Clearview High School teacher recognized for work with special education students

LORAIN — Walking into a staff meeting Wednesday afternoon, Clearview High School teacher Jason Steadman didn't expect to see his family or representatives from two regional education organizations beaming back at him holding a plaque with his name on it. Jason Steadman received the Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award, recognizing his work with students with disabilities. The award is given to one teacher in each State Support Team Region, with Steadman winning out of all the nominated special education teachers in Lorain, Huron and Erie counties. His principal, Noeleen Rothacker, and district Special Education Director Doreen Morell surprised Steadman with the award. Jennifer Heim, State Support Team Region 2 assistant director, and Jamie Maassen, director of special education services at the Educational Service Center of Lorain County, presented Steadman with his plaque and certificate Wednesday. "I have the cream of the crop here at the high school, but the quirky one that sticks out most is Mr. Steadman," Rothacker said. Reading comments from his nomination, Maassen what makes him stand out — beyond his "quirky" demeanor is his dedication to his students, and excitement in learning. "I think one of the biggest things I admire about Jason is he can communicate and get along with any type of student," Morell said. "And during this whole remote process that was really hard for our kids, he really stayed connected with them, he made a conscious effort to stay connected with them. And even for the students that chose that all online program, he took it upon himself to go in and modify work for our kids — he won't say that — but he knew how to do that." For Steadman, it's all part of the job he's done for the past 16 years. COVID created some unexpected obstacles, as students moved online last school year — some remaining remote throughout the 2020-21 session. Rolling with the times, he began including a daily coronavirus update in with his science lessons, making projections and explaining the ongoing pandemic and its data to his students. Steadman teaches a self-contained science class, working with high-needs students in ninth through 12th grade. "I think as a little kid I always knew I wanted to be a teacher," he said. "I didn't always know in what area I wanted to teach but I just knew that's kind of the direction I wanted to head. ... I never dread coming to work. It's something you always look forward to, just because seeing the kids in the class it's kind of almost like seeing my own kids — like I can't wait to get home at the end of the day to see them, it's kind of the same thing in the morning. As long as that can keep me ticking, I can do this forever." Steadman will also be honored by the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities for his achievement. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.