In today’s fast-changing media world, where news is constantly shifting from print to digital platforms and social media, journalism education has become more important than ever. Advisor Rachel Steil has spent the past 28 years guiding students through that changing landscape as the advisor of The Pony Express, teacher of CIS Communication and Pop Culture and Pathways Coordinator. Through her work in the classroom and behind the scenes of the school newspaper, she has helped generations of students learn how to write, communicate and understand media in a world where information is everywhere, and everyone has a voice.
Steil has built her career at Stillwater Area High School over nearly three decades, where she teaches CIS Communication and Pop Culture and serves as the advisor for The Pony Express and the school’s Pathways Coordinator. In these roles, she has developed an award-winning journalism program, expanded student opportunities through grants and helped create pathways such as concurrent enrollment and career-focused coursework. Her work goes far beyond classroom instruction, as she actively supports students in developing writing, leadership and communication skills that prepare them for both college and future careers. Colleagues and students alike describe her as highly organized, dedicated and someone who consistently goes above and beyond to support student success.
Steil did not originally plan to become a teacher, but her path shifted when she realized journalism allowed her to combine her passion for both storytelling and working closely with people. After gaining experience in the field and student teaching, she discovered education gave her a way to stay connected to both while building a stable life close to home.
A major focus of her teaching is media literacy, which she sees as one of the most essential skills students can develop today. She emphasizes understanding how media is created and shared in a world shaped by social media and constant news cycles, noting that these skills extend far beyond school, calling media literacy “one of the most important life skills” that includes “learning how to talk to people, craft an email and understand media” beyond the classroom.
Colleague Robert Manning, a Pathways coordinator who works closely with Steil, said her impact extends beyond teaching into program development and student opportunities. He explained that she consistently applies strong instructional practices while expanding opportunities like concurrent enrollment and career-focused programs, bringing in significant funding through grants.
“She applies all of the best practices… she’s highly organized and can juggle more things than most teachers. She’s an award-winning journalism teacher with an award-winning program, and she’s brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars through grants,” Manning said. He added that even with opportunities to move into administration or other roles, “she loves being a teacher” and chooses to stay in the classroom.
Steil has seen journalism evolve from print and broadcast to a fully digital landscape. She has adapted her program to include websites, podcasts and online publishing while helping students navigate the challenges of modern media.
“Everything’s become digital. Everyone is a journalist… so how do we carve out a place for student journalism in the midst of all the static?” Steil said.
Students say Steil has had a lasting impact on their confidence, writing, and leadership skills. Senior and editor-in-chief Macklin Morrow said her support helped him grow both academically and personally, while also discovering a passion for writing.
“She’s always there and has a good answer for me… she helped me find a new love for writing and grow as a leader,” Morrow said.
Through The Pony Express, Steil gives students real-world journalism experience, allowing them to publish work for both the school and the wider community. This helps students understand responsibility, audience and the impact of having their voices heard publicly.
“You guys have a public product… You are entering the conversation in your community,” Steil said.
Steil has built a lasting legacy through her work in journalism education, communication and student leadership. From advising to coordinating academic pathways, she has continually adapted to changes in media while keeping her focus on student growth. Her impact can be seen not only in the strong programs she has built, but also in the confidence and skills her students carry with them long after they leave her classroom. Through her dedication, she continues to shape future communicators who are prepared to think critically, write effectively and find their voices in an ever-changing media world.
