CHCA Eagle's Eye 2014

Inspiringly benevolent
What I learned from Mr. Steitz
by Molly Packer ‘10
I learned a great deal from Mr. Ed Steitz when I had him as
a math and science teacher in the fourth grade nearly 13 years
ago. I learned that practice makes perfect when it comes to
long division. I learned that the difference between “may”
and “can” is crucial when asking to go to the restroom. I even
learned that the solar system can be fun when our whole class
put on the annual Penelope Planet play for our parents. The
most important thing I learned from Mr. Steitz was that he not
only cared about my education, but also for my happiness and
well-being.
After 25 years of faithful service to CHCA, Ed Steitz retired
this spring and plans to move to Colorado with his wife where
he can be closer to his family.
Having been at CHCA since the beginning, Ed Steitz has
touched the lives of nearly every student to pass through the
school’s doors. He worked as a fourth grade teacher at first and
then moved up to the Middle School where he taught fifth grade
math. “I am honored to say that all four of our boys had Mr.
Steitz,” CHCA mom Shelley Hoyer shared. “We are so grateful
for the amazing math foundation he instilled in them all.” Don
Faimon, a CHCA father, commented “Mr. Steitz was a fabulous
teacher to our kids. He made math fun and learning a pleasure.”
But Ed Steitz’s influence was not only educational. Students,
parents and fellow teachers alike remember the prayerful
attitude Mr. Steitz had concerning his students. “For all his
masterful teaching abilities, what impacts children the most is
the Christian role model he provides,” Nancy Buckman, Upper
Elementary Principal and mother of one of Steitz’s former
students, stated. “Ed loves his students and prays for them and
their families on a regular basis.”
Students Abigail and Elliott Armstrong who both had Steitz
for fifth grade math remember the comical way Steitz related to
his students. “Mr. Steitz always told funny puns,” Elliott said. “I
understood the way he taught.” Other students remember the
large collection of rubber ducks that stood for more than what
it seemed. Each duck that Steitz displayed in his room stands
for the person from whom he received it and stands as a daily
reminder to pray for that person and his/her family.
Fellow teacher Nancy Isenberg who taught at the Elementary
School with Steitz spoke of his constant representation of
Christ-like love at the school. “Ed has always been such a
positive and upbeat influence on the environment of CHCA,
both in the Elementary building and the Middle School,” she
said. “Ed carries with him a deep abiding faith and joy that
seems to always spill over into laughter - helping to put any
student at ease and any situation into perspective.”
CHCA families, teachers and administrators will always
be thankful for the impact that Steitz has had on our school.
Congratulations for 25 years of excellence and impact, and enjoy
your retirement, Mr. Steitz!
CHCA families, teachers and administrators will always be
thankful for the impact that Steitz has had on our school.
Congratulations for 25 years of excellence and impact, and
enjoy your retirement, Mr. Steitz!
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