Steve Retzlaff

Steve Retzlaff (founder) began his education career as a Teach For America corps member in the South Bronx. Having struggled as a student himself, Steve developed a deep commitment to engaging, connecting, and inspiring students through clear communication and high expectations. Early in his career, he realized that when students understood what was expected of them, their engagement and investment in learning soared.


With decades of experience in education, Steve has served in numerous roles, including Special Education teacher, Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, counselor, Dean, Assistant Principal, Superintendent, and Principal. His passion for middle school education has shaped his leadership at schools across three states and four unique communities.


As Principal of Ashland Middle School, Steve spearheaded a transformative cultural shift, replacing ambiguity and compliance with clarity and purpose. Under his leadership, the AMS community embraced standards-based Essential Learnings, developed effective rubrics, and implemented Standards-Based Grading and Reporting, transforming the way students engage with learning.


Steve’s impact extends far beyond his own school community. A sought-after professional development leader, he has shared his expertise with  educators across the nation. He has presented at conferences organized by leading institutions such as the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), the University of Southern Oregon, the Oregon School Boards Association, and the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators, influencing educators in states like Maine, Texas, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Florida.


Through his work with SmartEd Systems, Steve remains dedicated to creating equitable practices, fostering meaningful learning experiences, and empowering educators to help every student succeed.

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