If you’ve stepped inside Indy STEAM Academy, you’ve probably met this week’s staff spotlight, Mr. Austin Bolyard. Mr. Bolyard is everywhere at our school, not only expertly running the athletics and PE programs, but also always willing to lend a helping hand and make our students feel special. It’s no wonder he was just awarded the Above & Beyond Award for the 2021-22 school year. Read on to learn more about Mr. Bolyard. 

Tell us a bit about your role at ISA.

I wear many “hats” here at Indy STEAM Academy. I’m the Physical Education Teacher, Athletic Director and on the Admin leadership team. I’m always busy serving our students in many ways throughout the day. I spend a lot of my time coaching our athletics teams and of course teaching Physical Education during the school day. I stay busy outside of the gym as well with my administrative responsibilities. I assist in many areas including marketing, testing, technology, and day-to-day operations just to name a few.

When did you know you wanted to be an educator?

I didn’t know I wanted to be in education until about 5 years ago. I’ve always enjoyed working with kids, running youth programs and coaching youth sports teams at local YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs. A friend noticed my passion for working with children and sports and suggested that I consider Physical Education. It was an easy decision to become a PE teacher / Athletic Director after looking back on my childhood. Sports were always important to me growing up. I had an amazing soccer coach/mentor that I’ll never forget. I looked up to him on and off the soccer field as a kid and an adult.

I want to help provide athletic opportunities for our students and try to be that positive role model/mentor like I had growing up. Coach John Foster always pushed me to be a better student, citizen and athlete. I hope to do the same for our Indy STEAM Academy Dragons as my great coach did for me and many others in my community. 

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

That’s a hard question to answer. I had some very good teachers that I’ll never forget. Mr. Hummel, Mrs. Estelle, Mr. Apolos and Mr. Owens. But my favorite teacher growing up was probably Mr. Owens, my 6th grade teacher in New Castle. Mr. Owens was a very supportive teacher and helped me through some challenging times. He had high expectations and would push me to do my best but he was very patient and caring during hard times.

He’s a reminder to me that you never know what a child might be dealing with and to always be positive, supportive and loving. I’ll never forget Mr. Owens and I do my best to be like him daily for our students.

How does Indy STEAM Academy’s mission align with your personal values?

I’m a huge fan of our Six Pillars of Character (Trust, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship). We discuss these six pillars weekly and it helps build strong character and build a positive learning environment. 

What do you love most about your roles at Indy STEAM? 

First and foremost, I love teaching/coaching our students. I’m convinced that we have the BEST students in the city. I also love that we have small class sizes which allows teachers to truly get to know our students. Lastly, I love how we have a HUGE gymnasium for athletics and PE. It’s massive for a K-6 school!

What else would you like us to know about YOU? 

I have 3 years of charter school experience as a Physical Education teacher and Athletic Director in Indianapolis. I have a passion for sports and have experience working with multiple organizations and professional sports teams in Indianapolis. I enjoy hiking with my golden retriever, playing soccer/futsal, traveling or spending time with family and friends. And I’m always searching for leadership opportunities to grow as a leader!

About Indy STEAM Academy 

The mission of Indianapolis (Indy) STEAM Academy is to nurture the academic and creative talents of students through the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. We build a strong literacy foundation to ensure the achievement of all students and prepare them for high school, college, and careers in a 21st-century global workforce. Enrolling K-6 now!