INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Ehren Steiner, Foundation Academy

Ehren Steiner is the Upper School assistant principal at Foundation Academy’s Tilden Campus. Prior to coming to Foundation, he taught for 10 years at Orange County Public Schools and for three years at Windermere Preparatory School. In his role, Steiner offers support for teachers and students, as well as helps with instructional coaching, scheduling, implementation of procedures, campus logistics, discipline and serves as the field trip coordinator. 

What brought you to your school?

Early in 2022, I had just finished my master’s degree in education leadership at Stetson University and was looking for a position as an assistant principal. A longtime friend of mine, Steve Jurs, had a couple of children at Foundation Academy and brought to my attention that they had an opening for an assistant principal. I immediately applied and went through that process. Thankfully, it ended up being a great fit for me. 

What do you love most about your school?

The camaraderie and team-mindedness among the teachers and staff is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in an organization. There is such a high concentration of highly skilled and highly qualified professionals who are constantly thinking towards the greater good of the organization. 

Everyone is completely sold to the mission of creating a great learning environment for our students and experiences for our families each day. 

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?  

I would 100% be a first responder or in the military. Coming out of college with a degree in education, I was a signature away from going forward with Army officer candidate school. I ended up choosing to stay in education, deciding there may be opportunities to have a greater impact on people. Then, throughout the years, there were several instances of considering and pursuing the police academy or fire academy to become a police officer or firefighter. But again, I would arrive back at the conclusion that remaining in education may be the best way for me to have an impact with the gifts and skills that God has given me. 

Who influences you?  

I believe the Bible is the word of God, so I’d say that it is the primary source of influence in my life on a daily basis. My entire worldview and perspective on life has to do with what I have learned from reading the Bible over the last 18 years. The people who have the strongest influence on me throughout the developmental years of my life have undoubtedly been my mom and dad, my grandpa, and my aunts and uncles. My wife is one of the smartest people that I know, so since we’ve been married I try to make it a habit of receiving input from her. 

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

I took physics in my senior year of high school. I wasn’t a great student, honestly, so going in felt like I had out-kicked my coverage. Mr. Flueso was the teacher and also was a football coach. I really connected with his teaching style and ended up having a great experience in the course and learned a lot. I remember a ton of the examples that he used to this day, a lot of problems involving sports and vehicles. His teaching style was very engaging, practical, and full of illustrations and explanations, and it really resonated with me. 

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“Cars, Trucks and Things that Go” by Richard Scarry is the book I remember loving the most as a child. My two boys have the book now, and we look at it all the time together. I remember enjoying the book with my parents when I was a kid, and it’s really neat to be able to watch my boys enjoy it today. 

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?

My mom always gave me really good stuff. It was always so much food. Lots of turkey sandwiches and Ziploc bags filled with all kinds of stuff. She always kept it pretty healthy but fun. 

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Memorial Day, because it marks the beginning of summer and the summer holidays, such as Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and some family birthdays. It’s at the end of the school year, so there is this feeling of accomplishment and completeness, as well as the start of a season of refreshment.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

Oli Marmol, Nick Carris, Drew Longenecker and I had a great friendship through middle and high schools. We played baseball together, and our parents and siblings were all very close, so it was just like family. We still have a little group chat going and try to touch base often, although we are spread out all over the country.