Mr. Kevin Stelter is retiring from Owatonna High School this year. He has been a math teacher in Owatonna for the last 35 years. He started at the former Owatonna Junior High at the time and worked as a math teacher there for four years. He then decided to move to OHS, where he has worked for 31 years. Stelter attended St. Olaf College in Northfield for four years.
Stelter loves to teach algebra and typically teaches Algebra II, Enriched Algebra II, and College Prep Algebra & Trigonometry. Something that is more challenging for him as a teacher is getting kids to stay off their phones and actually pay attention. His favorite lesson of the entire year is teaching about financial applications. Stelter shared, “I look at it as being something that is applicable right now, because most of my kids in the classes are 15-18. They are looking to purchase vehicles, and how to pay for college, and how not to go to Starbucks everyday for an $8 cup of coffee.”
A motivational quote from him explains “I would just say enjoy every day, for a lot of kids maybe the most important part or the best part of their day is being in the classroom, and I try not to take that for granted and try to make it a positive experience for every single one of them.”
He explains that his favorite part of teaching is working with the kids, obviously. Stelter has also been the Head Boys Track and Field Coach since 1999 and he was the assistant coach before that. He has enjoyed the opportunity to coach track for all of his 35 years. When asked, Stelter’s favorite part about being a track coach is, “Seeing the kids develop from their freshman year to their senior year, if they stick out with track for the entire time, or just the improvements that they make throughout the course of the regular season.”
Stelter could have had the chance to retire four years ago because he was eligible, however, he felt he wanted to stick around, learn and experience the new high school. Now is the time for him, because of the new curriculum the math department is putting out. He is excited to play the role of grandpa more. Stelter has a year and a half old granddaughter, and hopes for more on the way. Stelter is also looking forward to fishing, hunting, and camping in the Boundary Waters often.
