In the heart of Tampa, where the warmth of the Florida sun meets the vibrancy of a close-knit community, one educator has spent decades shaping the minds and spirits of young people. Angela Haskell, originally from Maryland, has lived in the Tampa area for most of her life. Married for nearly 25 years and a parent to 19-year-old triplets, her story is one of dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the growth of her students.
The Early Days: A Passion for Education
After graduating from the University of South Florida (USF) in 1999, Mrs. Haskell began her career in education at Chamberlain High School. For 11 years, she taught there, quickly becoming a beloved figure among students and colleagues alike. Her passion for teaching and ability to connect with students on a personal level set her apart, and it wasn’t long before she took on additional roles beyond the classroom.
In 2010, she transitioned to Steinbrenner High School, where she has continued to teach while also making a significant impact through her involvement with the student Senate. This move marked a new chapter in her career, one that would see her become an integral part of the school’s culture and spirit.
The Heart of Steinbrenner: Leading the Student Senate
At Steinbrenner, Mrs. Haskell has become synonymous with the student Senate, a role that has allowed her to guide and mentor students in leadership and community service. The Senate is responsible for many of the school’s most cherished events and initiatives, including the annual homecoming festivities.
“The Senate works hard to provide a wonderful homecoming experience every year for the student body,” Haskell explains. “The process of planning all things homecoming—spirit week, hall decorating, the pep rally, homecoming court activities, the homecoming game, and the dance—takes months of work. The students and I spend many hours outside of school to make sure everything goes smoothly. The ticketing process alone requires at least 20 hours of work.”
But homecoming is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what the Senate accomplishes under her leadership. The Senate is also involved in Start with Hello Week, Kindness Day, the Battle of the Belts campaign, the holiday door decorating contest, and numerous initiatives to support the school’s special needs population. They also assist in other school projects, such as the Middle School Pep Rally Day, and work to honor various groups within the school, from teachers to lunchroom staff.
“We honor all groups in different ways,” Mrs. Haskell says. “Whether it’s Teacher of the Year, teacher appreciation, or recognizing our lunchroom staff, we make sure to celebrate the people who work here and let them know they are appreciated. We make fun signs for them, bring in gifts, and more.”
One particularly meaningful initiative is the Senate Star of the Month, where students recognize teachers who go above and beyond for their students. “Each month, the class discusses teachers who have made a significant impact, and then the class votes on the nominees,” she explains. “A few days later, we present that teacher with the award. It’s a wonderful way to show appreciation and build a sense of community.”
Building Bridges: Fostering Connections and Leadership
Mrs. Haskell involvement with the Senate goes beyond planning events and recognizing others. She is deeply committed to fostering strong relationships between students and the school’s administration. “We host ‘Snacks with Senate,’ where we invite one admin a month to come in for treats, and the class gets to know them better,” she says. “It’s a great opportunity for the Senate because it provides an opportunity for feedback from admin and promotes a strong working relationship between them and us.”
Additionally, she takes the Senate students to countywide meetings every other month, where they meet with Senate members from other schools in the county. At these meetings, students learn valuable lessons on leadership and hear from guest speakers who inspire them to become better leaders.
“The list goes on and on,” Haskell says, “but above is just a sampling of what we do. One of our biggest struggles is people thinking the Senate is just a sign-making class, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. These kids put in so much time and effort into this school and into the idea of school spirit.”
A Life of Full Commitment
Balancing a full load of English classes with running the Senate, sponsoring the Beta Club, and coaching varsity cheer is no small feat. Yet, Mrs. Haskell manages it all with grace and enthusiasm. “On a scale of 1 to 10, I’m involved at a level 10,” she admits with a smile.
Her favorite part of working with the Senate? Watching the students grow as young adults and leaders. “I also love to see when they make other staff and students happy and feel seen,” she says. “Senate becomes a family. We do bonding activities, host holiday events together, and more.”
Students get into the Senate by having their peers vote for them, ensuring that democracy is represented in this vital part of school life. Once they’re in, they become part of a close-knit group that works tirelessly to make their school a better place.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
As the years go by, Mrs. Haskell’s dedication to their students and school community remains as strong as ever. Her journey from Maryland to Tampa, from a USF graduate to a pillar of the Steinbrenner High School community, is a testament to the power of education and the impact one person can have on countless lives.
Reflecting on her career, Mrs. Haskell is immensely proud of what they’ve accomplished and the legacy they’re building. “My favorite part of teaching has always been the relationships I form with my students and seeing them grow into confident, capable young adults and leaders.”
