"The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively." -Bob Marley.

My name is Ryan Elston and I'm a 4th grade teacher at Stemley Road Elementary School. This is my second year at Stemley and I'm enjoying the experience. I strive every day while I'm in the classroom to give my students the skills they need to become great individuals in society. I graduated from Gadsden State Community College with my associate's degree and Jacksonville State University with my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. Achieving those degrees and becoming an educator were the best decisions I've made towards my career. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and making memories with my family and friends. In closing, a philosopher by the name of, Confucius, beautifully quoted a statement that perfectly describes my life and he said, "The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potiential...these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence." It's my personal excellence that motivates me to strive to do my best in whatever I attempt to accomplish, and I pray it's that same excellence being modeled consistently in the sight of my students.