Another year has rolled around, and Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) is excited to welcome a new teacher. Stephanie “Harper” Harper-Recine is one of the newest editions to Foothill Tech’s “staffulty,” taking on many roles including Associated Student Body (ASB) advisor, along with teaching Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology and AP Literature.
Before immigrating to the United States and attending Buena High School, Harper and her family moved to Russia in 1992 for a few years. As a 17-year-old, Harper had very different plans for her life and wanted to move back to Europe. However, Harper instead chose to continue her education at Ventura College before transferring to California State University, Northridge (CSUN) to obtain her bachelor’s degree in English. Additionally, Harper earned a master’s degree in English at CSUN and decided to get her teaching credentials at National University (NU).
After graduating from NU, Harper considered obtaining a doctoral degree. However, a position to teach at the University of La Verne (ULV) opened, and Harper, who desired to get into teaching, seized the opportunity. At ULV, Harper taught horror and fantasy fiction, as well as an introduction to literature class. Knowing she wanted to go into secondary education, Harper began teaching freshman English at Moorpark High School. This path eventually led her to accept a position at Foothill Tech, where she currently teaches.
Although the classroom of D-108 has continued to be ASB’s home turf, the program has come under new leadership. With Harper in charge, she plans to “[help] ASB get a platinum-level Renaissance this year.” Harper continued to say that she is eager to be a part of Foothill Tech’s culture and that she “[loves] the traditions that are already in place here, like Air Guitar.”
When asked about her goals, Harper reflected on the duties of the past ASB teacher, Melanie “Captain” Lindsay which are now hers to fill. “[Captain] has built such an amazing program, all three of which are now under my purview. So, for right now, I’m learning. I’m the person that asks the obvious questions,” Harper explained. She recognizes that she is in a new environment, but is not afraid to ask for help. She also appreciated Assistant Principal Katie Tedford, librarian Brandi Lewis and history teacher Claire Adams as people who have been a huge help to her and are not afraid to answer her “obvious questions.”
Although Harper says that she’s still “trying to find her sea legs,” her new students have nothing but compliments. Even from a student perspective, Harper is kind, easy-going, humorous and supportive. Current Senior Class President Naomi Schwartz ‘26 says that Harper is friendly and open to student input in both ASB and AP Literature. ”Getting to know Miss Harper has been really fun, and also a little bit of a challenge just getting used to a new person, but overall she’s been so great to work with,” Schwartz stated.
Students and teachers alike have grown to enjoy having Harper at Foothill Tech. While there may be some changes made to the ASB program and Harper’s other classes, there is no doubt that these changes will be made with the school’s well-being in mind. With her past education experience fused with her love of teaching, Harper is determined to support her students and fellow staff. She expressed how her and her husband “frequently talk about how [they’re] living the dream.” With this statement in mind, it’s clear that Harper is sure to make a lasting impression on Foothill Tech’s culture.
