Shirley M Steinbach

The night before I learned of Shirley's passing, a wonderful video of author Elizabeth Gilbert made it's way to me. In it, she spoke of the Curiosity Driven Life. I have always believed that Shirley's most admirable quality was her Curiosity...her interest in everything around her: people, places, ideas, words, big things, small things. As she gathered her curiosities, she taught us. Overtly with articles, artifacts and read-alouds. Covertly with her grace, her stories, her devotion to Bill and her cranberry steamed pudding. She was a Teacher among Teachers. But, most importantly, she was a Learner who loved Life. There will never be another Shirley Steinbach. And I choose to believe that it was she who made sure that video made its way to me as one of her parting gifts. I will passionately pursue my own Curiosity Driven Life inspired by her example. Rest in peace, my beloved friend.

I had the pleasure of learning from Shirley many summers in Madison at the WisTEP workshops. Oh, the fun we had! the teaching ideas we shared! Those were some of the best grad classes ever! Shirley was a breed of teachers who we will never be or see again. These days all the joy has gone out of teaching, and testing and getting ready for testing has sadly replaced it. I have to think that Shirley would have had the gumption to go tell her administrators that "absolutely not," she was going to "teach" children, not "test" them. Readily sharing her knowledge and expertise, she helped us remember why we went into teaching in the first place. I am honored to have known her, and I am very sorry for your loss. Shirley simply was the best. Mary Ann Lea

Guy and I have you and your family in our hearts. So sorry Jeanne and Guy

I was a substitute teacher in Madison for many years. It was always an honor to come to Shirley's class when she needed to be gone. Not an easy assignment, though, because the kids were always disappointed to have a sub! You were so correct when you used the words "beloved" and "effective" to describe Shirley. Hers was the only classroom where the children had individual spelling lists to challenge them appropriately. This was a good woman who made a difference in our world!

Mrs Steinbach was my 4th grade teacher at Glenn Stephens. Please accept my condolences and know that she is remembered fondly.