies.
Are you involved in extracurricular activities, groups or clubs?
Yes, I'm the Washington D.C., trip coordinator. This is my 18th year.
Where are you from and where did you graduate from college?
I'm from Kenton. I'm a graduate of Kenton High School. History degree from Bluffton College (when it was a college). Master’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University.
How long have you been a teacher:
20 years total; 18 in Ada.
How did you become a teacher?
My father was a teacher and I enjoyed watching how he was with his students and the love of history that he brought into the classroom.... that and I have bad knees so professional wrestling was not a viable option.
What motivates you?
A natural competitiveness to excel at a high level. Also, I want to leave a positive mark in my little corner of the world.
What’s the best thing students can do for you?
Develop a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and leave the drama at the door. Lastly, please bring a folder and writing utensil daily, to do otherwise drives me batty.
What’s the best thing parents and caregivers can do for you?
Give your child space to succeed and fail. We do not always learn how to be our most successful unless we first fail. As someone once told me, "Defeats are the building blocks of victories." Lastly, please buy them a folder and writing utensils for class.
What makes Ada schools unique or different?
I think Ada really pushes for a complete or well-rounded student. We provide so many options for students to find something at which they may excel.
What's your best or most memorable teaching moment?
I think that the best reward of a teacher is simply when someone says "thank you" for something that you did in class. I have kept all of my notes and letters from parents and students over the years in case I ever need a reminder as to why I am still in education. Many students have told me that my classroom was where they found their love of History and that makes me smile.
What excites, interests and captivates you inside the classroom?
I enjoy counseling teens to make good choices in life. It's very much a challenge, but sometimes students need another ear to listen to their issues other than their parent’s.
What excites, interests and captivates you outside the classroom?
In my free time, I enjoy bicycling, watching UFC and working on my bicycle charity which sells donated bikes at a low cost and I then donate the money to Relay for Life. Give my Facebook page a "like" at "Mike's Rehab Bikes." I also enjoy sending Internet memes to fellow teacher, Mr. Ames.
If you weren’t a teacher what would you do/be doing?
I think that I would have looked into a career in law enforcement. Lunch duty certainly has prepared me should I pursue that field after I retire from teaching.
