Welcome back, readers of The Shield, to another Teacher Feature! On this issue, we have the honor of interviewing and writing an article about Mr. Starkey, a wonderful teacher here at Richwoods who teaches classes to children with unique challenges, specifically Freshman Geography and Career Courses. We appreciate him taking the time to conduct this interview!
Mr. Starkey admits that teaching wasn’t something he chose immediately. He knew he wanted a career that meant something to others and allowed him to build genuine relationships, but he didn’t grow up imagining himself in a classroom. Over time, however, as he started working directly with students, it became clear that teaching is where he connects the most, and he said that watching students grow and gain confidence made teaching an obvious direction for him. “In particular, working with diverse learners revealed how support, patience, and consistency can empower students to move forward in ways that truly matter.”
On the topic of his high school and college experiences and degrees, Mr. Starkey commented that high school is a time of finding yourself, as well as learning the importance of having people who are genuinely in your corner and building meaningful relationships.” About college specifically, which he attended at Bradley University for a Bachelor’s Psychology Degree and Dominican University for a degree in Special Education, he said “(it) pushed me academically and personally, and each step helped shape the way I teach, lead, and connect with students.” He is currently in his final year of the Principal Prep Master’s Program at Illinois State University (ISU). His best advice to high school students is to show up to class, physically and mentally, and be an active participant. He quotes the following:
“Students who stay involved, ask questions, engage in class, and take part in what’s going on always end up getting the most out of their high school experience. You don’t have to be perfect; just consistent, present, and willing to try new things.”
Outside of school, Mr. Starkey stays busy with a few meaningful hobbies. When asked, he shared that being a husband and father is his greatest joy, joking that his three young children—Fred (6), Elaine (4), and Nick (1)—are “my biggest hobby.” Alongside his family life, he works to maintain a fitness routine that includes running and lifting. He also enjoys deer hunting and fishing with his stepdad a couple of times each year.
When asked about his heritage, Mr. Starkey’s family came from Croatia and Sicily, while his wife’s family is from Lebanon. Because of this, he would love to take a trip to those places, citing the idea as “a meaningful trip, (and) not just a vacation.” To him, being able to see where his and his wife’s families’ stories started, and getting to experience the culture, history, and food would be very meaningful.
Mr. Starkey would love to meet Irish author Claire Keegan, and he would love to talk to her about how she creates stories that feel so honest and deeply human. He loves her books “Foster” and “Small Things Like These,” commending them for being “two of the most meaningful things I’ve read in the last five years.” Keegan writes in a way that captures relationships, loss, love, and the quiet connections between people, and her work encapsulates the heart of human nature with simple yet powerful language.
Mr. Starkey shared that the best part of teaching is witnessing breakthroughs, those moments when a student who has been struggling finally turns a corner. Whether it’s academic progress, increased confidence, or improved behavior, seeing students grow and believe in themselves is what makes the work meaningful for him. He looks forward to continuing to develop as a teacher and advancing toward becoming a future school leader. Living just five minutes from Richwoods, he finds it especially fulfilling to serve the same community where he lives and raises his children.
Thank you to Mr. Starkey for giving us an insightful, eloquent interview! Whether it be a teacher, role model, or principal, Richwoods has full confidence that he will be wonderful at whatever role he decides to fill. Thank you for reading and learning more about the teachers that enrich the lives of our students every day.
