Michael Stevens

Michael Stevens was born on an Army base in Wurzburg, Germany. Stevens earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2009, a master's degree in education and teacher leadership from the University of Phoenix in 2014, and a Ph.D. in education and curriculum from Northcentral University in 2019. His career experience includes working as a language arts instructional coach and an adult education instructor. Stevens also worked as an insurance agent and claims adjuster for a property and casualty insurance company. He has been a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church International and a board member of the Uvalde Foundation for Kids.[1][2][3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Dr. Stevens grew up in a Military family and fell in love with San Antonio when his parents were stationed at Fort Sam Houston. Upon graduation from High School, Dr. Stevens moved back to San Antonio, to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio. While in college, he met and married his wife of 19 years and together, they are raising three amazing boys in the beautiful city of Helotes.

For 13 years, Dr. Stevens worked in our Texas education system as a teacher, instructional coach and as campus administrator. Dr. Stevens has primarily worked in public schools, but also has experience working in both charter and private schools.

In addition to being an educator, Dr. Stevens has served as a licensed Minister at his church for the past 17 years and is currently the President of the Board, for the Uvalde Foundation for Kids.

Dr. Stevens holds Bachelor's Degree in English, a Master's degree in Education/Teacher Leadership, a Doctorate Degree in Education/Curriculum and Instruction and is a certified Texas teacher.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Teachers are the experts in their field and should be regarded as such. I feel that it is imperative to include teachers in the discussions by the State Board of Education and legislators, when it comes to policies that will directly affect their day-to-day teaching duties. Not all students learn the same, or have the same goals after graduation. The cookie-cutter approach to curriculum and graduation requirements is not beneficial for every student. Creating curriculum and graduation pathways for students to pursue career goals, trade school, technical school, the military, or college would give every student the opportunity to gain the skills they deserve, to be successful in their future endeavors. In its current form, standardized testing inhibits academic growth, as opposed to encouraging it. Not all students do well when it comes to high stake testing and not all standardized tests cover the state required curriculum standards. Using these types of tests to measure a students ability to master grade level content material, does not truly capture a students academic performance. What these tests do however, is cause unnecessary stress for students and teachers alike.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about economic, immigration and criminal justice policies, as I feel that these areas directly impact education.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The State Board of Education is a unique part of the state government, because unlike other government offices, it is limited to only a few responsibilities in public education.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my father and I would like to follow his example, because he showed me what it means to be a leader, a team mate and how to do what is right, regardless of the situation.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I would recommend watching the film, Dead Poets Society to understand my political philosophy.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Transparency, dependability and credibility are what I feel are the most important characteristics of an elected official.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

The qualities I possess that I believe will make me a successful officer holder are, I possess strong leadership skills, am able to communicate effectively, I have a clear vision for the future, am knowledgeable in education issues, I am able to make tough decisions and I have a great ability to collaborate with others.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

As a member of the State Board of Education, I believe that ensuring all students have a quality education, that prepares them for life after graduation, is the most important core responsibility.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of perseverance. I want others to see my life as an example of what you can accomplish if you work hard, never give up and don't let obstacles dictate your future.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that I remember was the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. I was 5 years old at the time and I remember being excited to watch the launch with my mom. I was too young to fully realize the severity of what was happening at the time, but I do remember my mom crying and the images of the shuttle explosion.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was working at the commissary as a bagger. I started this job when I was 14 and continued working as a bagger until I was 17.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is, The Hobbit, because it is a story about perseverance and overcoming insurmountable obstacles.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any fictional character, I would be Sherlock Holmes. I have always enjoyed the escapades of Holmes and Watson and I think it would be so much fun to take on the persona of Holmes and solve mysteries.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The last song that was stuck in my head was, The Final Countdown, by Europe.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

A struggle in my life has been saying no. I tend to want to help anyone who asks and take on every opportunity in front of me. I have had to learn to say no, in order to not take on more than I can handle.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

I personally consider the responsibility of providing teachers with the curricular tools they need to be successful in the classroom, as the most important aspect of the job.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Many people are aware that the State Board of Education is responsible for setting curriculum standards, because that aspect of the job is publicized the most. What many people are not aware of is that the State Board of Education also sets graduation requirements. This part of the job is just as important, because it defines what requisites must be met in order for a student to graduate high school.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, I do not believe that it is beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics. Although members of the State Board of Education are elected and affiliated with a particular party, the duties of the office are not partisan. Members of the State Board of Education should make their decisions based on what is best for all students and all teachers, not based on partisan politics. For this reason, I do not feel a background in politics is necessary for this position.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

I believe that it is important for a member of the State Board of Education to have teaching skills and experience working in the field of education. The decisions made by the State Board of Education directly impact teachers and students in the classroom. It is imperative to have individuals with a background in teaching on the board, because they will use their teaching experience to guide their decisions.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Q: What are a teacher's three favorite words?

A: June, July and August.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I feel that transparency and government accountability are an inalienable right for the public. In order to negate corruption, or malfeasance, the government must be transparent and accountable for how they spend the tax dollars given to them by the hardworking people of this nation.

Congressional election

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Dr. Michael Stevens, and I am the Republican candidate for the Texas 20th Congressional District. Although growing up in a Military family caused me to move around a lot, my parents were stationed at Fort Sam several times throughout my childhood, during which time I fell in love with this city. Upon graduation from High School, I knew that there was only one place for me to go for college...San Antonio, so I quickly found my way back to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio. While in college, I met and married the love of my life and together we are raising three amazing boys in this great city. Over the past twenty-two years, I have made San Antonio my home working alongside you in our community. As a college student, I worked as a customer service representative, security guard, construction laborer, file clerk, and insurance agent. Upon graduation from UTSA, I was able to pursue my true passion, in the field of education, where I have served students and families for the past decade. I am a proud Texan, Bexar County resident, and district 20 constituent. I live here. I am from here. My Mexican American heritage is rooted deeply here. I understand the needs of our community and want to represent District 20 in Washington, so our collectives voices can be heard.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Let's have a conversation!People not politics!We need everyday people, and not career politicians in Washington!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Health care

Veterans care

Conservative values

Immigration reform

Equality

State executive election

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Dr. Stevens grew up in a Military family and fell in love with San Antonio when his parents were stationed at Fort Sam Houston. Upon graduation from High School, Dr. Stevens moved back to San Antonio, to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio. While in college, he met and married his wife of 18 years and together, they are raising three amazing boys in the beautiful city of Helotes.

Dr. Stevens proudly serves as a board member of the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, an organization focused on preventing bullying and violence in public schools across America.

Dr. Stevens holds a Bachelor's Degree in English, a Master's degree in Education/Teacher Leadership, a Doctorate Degree in Education/Curriculum and Instruction and is a certified Texas teacher.

Additionally, Dr. Stevens is currently in his 12th year working in K-12 education. During his career as an educator, Dr. Stevens has worked as a campus administrator, a High School English Language Arts teacher and an English Language Arts Instructional Coach. Dr. Stevens also has experience working at the Adult Education level as both an instructor and an Instructional Coach.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Texas teachers deserve to be valued, compensated and treated as the professionals that they are!Standardized testing, in its current format, (STAAR) is detrimental to Texas students and teachers.Education, not indoctrination!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about changing the make up at those who make education decisions at the highest level in Texas. Currently, the majority of those making decisions, from the SBOE, to the Education Commissioner and the Committee on Public Education, have zero experience in education. This needs to change and we need to vote out individuals who do not have education experience and vote in those who do.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

This office is a unique and important part of the Texas government, because it adopts instructional materials for public schools and sets graduation requirements for Texas public school students.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to former NBA player, Johnny Moore. Mr. Moore is someone I would like to emulate, because he gives back to the community on a consistent basis, stays true to his beliefs and is spending his retirement as a Texas educator. Mr. Moore exemplifies hard work, determination, humility and charity, which is why I would like to follow his example.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction, written by Sean Cain and Mike Laird.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I feel that the most importance characteristics/principles that an elected official should have are, honesty, integrity and consistency.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am organized, persistent, detailed orientated, passionate about getting the job done correctly and I am someone who never walks away from a challenge.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe that the core responsibilities for a member of the State Board of Education are: 1. Certify that curriculum, graduation requirements and instructional materials are 2. Act in the best interest of Texas teachers and students 3. Ensure curriculum is free of political agendas.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy that encourages educators to not be afraid to speak out against inadequacies in the public education system, but to push for positive change.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that I remember was the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. At the time I was 5 years old and in Kindergarten.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was as a bagger at the commissary and I had it for 3 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, because it merges Christian principals with fantasy fiction, in a way that is both creative and entertaining.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be a fictional character, I would want to be Frodo Baggins.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Livin’ on a Prayer, by Bon Jovi.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

As a former military brat, I attended 11 different schools in grades K-12. For most of my life I have been the "new guy" and subsequently the underdog. These labels have been something I have have had to work past and overcome, in order to be successful in each new environment that I was placed in.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

I personally consider the most important responsibility of the State Board of Education is setting curriculum standards.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Yes, many individuals do not realize that the Texas State Board of Education establishes graduation requirements

and oversees the Texas Permanent School Fund.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, I do not believe that members of the SBOE need to have previous experience in government, or politics.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

I feel that individuals on the State Board of Education should have prior experience as an educator, in a Texas public school classroom.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Q: How many people can you fit in one Honda?

A: Well, the Bible said that all 12 disciples were in one Accord.

Campaign website

Stevens' campaign website stated the following:

As a member of the SBOE, I will advocate for a parents right to decide what school is best for their child. I will fight to keep sexually explicit books out of our school libraries and curriculum that is not based on factual evidence, such as CRT, out of our classrooms. I will stand up for parents and teachers to decide for themselves if they will be vaccinated, or wear a mask. I will also pursue alternative standardized testing, so that students who do not test well, are not held back due to STAAR testing.

Parents, teachers and students are fed up with the ridiculous policies, mandates and ideologies from progressive Democrats. Issues such as limiting school choice, mask/vaccine mandates, promoting sexually explicit books and CRT are being pushed into our public schools by progressive Democrats. It is time to push back and send a clear message to Democrats that we will no longer tolerate their progressive ideas and influences in our public school classrooms.[4]

—Michael Stevens' campaign website (2022)[5]