Steve Hill is not your average teacher. With over 28 years in education and two decades as a Deputy Headteacher, Steve has dedicated his career to inspiring the next generation to dream big, work hard and never give up. But his influence stretches far beyond the classroom. From climbing volcanoes in Guatemala to running marathons across the Sahara and trekking to the North Pole, Steve has taken on extreme challenges around the globe (all during his school holidays!) to live out the very lessons he teaches. As the founder of the Team Hill Charitable Trust, his passion for education and adventure has helped transform lives both at home and abroad.
In this special guest article, Fiona from Teacher Horizons interviews Steve as he shares the journey that led him to teaching, what drives him to keep pushing boundaries, and how he hopes to continue inspiring others – one challenge at a time.
1. So let’s start from the beginning…Why did you decide to become a teacher and how did your leadership journey evolve from there?
I never wanted to be a teacher when I was growing up – I wanted to be a pilot in the RAF and I also pondered the idea of becoming a Police Officer. For one reason or another, neither of those materialised and after completing my A-Levels I ended up entering the working world as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor with a local construction company. However, I felt totally unfulfilled and I realised that this wasn’t the career for me and not what I wanted to be doing for the rest of my working life.
It was my mum, who worked at a local primary school, who suggested a career in teaching – she felt I would be a good role model – the seed had been planted!
So it was back to University for me to complete my B.Ed Hons Degree and 4 years later I found myself in my own classroom at the start of my teaching career and I’ve never looked back!
I have been teaching now for over 28 years – 21 years as a teaching Deputy Headteacher, and I could not feel happier and more fulfilled. I still get the same buzz each morning as the children arrive in class with big smiles and a High 5 from sir!!
In 2004, having been teaching for 7 years, I applied for the Deputy Headship at a neighbouring school and that’s where I’ve been teaching ever since. My leadership journey began and has evolved over the years; teaching Year 6, leading KS2, leading many different subjects and supporting staff on their own journeys.
Alongside all this I realised that what drives me the most is inspiring my pupils to live their best lives. My classroom is filled with motivational quotes and sayings that I refer to each and every day. The children probably get a bit sick of it from time to time, but I cannot let them go home uninspired. I want every one of them to realise that they are filled with so much potential and that they can all achieve amazing things. To understand that life doesn’t have to be boring and unfulfilled. To realise that they don’t have to fit into the box that others put them into and do what everyone else does.
I want them to feel that they are in charge of their own destiny and that they can achieve whatever they want in life. I want them to have those big dreams that excite them and have the confidence and self-belief to set those goals and chase after those dreams. If I can do that, then I have done my job.
2. You’ve accomplished some incredible – and somewhat risky – goals! What led you to pursue an adventurous lifestyle outside of the classroom?
As a teacher, I try to lead by example and practise what I preach, as I continually strive to inspire my pupils to push their boundaries and follow their dreams. I’m continually telling them that they are all entitled to big dreams and that their dreams should be so big that they excite them and even frighten them and that nobody has the right to tell them that their dreams are too big.
Fifteen years ago, however, I had a sudden realisation that I wasn’t actually following my own dreams. I felt I was simply preaching to the children I was teaching and not pushing my own boundaries or following my own dreams. I was talking up a big game but not playing it myself!
I think the message I was conveying to my pupils was the right one. As teachers we should be having conversations with children about self-belief, resilience, determination, and about not comparing ourselves with others. However, for some reason, I felt that I was just spewing out one of the many motivational quotes on our classroom wall. I was waving the flag of, ‘You can do it’ for my pupils when really, the question I needed to ask myself was, ‘Well, are you doing it, Mr Hill?’ I knew that the answer was a cold and unequivocal ‘No!’
A leader does exactly that – they lead. They show the way forward and demonstrate that it can be done. Where I realised I was letting myself, and my pupils down, was by being just another person telling them to chase after their dreams when, who was I to talk – I wasn’t exactly doing this myself!
In many ways I had taken the easy road. Find a quote, print it out and stick it up on the classroom walls. There you go kids, read this, and go change your lives. But that wasn’t enough. I recalled the conversation I had with my mum, many years before, about becoming a teacher. She had told me I should be a role model to my pupils and that is what had excited me to start my teaching journey in the first place. A role model sets an example by doing it themselves, whilst a preacher tells you how it should be done. I was preaching!
Inspiration and motivation are two totally different things. You can motivate people through your words, but you inspire people through your actions. It’s not often you have major moments of self-realisation, but I know that when they do come along, the opportunity should be seized, and I did just that!
I contemplated how I could ‘flip the switch’ and start to show my pupils that they could achieve their dreams. The obvious place to start – naturally – would be with my own dreams. Every year since, during my school holidays, I have embarked upon what have become known by my pupils, as “Mr. Hill’s Challenges” – my own extreme adventures in some of the remotest parts of the world which take me well out of my comfort zone and push me beyond what I thought were my limits and which I hope help to inspire the children way beyond the classroom.
Over the years these personal Challenges have taken me to the summit of some of the highest mountains in the world, to the North Pole, Mount Everest, the Amazon Jungle, the Jungles of Borneo, the Arctic wilderness, the Sahara Desert, Petra Desert, Uganda, running across Iceland, completing 14 consecutive marathons – running coast to coast of Costa Rica and then running across Tajikistan and most recently running 5 Marathons across Mongolia and climbing 5 volcanoes in Guatemala.
The children are always a huge part of all my adventures. I involve them in all the preparation and training and before I set off to some remote part of the world, they always present me with a batch of motivational letters to take with me, to motivate and inspire me when things get tough – it genuinely is a great team effort!
Through these adventures I really am living out my big dreams and pushing my limits, but more importantly I hope that they inspire my pupils and add an extra dimension to their lives – giving them the confidence to dream big themselves, to develop resilience and I hope that I’m showing them that through self-belief, hard work, determination and never giving up when things get tough anything in life is possible. The message I hope my pupils are receiving is that if sir can do it then they can do it too!
3. What’s the most challenging physical or mental obstacle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?
I have taken on many tough challenges over the years but my toughest mental challenge I feel was when I was running the Amazon Jungle Ultra – a 230km self-supported footrace through the Amazon Jungle – deemed one of the toughest foot races on the planet. I’d completed Stage 1, a very tough 28 miles, and I was feeling strong as I got into my hammock to get a few hours sleep before starting Stage 2 early the following morning.
After rising early I prepared myself for the next Stage – I was almost race ready, just one more thing to do – get my running shoes on. I picked them up and that was when I saw it – a sight that to this day still sends shivers down my spine. My heart sank! I was in total disbelief at what I was seeing. As far as I was concerned, at that point, my race had just ended. It was by far my lowest point of any of the challenges I had completed to date.
My left trainer had a huge rip along the entire side!
It was no small tear, it looked like it had been slashed open. It was held together by tatters on each end and there was no way it would survive any more running. I had no idea how it had happened or when. I also don’t know how I hadn’t noticed it the night before. I was absolutely gutted and as I hunched down, feeling sick to my stomach, I almost broke into tears. I felt helpless. After such a strong start, I had been raring to go for Stage 2, but it seemed that fate had played my cards for me and was going to pull me from the race, after only 1 day. I didn’t want to quit, as I’m not a quitter, but it seemed like the only option – there was nothing else I could do.
However, I do have a strong mindset, so I gave my head a wobble and thought to myself ‘what would the kids at school tell me to do?’ Give me a taste of my own medicine most likely.
“Get on with it sir!”
“Can’t isn’t a word we use sir!”
“Winners never quit sir!”.
I had to do something. I couldn’t let this stop me. So having taken advice from the Race Director – I reconstructed the whole side of my shoe with tape and used some donated zip ties to help hold it all together. It wasn’t pretty, and I had absolutely no grip on my left shoe, but it meant I could continue – I did not have to quit the race. I didn’t have to give up!
That was a life changing moment for me. I have banged the drum of perseverance in every classroom since. Keep going. Don’t give up. You can achieve anything if you just keep going. Wallowing around in self- pity and self-defeat is not going to solve any of our problems or setbacks in life. You have two choices. You can say “why is it always me” and play the victim. Or you can pull up your socks and say “you’re not stopping me today” and get on with it. One of those choices leads to an amazing life experience, the other, ends the potential for one. You have to believe you can make it because if you don’t, you’re already defeated. You win or lose before you even start because it’s your mentality that is going to be the most challenged in life. I left the Amazon Jungle with a totally different outlook on life. All because of that shoe!
4. How do you stay motivated during your toughest moments – whether in the classroom, on a mountain, or in life?
Staying motivated during tough moments for me comes down to having a positive mindset, remembering my purpose, and sheer perseverance.
I’m generally a very positive person and I try not to let things get me down and I try to see every challenge as part of a bigger journey. I try to focus on the small wins. Motivation doesn’t always come in big waves, it’s built through small steps. I like to try and celebrate the little victories, like mastering a tough concept, taking another step up the mountain, or simply getting through a tough day. I also love a challenge and I try and embrace every challenge that I’m faced with.
Over the years on my many adventures I’ve managed to become quite comfortable with being uncomfortable as I realise that growth often happens in discomfort. I have found that the hardest moments have often been the ones that have made me stronger, wiser, and definitely more resilient. Instead of fearing the challenge, I see it as proof that I’m pushing my boundaries and becoming better.
Finally, I have a great support network – no-one climbs a mountain alone! Whether it’s family, friends, colleagues or even my past experiences, there’s always something to draw strength from. I know that tough times don’t last, but the lessons and strength I gain from them do. I try to always keep pushing forward which always makes me realise that I’m capable of so much more than I ever realised.
5. Can you share some of the most rewarding moments from your charity work, since having founded Team Hill Charitable Trust?
Since founding Team Hill Charitable Trust in 2019, there have been countless rewarding moments that remind me why I do what I do with an amazing team of supporters around me. One of the most profound experiences has been witnessing the joy on children’s faces when they receive access to education in Uganda, completely transforming their lives – something that we take for granted here in the UK.
In Uganda, seeing a newly equipped clinic that Team Hill have supported, providing life-saving care to families who previously had little or no medical support has been truly humbling. Knowing that our efforts help to bring health, hope and educational opportunities to communities fuels my drive to keep going.
But beyond the projects and tangible outcomes, the most rewarding moments come from the opportunities to meet those we support – the children who can now attend school, the teachers who now have the resources to inspire and the patients who receive the medical attention they desperately need. Every story of resilience and hope reaffirms our belief that small acts of kindness, when combined, can create a lasting impact.
Team Hill Charitable Trust is not just about charity; it’s about empowering lives and building a brighter future, one step at a time.
6. One word that comes to mind when learning about your achievements is resilience, but have you ever encountered a moment when you felt like giving up? What advice would you give teachers who are feeling the same?
Yes, I’ve definitely had moments when I felt like giving up – whether it was facing a tough challenge, experiencing a setback, or feeling overwhelmed, there were times when doubt crept in. But in those moments, I reminded myself that setbacks are not signs of weakness – they’re part of my growth.
My advice to teachers who are feeling the same is to always remember your WHY!! Teaching is more than a job; it’s a mission to inspire and shape lives. Even when it feels like your efforts go unnoticed, know that you are making a difference in ways you may not see right away.
Also, always be easy on yourself. You don’t have to have all the answers all of the time, and it’s okay to feel exhausted. When needed, seek support from colleagues, celebrate small victories, and remind yourself that challenges don’t define you – your perseverance does!
Difficult moments will come, but so will breakthroughs. We need to keep going and keep moving forwards. We are all stronger than we think, and the impact we’re making as educators is greater than we’ll ever know.
7. I’m sure many students, as well as many adults like myself, find you very inspiring! Is there someone who inspires you?
Thank you so much – that truly means a lot! Inspiration is a powerful force, and I’ve been very fortunate to have incredible role models in my life. My biggest inspiration was always my Mum who sadly passed away in 2012. My Mum was always a huge support in everything I did and she always reminded me that perseverance, passion, and a strong sense of purpose makes all the difference in life.
Beyond individuals, I also find inspiration in the wonderful children I have the great privilege of teaching as they push through obstacles with determination. Seeing others strive for their goals, even in the face of adversity, fuels my own motivation to keep going and do my best. Inspiration is everywhere if we take the time to look for it, and I’m grateful for the people who continue to challenge and uplift me along the way.
8. Looking back, what is something you wish you had known earlier in your career?
Looking back, one thing I wish I had realised earlier in my career is that progress is not always linear, and setbacks are not failures – they are lessons and learning curves. Early on in my career, I often felt pressure to have everything figured out, but I’ve learned that growth comes from embracing challenges, adapting and continuously learning.
I also wish I had understood the importance of self-care and balance. Passion and hard work are essential but burnout doesn’t serve anyone. Taking time to recharge isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s what allows us to keep going and giving our best.
Lastly, I would also tell my younger self that impact isn’t always immediate or visible. Whether in teaching, leadership, or personal growth, the seeds we plant today may take time to grow but they do make a difference. Trust the process, stay resilient and believe in the long-term impact of the amazing work you’re doing.
9. What role do you think teachers play in shaping the future of education, especially with the rapid changes happening globally?
Teachers are the heart of education and our role in shaping its future has never been more vital – especially in a world that is evolving so rapidly. More than just delivering knowledge, we as teachers are innovators, mentors, and change makers who prepare our students not only for the challenges of today but for the unknown opportunities of tomorrow.
With technology advancing, global challenges rising and the way we learn constantly shifting, we are the ones who bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. We cultivate critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity – skills that are essential in the future workforce and society.
Beyond academics, we shape character, inspire curiosity, and nurture resilience. We encourage students to think beyond limitations, embrace lifelong learning and believe in their ability to make a positive difference in the world.
Education’s future isn’t just about new tools or methods – it’s about empowering our students to become leaders, problem-solvers and compassionate global citizens. At the core of it all are teachers, guiding the way with passion, dedication and an unwavering belief in the potential of every one of our students.
10. So many bucket list moments have already been ticked off for you! So we need to ask – what milestones lie ahead?
I’m incredibly grateful for the journey I have been on so far, but I truly believe that the best milestones are still ahead! For me, growth is a lifelong pursuit, and there’s always another challenge to take on, another lesson to learn and another opportunity to make a difference.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue pushing boundaries, inspiring others, and finding new ways to contribute to education, leadership, and personal development. Whether that means taking on new projects, mentoring the next generation, or exploring uncharted territories – both figuratively and literally – I’m excited for what’s to come.
But more than just my own personal achievements, my biggest goal is to create a lasting impact – helping others to reach their own milestones and realise their full potential. At the end of the day, success isn’t just about what I accomplish, it’s about how I can uplift and empower others along the way. There are also more mountains to climb and Poles to trek to, jungles to explore, deserts to cross and marathons aplenty to complete!
So, the journey continues, and I can’t wait to see where it leads me!
So, what’s next for me?
Just wait and see!
