For the past four years, Mary Stevenson has been a dedicated member of the Social Studies Department, where she teaches VA/US Government, AP Government, Economics and Personal Finance, and Dual Enrollment Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow (VTFT) I and II.
“I really love teaching Government, there’s never a dull moment,” said Stevenson. “Being able to offer Dual Enrollment options and Contract Awards for our VTFT students has been incredibly rewarding. I also love being able to teach about what I love doing, which is teaching.”
Teaching wasn’t always Stevenson’s career path. Before finding her home in education, she pursued a music career. A vocal music performance major at Virginia Commonwealth University, she performed with the Virginia Opera, appeared in musical theater productions, sang with the Irish band Celtica, directed The Doorway Singers, and was a vocalist in an original indie band called Janestown.
“It turned out that the man was Mike Zeiders,” said Stevenson. “He was trying to decide whether to fund a new theater in Virginia Beach. I had been invited to show him how much local talent there was.”
Stevenson began tutoring part-time with Virginia Beach City Public Schools in the AVID program, where she discovered her passion for working with students. She later returned to school to earn her Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, officially beginning her career as a teacher.
“As much as I love music, which is still a huge part of my life, I never felt as ‘whole’ as when I am helping others,” said Stevenson. “When I taught my daughter to read at a very young age, I realized teaching was my calling. Helping her overcome the struggles she was facing, seeing the letters connect and make meaning was such a beautiful thing to be a part of.”
Students describe her as energetic, supportive, and inspiring.
“I’ve only known her for a couple of months, but I can tell she puts her all into everything she does,” said senior Nyles Deloatch. She has such a fun energy while teaching, and I can only imagine what she’s like performing.
Steveson loves to entertain people and connect with an audience. Especially afterwards, when someone comes and shares their “story” or connection with a song that she may have sung.
“She’s super understanding and makes me feel seen as a student,” said senior Serena Xie. “ I love the way she teaches and the way she lights up the room with her energy, creating a great environment for her students!
“She is one of the best teachers that Salem has to offer; she has a great teaching style and can make a boring lesson into something fun,” said senior Kenna Taylor.
Whether she’s guiding future educators in VTFT or exploring the complexities of government and economics, Stevenson brings the same creativity and passion she once poured into her music, proving that sometimes, the best performances happen in the classroom.
