We’re celebrating the incredible impact of our DeKalb alumni—leaders, innovators, and difference makers—through our new #DeKalbMade feature video and story series! If you’re a DeKalb alum making a difference locally or globally, we want to hear from you. Visit dekalbschoolsga.org/alumni/ to learn more!
In the front left corner of Mr. Steven Etcher’s desk sits a photo that captures a moment in time, one that resonates deeply with his second-grade students. The picture shows a young Steven Etcher on his first day of kindergarten at Kingsley Elementary School, sitting on the hallway floor, overwhelmed by the challenges of starting school.
Today, that photograph is a powerful reminder that even the toughest beginnings can lead to the most meaningful journeys.
Now, in his second year of teaching at Kingsley Elementary, Mr. Etcher proudly tells his students that he was once in their shoes—walking the same halls and facing the same challenges.
“I always tell my students that I was a student here just to show them that I was them,” Mr. Etcher says. “I feel students can relate. It’s easier for them to relate to a teacher at this school.”
Mr. Etcher’s connection to the Dunwoody community runs deep. After attending Kingsley, he moved on to Peachtree Middle School and Dunwoody High School, where he graduated in 2015. Initially, he pursued a degree in accounting at Kennesaw State University, but he soon realized that his true passion lay elsewhere.
“I wasn’t sure if accounting was exactly what I wanted to do,” he said. “I love numbers, and I love teaching math. But I didn’t know if that was my path.”
He took a break from his studies but eventually found his calling at Georgia State University, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education.
His experience as a baseball coach ignited his passion for teaching. At 19, Mr. Etcher began coaching with his former travel baseball club, the Diablos, at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody. That experience opened his eyes to the joys of working with children and helping to shape their futures.
Today, he continues to coach, leading the freshman baseball team at Dunwoody High School—a program he once played for.
“Coaching opened my eyes to the career of working with children and bettering the youth,” Mr. Etcher explains. “I love teaching. It’s something new every day.”
Kingsley Elementary was at the top of his list when it came time to begin his teaching career. As if fate had intervened, a position opened up just as he was ready to apply.
“When I was a student here, it was a tremendous experience,” he says. “Some of my teachers are still here, and it’s really cool to see that.”
One of those teachers is Dr. Phyllis Ingram, now the reading and math specialist at Kingsley, who serves as Mr. Etcher’s mentor. She vividly remembers the curious and kind third grader who sat in her classroom during her first year as a homeroom teacher.
“Steven had the natural curiosity of a 3rd grade student. He was a friend to all his classmates, always ready to work as a team with group projects or be deeply engaged in his studies,” Dr. Ingram recalls. “His ability to work with others made everyone feel included and contributed to the positive and welcoming atmosphere in the classroom.”
Seeing her former student now thriving as a colleague is particularly meaningful for Dr. Ingram. She describes Mr. Etcher as a self-motivated teacher who continually strives for excellence. His growth in his first year as a teacher is a testament to his dedication to his students.
“Knowing Steven’s journey from being in my class to now having him as a colleague is truly fulfilling,” she says. “It shows just how much of an impact teachers can have on their students, inspiring them to pursue a career in education and positively influence others’ lives. This kind of full-circle moment highlights the importance of teaching and the lasting influence educators can have on their students.”
For Mr. Etcher, the opportunity to impact his students’ lives is a responsibility he embraces wholeheartedly.
“One thing that I thought about with teaching and coaching is you don’t know the impact you can have on somebody’s life until you do make an impact on someone’s life,” he said. “I want other kids to have the same great experiences I had in DeKalb County. That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to teach at Kingsley.”
As Mr. Etcher walks the halls of Kingsley Elementary, the school where his educational journey began, he’s a living example of how the challenges we face as children and the educators who care about their students can help shape us into the people we’re meant to be.
