Stephen

Stephen is a filmmaking enrichment teacher at Aspen Learning Lab, where he shares his real-world experience with young learners. He attended film school at Loyola Marymount University where he earned a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in screenwriting. There, he wrote his first feature script, “The Twilight Show,” which garnered numerous awards. After graduation, he worked professionally in Hollywood for five years before ultimately finding himself back in the classroom as a teacher at one of the top middle schools in the state. He simultaneously earned his second Master’s degree in education at Pepperdine University with a K-12 teaching credential in Language Arts and History. Stephen was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to create a comprehensive filmmaking class where he was teaching, which allowed him to combine his two greatest skills – storytelling and working with children.

What languages do you speak?

English and some German. I have enough left over from college that I can introduce myself, order in a restaurant and hail a cab.

Why do you teach?

I love helping kids gain confidence in themselves and their abilities. The thrill of a student discovering a talent they never knew they had, and knowing you had something to do with that, is truly unparalleled.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would pick flying so I could avoid freeway traffic and impress people at parties.

What three words would your students use to describe you?

Funny, empathetic and knowledgeable.

What is your favorite book?

Last Exit To Brooklyn by Hubert Selby Jr. and The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.

What’s your favorite place to visit in Los Angeles?

Universal Studios. The Simpsons ride and Jaws popping out of the water in particular. Randy’s Donuts would be a close second.

Any secret talents?

I was a hip hop DJ at my college radio station with the moniker “Pete Nice”.