Alumni in Action: Meet Dr. Stephen Bournes
In 1989, the Golden Apple Scholars Program welcomed its first class of 10 Scholars from the Chicagoland area. Dr. Stephen Bournes was a member of this “inaugural” class of Scholars. Recently, the Placement and Alumni Relations team had an opportunity to enjoy a little Q & A with Dr. Stephen Bournes, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for Rich Township, District 227 in Matteson, Illinois.
Dr. Bournes, what role are you currently playing in the field of education?
I currently serve as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for Rich Township, District 227 in Matteson, Illinois. I’m responsible for everything that has to do with teaching and learning; from staffing support and teacher evaluations to curriculum & instruction and grant management.
Dr. Stephen Bournes is a member of the inaugural class of 1989 Golden Apple Scholars
How do you use the lessons learned from being a Teaching Scholar in your current role?
There are two major things I learned in Scholar Institute that come to mind. Number one is the importance of feedback. As an undergrad Scholar, I had hundreds of hours of classroom experience through onsite experiences and work study that taught me the value of feedback. I learned early on, from my mentor teachers, how important feedback was if you ever want to get better as a teacher. Now, in my current role, I always find opportunities to give my directors feedback to better their practice and I make an effort to figure out how I can support them in their areas of growth. The second lesson was from one of my Scholar Institute Instructors, Sally Zapeda (1986 Golden Apple Fellow). She once told us a story of a teacher who sat in the back of her classroom balancing her checkbook. The lesson from this story was to remember that teachers are people and they have other things going on in their lives. I use this lesson to hold myself accountable with my current staff and their time. I do my best not to hold a meeting that could have been an email.
What is the best thing about your current position?
I would have to say the student interaction. There’s nothing like being in the classroom with students who love and adore you and having daily contact with them. I miss that. I did have a little of this experience as an Assistant Principal, but once you move to District Leadership there is often a disconnect. I am happy to be in a smaller district now so he can be in the buildings and hear from students about some of the changes I have made, like increasing the graduation requirements. They’re not too happy about that.
What has motivated you to re-engage or remain engaged with the Golden Apple Foundation?
Well, I actually still regularly talk with the Fabulous 5 of the first class of Scholars. Over the years, I have participated in the Scholar Institutes at Elmhurst and interviewed Scholars. Mrs. Koldyke’s passing really reignited my commitment to supporting Scholars. We currently have a Scholar (Talea Hughes) as well as an award winner (Deb Thomas) in our district. I really want to help them recruit students and develop a pathway for future teachers in partnership with Golden Apple.
What is your fondest memory as a Scholar?
One of my Scholar Institute Instructors, Bill Ayers, gave us a unique assignment. We had to observe what people were putting in their carts at grocery stores. As weird as we thought this was, this experience taught me how to carefully take anecdotal records. I now use that to document and record everything.
What are your goals moving forward?
I would like to be a superintendent. I am currently at Concordia, working on my certification. I would also like to expand my family and finish the book I began writing about Principal Leadership when I was an administrator in Alabama.
What advice would you give to those Scholars looking to move into teacher leadership?
Absolutely! When I was the principal of a turnaround school in New Jersey, whenever a community partner or a teacher would approach us with a new idea, our building mantra was, “We always say yes.” Then we would work to make that idea fit the needs of our students. So, if you’re interested in teacher leadership, when your administrator asks you to take on another role in the school, say “Yes.” Every opportunity to volunteer or be a part of a committee builds your skills as a future leader. Get in close proximity with the principal and other leaders - soak up everything you can!
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