SPENCER COUNTY — Sunday, Nov. 19, the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) recognized Steve Sherohman, Assistant Principal at South Spencer High School in Rockport, Ind. as the 2023 Assistant Principal of the of the year for the IASP District 11.
District 11 is made up of Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties.
District Assistant Principal winners are elected by their peers. One Assistant Principal is honored from each of the 12 districts. From the 12 district Assistant Principal winners, one is chosen as the 2023 Assistant Principal of the Year.
Sherohman is a dad of nine and a husband who taught music for a long time. He chose music because he loved it as a youth. He also loved brining a diverse group of students together that was a common effort. “Music just happens to be something I was pretty good at,” said Sherohman.
He moved into administration several years ago at South Spencer High School.
Sherohman graduated college from Concordia University in Nebraska and Ann Arbor, Mich. He began teaching in parochial schools in 2005 in Texas. He has taught in both parochial and public schools in places like Texas, California, Illinois and Indiana. Sherohman is originally from Detroit, Mich.
“I’ve gone where I have been called to serve,” said Sherohman.
He stated that it is a unique situation because he has friends in education throughout the nation. It has given him a diverse background. He has worked in small rural schools and large inner city schools.
He moved to Indiana in 2013 when he married his wife. In 2019, Sheroman had taken a position at South Spencer once music teacher David Malone had retired. Then when the opportunity to become administration arose, in 2020, he went for it.
“For a first year administrator with adding the complexity of COVID-19, it was definitely a learning by immersion experience,” said Sherohman.
Sherohman’s favorite part of his job is connecting with children.
“I would do my job for free if I could still keep the lights on at home and food in my children’s belly. There is just something about seeing a high school student grow and mature as they navigate through the complexity of life. I get to be their buddy and walk them through it. It’s 100% all about the kids,” said Sherohman.
Sherohman said his role is challenging at times. Traditionally the assistant principal is charged with handling attendance compliance and student accountability. It is not always a fun job. He has to walk children through decision-making processes and the ramifications of decisions made, according to Sherohman. It’s part of the job and he doesn’t wake up asking himself how many disciplinary actions will be made in a day.
“I think students at South Spencer understand that because I love them that I make fair and equitable decisions. When it’s the end of the day I hope they have learned something for next time. I haven’t met a student yet that is not a good kid. They all have purpose and meaning,” said Sherohman.
Sherohman tries to look at it in a positive light. It is a way to build relationships and he feels that the students would confirm that he is fair, empathetic and consistent.
They work collectively as a team in South Spencer and even have a social worker on staff now. He fills that his team and community is what is all about.
“I am not one for the limelight. At the end of the day it is all about kids, teachers and the community. I am just super thankful that I am able to make a small difference on a daily basis. I hope it’s in a positive way. South Spencer is a fantastic place to serve. 100% of this recognition is a direct reflection of our kids, teachers and what we do here,” said Sherohman.
