Led by the Heart: Stephanie Calvo's Path to Her Education Dreams

Stephanie Calvo, the Special Education Academic Lead Teacher at Mahaffey Elementary, has always pictured herself making a difference in the classroom. She was fascinated by education in middle school and volunteered alongside her best friend at the elementary school she had attended.

“We thought it was the coolest thing,” Ms. Calvo said, reflecting on her joy in helping teachers and spending time with students. But like any meaningful journey, hers was filled with detours before she found her way back to her true passion.

After high school, Ms. Calvo pursued a financial accounting degree at the University of Houston. As time passed, she realized that her heart and passion still resided in the world of education. 

 Ms. Calvo poses with her husband, Mario, after graduation.

"I knew quickly that financial accounting wasn’t my calling," Ms. Calvo said. "I knew I had in me what it takes to truly make a difference in the world and that I needed to follow a different path." 

With the support of her family—especially her husband, Mario Calvo—she pivoted, enrolling in education courses and finally setting her sights on becoming a teacher.

After graduating from the University of Houston with her bachelor's in interdisciplinary studies, Ms. Calvo began working as a paraprofessional in 2007 at Klein ISD, testing the waters of her new career path.

"I knew I wanted to be in the classroom; it was where I was meant to be,” she said, and it wasn't long before Ms. Calvo found herself in the world of special education, where her passion took flight.

Over the years, Ms. Calvo has formed deep, meaningful relationships with her students. What she loves most about teaching special education is helping students see that success isn’t always defined by grades but by personal growth and progress.

“It’s all about growth,” she said. “I want my students to know that while they may learn differently, they also have access to amazing tools and accommodations to help them succeed.”

Watching students experience that “lightbulb moment” of understanding when things finally click, and they realize their potential keeps her motivated. 

"When a student says something like, 'I'm great at reading,' after struggling for so long—that’s heartwarming and rewarding. I can’t get enough of that feeling,” Ms. Calvo said.

At Mahaffey, the sense of community and support is undeniable. Whether helping a colleague in need or assisting students, Ms. Calvo and her fellow Scottie staff members sum up the meaning of “all hands on deck.”

"We aim to stay positive and return each day with the right spirit to do what's best for the kids,” Ms. Calvo said.

As an academic lead, Ms. Calvo now oversees a team of about 28, including paraprofessionals, related service providers, and teachers. 

"I’m blessed to be surrounded by leaders throughout our department," she said, appreciating the support and care she receives from her team.

Despite the sometimes challenging nature of her profession, Ms. Calvo remains driven by her love for education and her desire to see students succeed. 

"It has to be a work of heart," she insists. "You have to come in 100% ready to support all students—that makes all the difference."

When she’s not at school, Ms. Calvo focuses on her family. 

"I'm a mom, a wife, a daughter," she said, describing herself as ‘family-driven.’ 

Her background and family values are at the heart of everything she does. As a first-generation college graduate, she carries the pride and determination instilled in her from a young age from her parents. 

  Ms. Calvo waves to family and friends as she crosses the stage to receive her BS in interdisciplinary studies.

And now, through her work in education, Stephanie Calvo is passing that same drive and dedication on to the next generation. We are so grateful for the impact and commitment Ms. Calvo brings to the hallways of Mahaffey Elementary. Thank you for all you do.