“The best part about my role as an educator is I get to support my family, while living a life of service to my community. It’s the perfect balance,” says Micah Sturr, 10th grade social studies teacher at North High School. Sturr recently had a life-changing experience after a job-shadowing program hosted by the Denver Public Schools Foundation’s School Partners Program. Sturr is a fifth generation Denver native, and several years ago, was a teacher in a DPS charter school but after relocating homes, he found himself on a different career path – working at TIAA-CREF, a highly respected financial firm, as a Financial Services Management Professional. A few months into his role in financial services Sturr met Josh, a DPS student that would forever change his life.
Josh was at TIAA-CREF for a job shadow day. Students like Josh from multiple schools had the opportunity to tour the facility and learn about the types of jobs that are available within the financial industry. Josh spent his entire non-school afternoon (it was teacher work day) with Sturr. From this day forth they created an instant bond and friendship. Josh could sense Sturr was compassionate about education and that he belonged at North High School. “I knew I had to do whatever it took to become a teacher at North” says Sturr. A few months later, Sturr got the call that changed his life: a job offer from North High School to teach 10th grade social studies. Sturr cites the leadership of North students as one of the aspects he is most impressed with in his new work community. He is proud to be a Viking!
“I am so thankful for educators like Ms. Smith and Mr. Sturr who teach me how to be free-spirited,” Josh reflects. “Looking back at school, you remember the teachers who pushed you the hardest, like my 11th grade teacher, Ms. Smith. I am grateful teachers are a valuable part of our community.”
Josh’s plans for the future include applying to University of Michigan, University of Colorado, Boulder, University of Denver and Brown University. He aspires to pursue a degree in Architectural Engineering. He is a part of the 2014 graduating class at North who push themselves each day to make greater strides. Of the 110—student senior class at North High School, 80 students hold a 3.5 Grade Point Average or better and have taken a minimum of one Advanced Placement course. A dynamic group of our future leaders!
Please join the DPS Foundation in thanking Micah Sturr for his commitment to students like Josh. We are honored to have committed teachers in our classrooms every day!
