For Rachel Stevens, teaching isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling rooted in her own childhood.
Rachel found comfort in school, and everything changed for her in third grade thanks to an incredible teacher.
“My teacher was cognizant about my home life and interested in helping and comforting me through some difficult issues at home. She embodied ‘relationships before rigor’ and even became pen pals with my grandmother. We are still in touch today,” Rachel said.
Now in her 19th year teaching in Klein ISD—the district she once attended as a student—Rachel is pouring that same compassion into her second-grade math and science classroom at Theiss Elementary. Her philosophy, inspired by her own experiences, is clear. “If even one student grows up and remembers the kindness or support they felt when they were my student, my entire teaching career will have been worth all the tough days.”
Rachel’s influence extends far beyond academics. While her son attended Theiss, she served as the school’s liaison to Cub Scout Pack 1323, helping to foster community connections. She’s also been a constant contributor to campus life through a variety of roles—Name That Book sponsor since the beginning, CIDC member, CORE team participant, trauma team supporter, new teacher mentor, and an uplifting force on the Sunshine Committee. Her dedication to nurturing a positive school culture is unmistakable.
This year, she’s especially proud of her students’ progress in math fact fluency and their willingness to embrace challenging work.
“I love watching them become more confident,” Rachel said. “They’re learning to do things on their own and discovering that they’re capable of so much.”
The moments that remind Rachel why she teaches don’t always happen in the classroom.
“Two years ago, I had a student transfer from another Klein elementary school to Theiss for our Behavioral Academic Support Education (BASE) program. He was in my first-grade homeroom, but spent a great deal of time back and forth in BASE. He was only with us from December to April of his first grade year. Just last month, while walking into my son’s Martial Arts school, I saw a familiar face walking out. He stopped, turned around, and momentarily looked me straight in the face. “I remember you! You were my teacher!” he exclaimed. I recognized him right away and greeted him by name. He hugged me and said, “I’m in third grade now! I’m doing good, too! Are you proud of me?” I told him, of course I was, and now I am so happy to get to see him every week at Martial Arts!” Rachel said.
To Rachel, a teacher's most lasting impact is making students feel understood, appreciated, and safe.
“Most people can remember one teacher who made a difference for them,” Rachel said. “Teachers can shape how students feel about school and learning for the rest of their lives. Every day is a chance to give kids a fresh start, guide them to success, and help them grow.”
Rachel Stevens doesn’t just teach—she transforms lives with every kind word, every encouraging smile, and every extra moment she gives to help a child feel valued. Rachel’s legacy grows—not just in test scores, but in the hearts of the students who will never forget how she made them feel seen, supported, and exceptional.