Professor, family man, lifelong teacher and dear friend, Joseph Stepans, died at his home in Mountain Meadows on Wednesday, July 3 at the age of 70 with his family around him. Generous, gregarious, loving and compassionate, Joseph led a life dedicated to the service of others. Born June 22, 1943, in a tiny village in rural Iran, Joseph’s family hailed from the ancient Assyrians. Growing up poor as the eldest brother in a Christian family, Joseph learned lessons that would define him all of his life: a deep love of his adopted country, the value of hard work and a moral imperative to stand up to intolerance and injustice. At the age of 19, Joseph came to the United States. Joseph was considered a pre-eminent science educator, speaking at national and international conferences. He published numerous articles, co-authored or authored eight science education books. He developed the TRIAD program and implemented it across Wyoming and in other states. His is a legacy of excellence in teaching, carried forward by his former students, including many educators currently teaching in Wyoming. Joseph received recognition and awards for his contributions to the field of science education, including the Ellbogen Meritorious Classroom Teaching Award, the Hollon Award for Teaching Excellence in Off-Campus Programs, the Wyoming Science Teachers’ Excellence Award and Teacher of the Year, as well as the Presidential Citation from the National Science Teachers Association. In spite of these formal accolades, Joseph was especially proud of an invitation, from former students, to deliver a commencement address at Pinedale High School. His caring, intellect, and stubborn insistence on quality and integrity within the teaching profession had an impact far beyond Wyoming.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Jul 2013 03:56:58 +0000
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