Former Custodian Hopes to Inspire Students in New Teaching Role
Stephen Hansell, a familiar face within the halls of Klein Oak High School, will have new stomping grounds come August. The former custodian and Klein High alum will serve Klein ISD in a different capacity as a 7th grade Texas History teacher at Krimmel Intermediate.
Mr. Hansell, a US Navy Veteran, came to the district in 2020, working many hours as a custodian on the night shift at Klein Oak High School. During his time at Klein Oak, Mr. Hansell was committed to building relationships with students by lending a helping hand or listening ear.
“The team at Klein Oak is tight-knit and has always treated me like family,” Hansell said. “They are always welcoming and smiling anywhere you go on campus. I graduated from Klein High School and knew the district was great, so I was excited to come back ‘home’ and serve in any capacity I could. I love it here!”
While working alongside the Klein Oak staff and making a difference on campus through his role as a custodian, Mr. Hansell realized his true calling—teaching.
“I wanted to work for Klein ISD so that I could do something for the kids. Anything would do, as long as I could do my part, so I happily took the custodian job,” Hansell said. “I eventually researched what I needed to do to become a teacher and am now in the Inspire Texas certification program with Region 4.”
While Mr. Hansell is looking forward to setting up his classroom and preparing for the back-to-school season, there is one thing he looks forward to the most in his first few months as a teacher.
“I’m excited for that first ‘lightbulb moment’ where the student doesn’t understand something, I explain it, and they finally get it,” Hansell said. “It’s going to be the coolest thing ever—knowing that I got to be a part of that and have that opportunity.”
Mr. Hansell’s journey to completing his alternative teaching certification has been strenuous, and he credits those who made it possible and kept him motivated throughout.
“I’d love to thank my Klein Oak work family all the way up to Mr. Hensley for their support,” Hansell said. “The care they have shown along the way has motivated me to see this dream through. I’d also love to thank my wife, Adrian, and my family for their love and encouragement during this process.”
What an inspiring tale of perseverance and dedication toward one’s dream! Good luck to Mr. Hansell on this new journey. Your #KleinFamily is proud of you and can’t wait to see how you’ll shape the future of the next generation of Klein ISD students.
Best Public Schools in Texas
Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
Help Us Share Your Story
There are so many incredible individuals in the Klein Family making a lasting impact on our community. We want to recognize and celebrate our leaders and learners that are cultivating talent, building relationships, reimagining learning and making Promise2Purpose a reality daily. Share your story here: https://kleinfamily.net
