Steve Turner Memorial Library Fund
Donation protected
Stephen P. Turner was an extraordinary man and educator who made a difference in the lives of so many. Known as the “GED Whisperer;” an affectionate title bestowed upon him by his students and colleagues, he taught basic reading, writing, and math to adults incarcerated at the Merrimack County jail in Boscawen. The Steve Turner Memorial Library Fund was established by his loved ones to provide educational resources to help the inmates pass their high school equivalency and to augment their resource library. Though ultimately, it is the chance to carry on Steve’s legacy, and the mission for which he was so passionate; to help his students see education as a life- changing resource, and one within their grasp. This is but a chapter in Steve’s life story, however, one that is testament to his enduring successes; helping 183 incarcerated men and women pass the GED exam; and benefitting them, and countless others, through his caring personal attention. Steve's story will be told over and over again; through the profound effect he has had on his students and the successes they will achieve as a result of his influence; through years and decades while they write chapters in their own life stories, inextricably altered by his humanity.
Steve began his work in adult basic education about 20 years ago as a volunteer tutor at Second Start, a community-based nonprofit in Concord NH. This experience led to a paid position in a multilevel classroom where Steve taught basic reading, writing, and math to adults. He also had a class of English language learners; a new challenge that he met with great energy and enthusiasm.
Most of Steve’s work, however, took place at the Merrimack County jail. There, he did his finest work, where he developed his unique style, blending the art of teaching with the science of psychology and human behavior. Over the years, Steve successfully assisted scores of incarcerated men and women in achieving their GED, and was respected by corrections personnel as well as the inmates. Reportedly, other county jails wondered “How does Boscawen do it?” Boscawen had Steve Turner.
Steve was a father-figure in some ways and his students looked up to him. As they were being set up for GED or HiSET testing, they would remark “I don’t want to let Steve down,” or “Steve’s a great teacher,” or “Steve showed me how to beat the test.” He liked to pop in on test day to wish everyone luck encouraging them with “You can do it”, “You’re ready for this”. And they would always respond “Okay Steve.” When a former inmate called out to him “hey Steve, how are ya?” at a traffic light on Main Street, it brought Steve special joy because the young man looked well and was finally back on the outside; a quiet victory, yet significant and impactful.
He listened intently to the inmates’ stories and showed compassion while offering another way to look at things. In every sense he spoke their language, yet introduced his own. He taught them techniques in mindfulness and meditation to help them quiet their minds so that they could focus better. He encouraged them to plan on community college when they got out, and brought in pages from the course catalog. He purchased books with certain inmates in mind, topics like dealing with stress and anxiety, anger management, self-understanding, recovery and finding peace. He combined reality with empathy; hope with a sense of purpose. Steve lived by the belief that education, mindfulness and human connection are essential to imbuing quality into our lives. He sought to teach his students these lessons; most especially, the value of education and the doors that it might open for them, despite adverse circumstances. It was his ultimate goal and a legacy that ought to continue.
Steve began his work in adult basic education about 20 years ago as a volunteer tutor at Second Start, a community-based nonprofit in Concord NH. This experience led to a paid position in a multilevel classroom where Steve taught basic reading, writing, and math to adults. He also had a class of English language learners; a new challenge that he met with great energy and enthusiasm.
Most of Steve’s work, however, took place at the Merrimack County jail. There, he did his finest work, where he developed his unique style, blending the art of teaching with the science of psychology and human behavior. Over the years, Steve successfully assisted scores of incarcerated men and women in achieving their GED, and was respected by corrections personnel as well as the inmates. Reportedly, other county jails wondered “How does Boscawen do it?” Boscawen had Steve Turner.
Steve was a father-figure in some ways and his students looked up to him. As they were being set up for GED or HiSET testing, they would remark “I don’t want to let Steve down,” or “Steve’s a great teacher,” or “Steve showed me how to beat the test.” He liked to pop in on test day to wish everyone luck encouraging them with “You can do it”, “You’re ready for this”. And they would always respond “Okay Steve.” When a former inmate called out to him “hey Steve, how are ya?” at a traffic light on Main Street, it brought Steve special joy because the young man looked well and was finally back on the outside; a quiet victory, yet significant and impactful.
He listened intently to the inmates’ stories and showed compassion while offering another way to look at things. In every sense he spoke their language, yet introduced his own. He taught them techniques in mindfulness and meditation to help them quiet their minds so that they could focus better. He encouraged them to plan on community college when they got out, and brought in pages from the course catalog. He purchased books with certain inmates in mind, topics like dealing with stress and anxiety, anger management, self-understanding, recovery and finding peace. He combined reality with empathy; hope with a sense of purpose. Steve lived by the belief that education, mindfulness and human connection are essential to imbuing quality into our lives. He sought to teach his students these lessons; most especially, the value of education and the doors that it might open for them, despite adverse circumstances. It was his ultimate goal and a legacy that ought to continue.
Organizer
Pam Jolivette
Organizer
Hopkinton, NH