Steve Ellis has worn many hats during his 11 years at Central Community High School, but whether he’s leading students in the shop, on the golf course, or in life, his philosophy remains the same: do it right, and do it together. A Navy veteran, shop teacher, and coach, Steve’s approach blends technical expertise with life lessons, creating opportunities for students to grow in skills and character.

Steve’s day begins in Central’s shop, where he teaches woodworking, construction, and welding. His curriculum is hands-on and practical, designed to equip students with real-world capabilities. From pouring concrete to building cabinets, Steve ensures his students leave his classes prepared for life’s challenges.

“In millwork, for instance, students start small—learning to use hand tools and measure accurately,” Steve explains. “As they progress, they tackle more complex projects like furniture or cabinetry. It’s about building confidence step by step.”

In construction, students dive into framing, roofing, and even window installation. “We’re not building full houses, but the concepts translate,” Steve says. “It’s a controlled environment where they can make mistakes and learn to fix them—a skill that’s invaluable in any trade.”

His welding program offers certifications in vertical groove welding using SMAW and GMAW processes, opening doors for students in industrial trades. “These certificates are a ticket to employment,” Steve notes. “For many of my students, it’s a direct path to a well-paying job.”

Mistakes, according to Steve, are part of the learning process. “Troubleshooting is huge,” he emphasizes. “If students misalign studs or cut something incorrectly, I let them figure out how to fix it. It’s about learning to think critically and solve problems independently.”

This focus on self-reliance extends beyond technical skills. “I tell my students, ‘Your time is valuable. Always factor in the cost of labor when making decisions.’ It’s a lesson that applies to any career—and to life in general.”

Steve’s influence isn’t confined to the shop. As the coach of Central’s girls’ golf team, he’s built a program that’s as much about personal growth as it is about athletic achievement.

“When I started, we had just a handful of players,” Steve recalls. “Now we’re up to 14, and this year, for the first time in school history, we qualified for state. It’s been incredible to watch the girls fall in love with the game.”

Steve views golf as more than a sport—it’s a lifelong skill with professional and personal benefits. “In business, deals are often closed on the golf course,” he explains. “I tell my players, especially the girls, that learning to golf is an advantage in any career. It’s a way to level the playing field.”

He’s also instilled a sense of teamwork in a traditionally individual sport. “Golf in high school is unique because your score contributes to the team’s success,” Steve says. “I teach my players to push through bad days, not just for themselves but for their teammates. It’s a lesson in accountability and perseverance.”

Steve’s journey to Central began with a stint in the Navy, where he served as a damage controlman specializing in firefighting training. “That’s where I discovered my passion for teaching,” he says. “Explaining complex concepts and watching people ‘get it’ was incredibly rewarding.”

After leaving the military, Steve earned a degree in agricultural education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and began his teaching career. His diverse background, which includes certifications in welding and woodworking, has made him a versatile and highly effective educator.

For Steve, the most rewarding aspect of his work is the connections he’s built. “The relationships with students, colleagues, and the community are what I’m most proud of,” he says. “I still hear from former students who thank me for the skills and lessons they learned in my classes.”

Those relationships extend to the golf course, where alumni often return to mentor younger players. “It’s amazing to see how the bonds we’ve formed continue to grow over time,” Steve says. “It’s a reminder that what we do here matters.”

As Steve reflects on his career, he’s struck by how his varied experiences have converged into a fulfilling life. “I never planned to be a shop teacher or a golf coach, but everything I’ve done has prepared me for this,” he says. “It’s about building something—whether it’s a project, a team, or a life—and doing it the right way.”

For the students of Central High, Steve Ellis is more than a teacher or coach. He’s a mentor, a guide, and a builder of better futures.