Dr. Bonnie Stephens’ life has always revolved around cultivating students and being a vital part in their development. As the Principal at Heavilin Elementary School in Valparaiso since 2017, Stephens has an extensive history in working in academia and has demonstrated an undying passion for the field of education.
Stephens has been a principal within the Valparaiso Community Schools system since 2008. Prior to Heavilin, she was the principal at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School and also at Hayes Leonard Elementary School before becoming the principal at Heavilin. Before working in Valparaiso, she was a math teacher for the School City of Hobart, and she was the Curriculum Coordinator for East Porter County Schools.
“I am a people person, and I enjoy learning new things,” Stephens said. “Watching others learn and grow and experience success is very fulfilling to me. So, becoming an educator was a natural fit, and I never considered doing anything else for a career.”
Stephens described her overall mindset and the drive behind her daily motivations.
“First, anything can be an adventure if you want it to be. And secondly, there is a good side to every person and every situation if you look for it. When I keep those things in mind, every day is fun and exciting,” Stephens said.
She even had a piece of advice for those entering the education field.
“To all new teachers, make sure you have fun in your job,” Stephens said. “Fun can be much more than silliness, although silliness in school can be good, too. Fun can be putting extra effort into something you are passionate about. Fun can be watching others experience joy. Fun can be accomplishing something as a team. Fun can be when you see the fruits of your labor.”
She explained that her parents are her biggest influences. The support and positive energy from both her father and mother have had a substantial impact on her outlook on life and how she approaches it.
“My dad was the person I strived to please the most. If he told me I did a good job, it was so, and I needed no other approval. My mom is the most kind, positive, and caring person I have known, and I try to be more like her every day,” Stephens said.
“I feel grateful for where I am at today,” Stephens said. “It is a privilege to be a part of the lives of kids and their families - to be able to be a part of their story. It is gratifying to work with people who are talented and dedicated, and to serve a community that invests in the future through education.”
Stephens is married to Mike Stephens, the Associate Superintendent of Portage Township Schools. They have two sons: Jackson, a junior at Indiana University, and Carter, a freshman at Purdue University.