Stephen Peryea

Strategic. Driven. Impactful.

Current Employer & Job Title: Plattsburgh City School District, Secondary Social Studies Teacher

Age: 27

Hometown: Altona, NY |

Education: Undergraduate degree from Siena University in History Education and Master’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh in Special Education

Stephen appreciates nothing more than watching his students personal growth throughout the school year or sports season. Respect is a large part of that. Respecting themselves and others, dealing with conflict resolution and always striving to be better.

In three words, how would others describe your personal brand—and where do those traits show up most in your work? 

Strategic, Driven, Impactful.

My approach to the classroom is grounded in a strategic and purposeful mindset, where every decision is made with intention and clarity. I bring a disciplined drive to my work, consistently holding high expectations for both myself and my students. As an educator in the North Country, I strive to lead by example-serving as a principled role model who fosters growth, resilience, and a sense of possibility in every student I encounter.

What aspect of your organization’s culture do you protect or promote most fiercely—

and how have you influenced it?

One of the core principles that I seek to uphold within the Plattsburgh City School District is a deep commitment to responsibility and respect. I emphasize the importance of students honoring both themselves and others, recognizing self-respect is foundational to personal growth and maturity. By fostering these values, I encourage students to develop the character, accountability, and awareness necessary to become thoughtful, contributing members of society.

Where do you invest your time outside of work, and what motivates your commitment to those efforts?

Outside of my professional role, I am deeply committed to family and prioritize the time we spend together. Whether gathering for meals, enjoying time outdoors through hunting, or building a future with my fiancé, these moments are central to who I am. Beyond my work in education, I also dedicate time to supporting my fiancé’s painting business, where I can contribute growth and ongoing success.

Who has most influenced your leadership style—and what specific lesson from them still shapes how you lead today?

My leadership style has been profoundly shaped by the influence and an example of my parents, Stephen and Shelly, whose guidance instilled in me the values and perspective necessary to grow as a leader within my community. Through their consistent support and the life they built for my two sisters and me, they modeled dedication, resilience, and selflessness. I remain deeply grateful for the foundation they provided, as it has been instrumental in shaping the person I am today.

My fiancé has also played a significant role in shaping my approach to leadership. As my strongest supporter, her ambition and commitment to success continually inspire me to grow. Together, we challenge and motivate one another, fostering both personal and professional development as we work toward a shared vision for our future.

Where are you making your greatest impact right now—in your organization, industry, or community—and how do you measure it?

My greatest impact at present lies in serving as a positive role model for students in the North Country. I strive to be someone they can trust for guidance and support, while consistently modeling the values and behaviors that encourage growth and integrity.

Through this, I aim to help guide them toward thoughtful decision-making and a clear, purposeful direction of their future.

What’s something about you that would surprise people—and what does it reveal about how you think or operate?

Something that often surprises people is that my fiancé and I care for horses, chickens, and goats. Managing the daily needs of these animals strengthened my sense of responsibility, consistency, and attentiveness. This experience has directly influenced my growth as an educator, reinforcing my commitment to meeting the diverse needs of my students and ensuring each one is supported in reaching their full potential.

What is one lesson your career has taught you that you had to learn the hard way—and how has it changed you?

One of the most valuable lessons my career has taught me is the importance of adaptability and responding thoughtfully to challenges as they arise. Embracing flexibility has strengthened my effectiveness as a leader and allows me to model resilience for my students. I strive to show them that when circumstances do not go as planned, it is more productive to approach difficulties with composure and a problem-solving mindset rather than becoming overwhelmed by setbacks.

What is the biggest professional or personal risk you’ve taken—and would you make the same decision again? Why or why not?

One of my significant personal risks I have taken was the decision to pursue semi-professional baseball. In retrospect, it proved to be one of the most rewarding choices I have made, affording me the opportunity to compete alongside and learn from a diverse group of athletes from across the United States and abroad. The experience broadened my perspective, strengthened my discipline, and reinforced the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone. It continues to influence my willingness to embrace new challenges and strive toward becoming the best version of myself.

The North Country’s “Gen IQ” reflects how well we lead, market to, and innovate across

generations. Where are we getting it right—and where do we need to evolve?

I believe our community does an admirable job leveraging its close-knit, small-town character to foster strong relationships within both the classroom and workplace. That sense of connection creates a supportive and collaborative environment for students and educators alike. Moving forward, however, an important area for growth lies in more intentionally guiding students toward career pathways that align not only with their potential for success but also with their personal fulfillment. By more effectively recognizing and building upon the unique strengths, interests, and backgrounds of our students, we can better prepare them for meaningful future while simultaneously contributing to the growth and vitality of our community.

What’s one idea, belief, or change you hope to see shape the future of leadership in our

region?

One idea I hope will help shape the future of leadership in our community is a renewed emphasis on valuing hard work and the fulfillment that comes from achieving meaningful goals. I believe it is essential to foster a mindset that refuses complacency and instead encourages continuous growth and self-improvement. By instilling the importance of perseverance, pride in one’s efforts, and a commitment to excellence, we can inspire individuals to strive toward becoming the best versions of themselves.