For 34 years, Scott Stevenson has dedicated his time and energy to be the best coach and teacher he can.

Having grown up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Putnam City High School, Stevenson said it is his parents that taught him a strong work ethic and dedication to his job.

“I never once saw my parents miss a day of work,” Stevenson said. “I’ve missed less than 10 days in my 34 years at Bishop McGuinness.”

Along with a strong work ethic, Stevenson said he takes inspiration from his high school math teacher in his roles at the school

“I model a very similar teaching style, especially when I first started, and then eventually it morphed into my style,” Stevenson said.

Although he had positive role models in high school, Stevenson said he didn’t always want to be a teacher. Initially he started studying at Oklahoma State to become an engineer, but switched his sophomore year to become a teacher. He chose math because of the advice his aunt had given him.

“If you wanted to coach, you needed to get your degree in math or science because every school always had a math opening, and every school always had a science opening,” Stevenson said.

Because of lessons learned from his parents and teachers, Stevenson said he teaches math as not only a subject in school but also a way to show students how to approach life’s challenges.

“How are you going to approach that?” Stevenson said. “Are you just going to quit? Are you going to try things and see what works, see what doesnt work, and learn how to do that? That’s what math teaches.”

Stevenson still teaches these lessons, but plans to retire in the next couple years to take on something new.