John Stevens, a 2001 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS), has built a remarkable career in education and coaching, deeply influencing his students and athletes in Rancho Cucamonga, California. With a strong foundation rooted in his hometown, John reflects on his path, highlighting the pivotal moments and lessons that have shaped his professional and personal life.
John’s journey began at PVHS, where he cultivated a deep sense of community and pride. “One of my fondest memories was working on the floats for homecoming with my friends and classmates. The amount of time, pride, and effort we put into those things, all to make a lap around the track, was something I’ll never forget,” John reminisces. His high school years were marked by significant achievements in both academics and sports. “We won the league for soccer and baseball while I was there, so that’s pretty cool. I had a pretty successful academic career at PVHS as well,” he recalls humbly. John was a Valedictorian of his class. (He was one of three.)
After graduating from PVHS, John pursued higher education at Taft College and Cal State Los Angeles. Initially hesitant about a career in teaching, he aimed to work for prominent companies like Raytheon, Boeing, or Lockheed Martin. However, fate had different plans. “The lines were crazy long, it was hot that day, and I needed interview experience, so I went and interviewed with LA Unified School District,” John recalls. Despite a less-than-stellar interview, he was offered a job, which led him to reconsider his career path. A subsequent conversation with a middle school principal in Palm Springs solidified his decision to become a teacher. “She encouraged me, told me I could still be involved with baseball, and it was the right fit. I’ve been in it ever since,” John shares.
John’s career is a testament to his adaptability and dedication. He spent seven years teaching middle school math in the Palm Springs area, followed by seven years as an instructional coach in Rancho Cucamonga. Currently, he is in his fifth year back in the classroom as a high school math teacher and serves as the varsity baseball coach. Along the way, John has been involved in numerous projects and committees, constantly seeking ways to enhance his teaching and coaching methods.
One of his proudest achievements is earning a district service award for his efforts in helping teachers navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdowns. However, the most rewarding aspect of his career is seeing former students succeed. “Their success is better than any achievement or milestone I’ve received,” he says. Additionally, John has authored two books, “The Classroom Chef” and “Table Talk Math,” and spent five years traveling the country to work with and speak to teachers.
John attributes much of his career success to the influence of his former physics teacher and ASB advisor, Mrs. Paxton. “She was instrumental in shaping the type of teacher I wanted to be,” he acknowledges. His parents have also played a significant role in his personal development, providing unwavering support and encouragement throughout his journey.
Like any profession, teaching comes with its challenges. For John, monotony was a significant concern. To keep things interesting for himself and his students, he actively seeks out new projects, lessons, and partnerships. Another challenge was his initial difficulty in securing a high school teaching position, which led to a move that ultimately benefited his family. “It wasn’t a ‘grass is greener’ moment. Rather, it was a stage of our life where we didn’t know what we needed, and the new look was–and has continued to be–the right thing,” he explains.
John has gained valuable insights through his professional experiences. “Life is what you make it,” he emphasizes. Contrary to public perception, he believes teaching can be a fulfilling and financially viable career. He also highlights the importance of understanding that students come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. “We are all at different points in our life journey,” he notes. Focusing on what truly matters and valuing those priorities have been crucial to his success.
For those considering a similar career path, John advises finding a mentor. “The teaching (and coaching) profession can be an arduous one, and it can drain the love and joy right out of you. If you’re able to find someone to guide you along the path of your career, it makes the path much easier to manage,” he says.
Despite the distance, John remains connected with his high school friends and community through social media. He values the small-town connections and the sense of community he experienced growing up in Pahrump. “The people who surround you are what is most important, and Pahrump (and PVHS) was the perfect example of that for me,” he reflects.
John stays connected with his high school friends and community through occasional texts and social media updates. “Now that I live in a much bigger city, having the small-town connection is incredibly important to me,” he notes. John is also actively involved in his local community. He started a 501(c)(3) organization for youth baseball, running practices and coaching tournaments on weekends. “If you don’t find me in my classroom, there’s a good chance I’m at the baseball field,” he says.
Balancing a demanding career with personal interests and family life is challenging, especially with two active boys involved in sports. John and his wife Erin, married for 16 years, prioritize their children’s activities and cherish the moments they share as a family. “Our time, effort, and energy really revolves around them and their activities,” John says. “These times move as fast as we allow ourselves to embrace them, and that’s what makes it fun.”
John’s future goals include building a successful baseball program in his area and supporting his players in their life paths. With the new school year and baseball season approaching, he is excited about the opportunities ahead.
