Steve Gurley is an outstanding educator whose passion for agriculture and student growth shines in every aspect of his classroom. He teaches eighth through twelfth grades in Agricultural Education and has spent a total of 14 years shaping young minds, with five years at Duke, five years at Davidson, and four years at Reydon. Now settled in Altus, Steve brings his experience, enthusiasm, and community focus to every student he encounters.
For Steve, teaching agriculture is about more than the classroom; it’s about connecting with students and fostering real-world skills. “I decided to become an ag teacher because I like working with the kids and being involved with the community,” he says. That love for hands-on learning stems from his own high school experience. His ag teacher, Keith Robertson, left a lasting impression by teaching him welding and helping him get started in the swine industry through FFA. Those lessons of mentorship, skill-building, and encouragement continue to guide Steve’s approach today.
In his classroom, Steve encourages students to dive into projects that teach practical skills while building confidence. From constructing shop projects to growing plants in the greenhouse, joining the shooting or archery teams, showing animals, or participating in interscholastic competitions, Steve makes learning interactive and meaningful. He believes education is a continuous journey for both students and teachers. “I constantly try to get students engaged in the program,” he explains, “because when they are involved, they learn more than just the technical skills; they learn responsibility, teamwork, and leadership.”
Steve attributes much of his success to a simple but powerful piece of advice he received early in his career: always try your best and be a good role model for your students. His dedication extends beyond academics, as he invests in building character and life skills, leaving a lasting impact that students carry long after they leave his classroom.
Outside the classroom, Steve enjoys traveling with his wife, Courtney, and their son, Kellen, exploring new places and experiences. His commitment to family mirrors the care he shows his students, making him a beloved teacher and mentor. Steve Gurley’s energy, expertise, and unwavering support continue to enrich the Altus community, one student at a time.
