This year, sadly, several phenomenal teachers at Air Academy High School are retiring. Ellen Steinke, the yearbook coordinator, language arts teacher and overall awesome person is sadly among those retiring this school year.

Steinke has been teaching at AAHS since 2003, making this her 16th year teaching at the school and her 27th year of her teaching career overall. Steinke attended the University of Colorado and graduated with a degree in English and music, and then got her masters degree. Steinke’s first teaching job was at the Holy Apostles preschool as a music teacher.

“I started teaching because I just love kids,” explained Steinke. “You guys are awesome, I think teenagers are awesome.”

When teachers retire it’s always bittersweet, but not just for the teacher, also for former and current students.

“The only thing I’m going to miss are my students. That an easy choice,” said Steinke. “I have lots of plans for retirement. I’m going to be traveling a lot, playing a lot of golf, reading and spending lots of time with my 11 grand kids.”

Among her many achievements at AAHS, Steinke kicked off the online Jetstream Journal in 2012 and the integrated arts academy this (2018) school year. Not only that, she’s also a former band director and is currently the english teacher for World Studies.

“I love her. She has a very close relationship to her students,” said junior Reana Blake. “She’s super cute and like a nice grandma. She’s also very chill and she’s a great teacher.”

Steinke’s way of teaching is laid back, which students love. However, she expects work to happen and she pushes students. Yet, there is never an insane amount of pressure; her classes are well-paced and interesting.

Junior Jaxon Mawhiney highlighted what he appreciates about her teaching style.

“The reason I really appreciate Mrs. Steinke as a teacher is because she pushes you, challenges you and expects for you to get work done and learn but she is also there to support you and help you with whatever you may need help and support with along the way,” said Mawhiney.

So, after 27 years in education, the beloved teacher and overall person, Steinke, leaves Air Academy better than it was when she got here. We here at the Jetstream Journal all wish her well, and hope that her life outside of teaching will be as exciting as it was at Air Academy here with us.