TAKE A DEEPER LOOK AT DR. STEPHEN NEAL JR.’s JOURNEY
With a career spanning 35 years, Dr. Neal has focused on working with children of varied learning abilities and rich cultural backgrounds.
Dr. Stephen Neal Jr., a proud native of Arizona, is running on the Republican ticket as a distinguished educator and compassionate leader. With an impressive career spanning over 35 years in education, he brings a wealth of experience and a heartfelt commitment to inspiring and uplifting our communities. His steadfast dedication to collaboration and social justice shines through his relentless efforts to empower students from multifaceted backgrounds. He emphasizes supporting individuals with learning differences, innovative ideas, and at-risk youth, embodying the spirit of change and hope in education.
Deeply guided by his Christian faith, Dr. Neal embodies principles of integrity, empathy, loyalty, and a strong sense of purpose in every aspect of his life and work. He is a devoted husband and father, a caring son, and an engaged community member. Dr. Neal firmly believes in the transformative power of family bonds, community connections, and the importance of service to others.
Dr. Neal has held various roles throughout his distinguished career, including behavioral specialist, school psychologist, and Special Education Director. He has accumulated over 3,500 clinical hours in trauma-informed care and positive behavioral interventions, gaining invaluable insights into students' emotional and psychological needs. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping a multitude of programs encompassing curriculum development, staff training, student placement, parent engagement, and comprehensive academic evaluations across various educational settings, including public, charter, and private schools, as well as homeschooling and ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) families.
As a key driver of district-wide initiatives, Dr. Neal has made significant contributions to crucial programs such as Child Find, which identifies and helps children with disabilities, the effective management of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) grants, and the formulation of policies that ensure compliance with federal and state education regulations. His collaborative efforts with the Arizona Department of Education and the Office for Civil Rights have played a vital role in resolving disputes and safeguarding the rights of students with disabilities.
Who is Dr. Stephen Neal Jr.?
Beyond his administrative and leadership responsibilities, Dr. Neal is an active and vibrant community member. He lends his expertise and passion to various boards, including Magellan Mental Health, the Phoenix Boys Choir, and the Arizona Girls Basketball Association. His enthusiasm for program development, parental education, and consulting on best practices in student support services underscores his deep commitment to fostering excellence and fair opportunities in education.
In addition to his role as an educator and administrator, Dr. Neal is a dedicated researcher and coach with interests in trauma resilience, health psychology, and projective assessments. He has teaching experience at every educational level. He has successfully coached basketball from high school to professional ranks, instilling the same dedication and compassion on the court that he demonstrates in the classroom.
Ultimately, Dr. Neal remains a steadfast advocate for fairness, dignity, and the success of every student. His unwavering passion and commitment inspire all those around him to strive for a brighter, more community-oriented future in education and beyond.