Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB/BC teacher Deepa Stephen continues to leave her mark on NC through her involvement in student activities and benevolent attitude toward her co-workers. Whilst instructing students on a challenging math course — one that can result in despair and despondency — Stephen shines like the sun on a warm summer day, lifting the moods of those she encounters. Students who pursue her course unanimously agree that without her positive attitude and exceptional teaching skills, the class would prove nearly impassable. Her colleagues also agreed with the consensus and elected Stephen as “Teacher of the Year.”
Growing up with a teacher as a father, Stephen never planned to pursue a similar career; instead, she felt devoted to math. Initially, by reveling in her ability to solve equations and memorize formulas, Stephen felt drawn to engineering. Despite initially withdrawing from following her dad into teaching, she eventually heeded her father’s request and decided to try teaching before pursuing her desired vocation. Starting her career in India at just 19 years old, Stephen taught students older than she and fell deeply in love with the profession. After 10 years of teaching in India, Stephen moved to Southern Georgia, where she continued instructing the subject until she moved to North Georgia, where she currently teaches at NC.
“I got the passion to teach the love for math, and what enlightens me is when the students understand. Their faces light up, and their happiness and motivation to do something in math always challenge me and always excite me. I want the best for my students,” Stephen said.
Alongside her job, Stephen further involves herself with students, hosting two clubs: Miracle Club and Collective Hope Bible Study Club. Miracle Club, founded in 2023, homes in on raising money for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), assisting in opening new wings of the hospital and replenishing old equipment. With Stephen’s guidance and leadership, the club hosted numerous charity events, including a bake sale and a percentage night with Culver’s. Through the joint efforts of both Stephen and her students, the club totaled around $4,600 by the end of their yearly Dance Marathon. On the other hand, Stephen’s role as the Collective Hope Bible Study Club sponsor helps ignite the curiosity of students intrigued by the Christian faith. While participating in community projects such as Operation Christmas Child, Stephen and her students join forces to serve those in need. Due to her efforts in the classroom to see her students succeed and mentor the younger generations, Stephen remains highly appreciated at NC.
With her colleagues recognizing her diligence, Stephen’s acceptance of the “Teacher of the Year” award felt deeply personal — like her early mornings and late nights truly mattered. The honor, awarded by popular vote amongst the faculty, celebrates teachers who “go above and beyond” in the workplace, allowing the recipient to feel valued and appreciated. Adding to the adored teacher’s accolades, magnet senior Suhana Gupta also nominated Stephen for the STAR teacher award during the 2026 STAR ceremony in March.
“I’ve been with [Mrs. Stephen] for two years now, and she also wrote my recommendation. She embodies what it means to be a resilient person, and she instills that in all her students. She’s also a wonderful person, alongside someone who can give you tough love to help you grow. She comes really early in the morning and always greets everyone with a beautiful, bright smile, even if today might not be the best,” Gupta said.
When looking beyond her NC commitments, Stephen enjoys spending time with her family and cooking for them, while also using her gardening tools to decorate her home with plants and flowers. Stephen also holds a deep passion for her faith, in which she attends North Metro Church to grow her relationship with God. With the joy she reaps in her life, Stephen lives each day passionate about her career and the happiness her classroom brings her.
