Steve McCarty Receives Mary Louise Leipheimer Excellence in Teaching Award

“[Mr. McCarty] is devoted to his students, both in the classroom and in the many ways they engage all over our uncommonly beautiful campus,” shared Dr. Kaenzig in her remarks. “He is a model for students and also for faculty colleagues who note how much they are always learning from him and how grateful they are for his mentorship.” 

Since first coming to Foxcroft in 2007, McCarty has demonstrated a commitment to providing impactful learning experiences to students. He has taught English, history, and economics classes; coached volleyball and softball; served as an advisor to students; chaired the English Department; and sat on or led many committees. A former U.S. Air Force officer, he holds a B.A. from West Virginia University, a Master’s from the University of South Carolina, and an M.Ed. from George Mason University.

In addition to his teaching duties, McCarty took on the role of Academic Dean in 2023 and has since focused on efforts to strengthen Foxcroft’s academic program while celebrating student accomplishments. His introduction of the Student of the Month recognition celebrates hard work in the classroom, while his genuine and spontaneous Morning Meeting shout-outs bring joy to the community.

Nominations for McCarty were submitted by classroom teachers, administrators, and students, and Dr. Kaenzig went on to share those words of praise for McCarty’s impact. “He is consistently looking for ways to challenge students in a fair and meaningful way that brings out their best selves,” shared one colleague. Another wrote that McCarty “has gone above and beyond all this year in so many ways… He is an all-around educator of the highest integrity, with a strong desire to encourage curiosity and a desire to learn in our students.”

Congratulations, Mr. McCarty!

Watch the video of his award.

The Mary Louise Leipheimer Excellence in Teaching Award was established in 2014 by Foxcroft’s Board of Trustees to honor the retiring Head of School, who spent 40+ years at the School as a teacher and administrator. It recognizes a classroom teacher with a tenure of at least three years who “connects with and challenges each student to develop her analytical ability, critical and independent thinking, communication skills, and personal integrity.” Additional past recipients of the award are Maria Evans, Ph.D., Susan Erba, Stephanie Young ’00 (in 2018 and 2024), John Scharfenberg, Alex Northrup, the entire 2020-21 faculty team, Julie Fisher, Karin Thorndike, and Regan Antila.