Meet Principal Steve Vanderhoff

Second in our series where we introduce our leadership team, is our Principal of Mansfield and Marion Buckeye Community Schools, Steve Vanderhoff.

We have a team of exceptional Principals and Vice Principals committed to our mission here at Buckeye Community School (BCS). Our staff is filled with people who care deeply about helping you create a bright future for yourself and your community, and Steve is no exception. Read on for more about Steve.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

My favorite teacher was Coach Mike McCreary. He was my high school wrestling coach. After I graduated from high school, he asked me to coach middle school wrestling. My coaching style was aligned with him. He taught me the importance of discipline and conditioning. As an athlete under him, I could really feel his passion, and as I grew into a mentor, his memory inspired me to switch careers.

One of the most important things I learned from him was the importance of “caring” outside of the wrestling room or the classroom. He was the first person to call my mom when my dad passed away at a young age. That one phone call might have been a small gesture to most people, however, it demonstrated what type of person he was. It was more than him simply being “Coach Mac” to me and many, many others in our community. I have the utmost respect for him. To this day, he will call me just to see how I am doing.

When did you know you wanted to be an educator/ principal?

I spent years doing my best to make a difference in kids' lives by coaching middle school students in wrestling, baseball, and cross county. Then I decided that I wanted to do more and realized I was ready to make a career change. I always had a passion for teaching the fundamentals, especially to those that needed individual help. That led me to go back to college and get my Intervention Specialist teaching license.

I started my career teaching emotionally disturbed middle school students. That quickly had me realize that most of my students longed for structure and oftentimes, tough love.

Over the years, it became clear that I wanted to continue working with at-risk students. That’s when I had the opportunity to become the Director of a dropout and prevention recovery community school serving students ages 16-22. I went back to college again, this time to get my Principal license. I have a strong commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of the kids.

How does the BCS mission and vision align with your personal values?

Our Mission: To create an educational experience through positive relationships that empowers every person the opportunity to overcome personal challenges and pursue one’s unique goals.

This is the foundation of why I do what I do and is the most important value that’s aligned with me personally. Helping others overcome their challenges and providing opportunities from our school is vital.

Students come to us because we truly care about them. They need positive role models and supportive relationships in their lives. They enroll and stay with us to help guide them through our career readiness and pathway programs. I value being a part of each student's life and reaching the milestone of handing them a high school diploma.

What do you love most about your role?

Making a positive difference in the life of every student. I love helping them to understand the value they bring to themselves and to those around them.

What else would you like us to know about YOU?

I enjoy running, fishing at Lake Erie, and golfing in my spare time. I have also completed 7 marathons.