Administrator Spotlight

Steven Helmick

Principal, Roberts Elementary, Little Rock School District

Steven Helmick, Principal of Roberts Elementary in the Little Rock School District began his career in education 16 years ago at Stephens Elementary in the Little Rock School District. "My wife and I had recently taken an exploratory trip to Rwanda in Africa and were considering moving there to work with an orphanage," he says. "At the time the orphanage needed RNs and teachers and during our trip I decided to get my teaching certification so then we could move back to Rwanda. I quit my corporate job in May, took 18 graduate hours that summer, my wife and I had our first child, and I was hired the week after she was born." However, upon starting the job at Stephens Elementary, he says "my eyes were opened to the tremendous needs of students in my own hometown and it was from that point on that I knew where I wanted to be rooted in hopes of making a difference." He taught 4th grade at Stephens for two years, 5th grade at Watson Intermediate for a year, and then three years as a 5th grade teacher at Roberts Elementary. "Faster than I originally planned, I then became an assistant principal at Roberts Elementary for three years, and I’m in my 7th years as principal at Roberts Elementary. I’m proud to have spent all 16 years of my career in the Little Rock School District where my four children attend."

Steven says his favorite part of his job is: "THE KIDS! I love interacting with the kids and I also love that every day is so different! From playing on the playground to seeing students excel in the classroom I love finding ways to encourage, engage, and equip our students each and every day as they pursue educational and personal excellence. I’d also be lying if I didn’t mention that I also love a good reason to dress up in a costume for the kiddos! Being a principal doesn’t have to be so serious and I like to show kids that principals can have fun too."

He says the most challenging part of the job is juggling a wide variety of things, managing both students and staff well, and prioritizing what is most important while not becoming consumed with the “emergencies” that happen throughout the day. "There are so many decisions that are being made every day and I have to continually focus on not being reactionary to everything that comes up." To those considering becoming principals, he advises a few things: "Never forget what it was like to be in the classroom. Surround yourself with great people who are willing to disagree with you. If you have the privilege of having assistant principals, hire to your weakness but ensure they are committed to the same things you are committed to." Finally, he also says, "Never place your career over your family. If I died today, the position would be filled quickly and school would go on. Don’t sacrifice being a dad/ mom/husband/wife first."

?Q&A! with Steven Helmick

What is the best advice you have ever received?

We all have hard, it’s just different hard. Be willing to see a counselor and work through the hard in your life. We are a better friend, parent, spouse, and coworker when we lean into the hard and work through our own stuff.

What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

I had spinal surgery at 24 years of age due to a back disorder called scheuermann’s kyphosis, that I developed during adolescence. The curvature of my spine was corrected by placing two 18 inch titanium rods along my spine that are connected by 36 screws!

What do you feel is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Being named the Arkansas Principal of the Year and also a National Distinguished Principal was the most incredible honor. There are so many remarkable principals in our state doing tremendous things for kids, so to receive these awards was a completely humbling and incredible experience. Side note, to receive the award in a surprise assembly less than an hour before the tornado struck Little Rock just a few miles from my school on March 31st of 2023 made it a date I’ll never forget. It was the most principal thing ever to go directly from a celebratory assembly to sheltering in place with staff and students.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

I love engaging in life with my family! My wife Keri and I have been married for 20 years and we have four kids who each bring a great dynamic to our family. Our weekends are full of soccer, cross country, swimming, dancing, and more. I also love sitting around a campfire or dinner table with friends who are willing to share life with each other.

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”

I’d love to run the New York City Marathon! It is so freaking hard to get into the race via their lottery. I’ve run multiple marathons, but having the opportunity to complete one in NYC in the fall would be incredible!

What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?

The relationships. I’m a better principal because of the men and women I get to meet throughout the state that are doing incredible things for the students and staff they serve.