William L. Ste. Marie

William L. Ste. Marie

1983, Clear Administrative Services Credential, CSULB
1982, Restricted Orth0pedically Handicapped Credential, CSULB
1981, M.S., Special Education, CSULB
1976, Special Education Credential, CSULB
1969, B.A., Art-Drawing and Painting, CSULB

"After breaking my neck in 1961, my goal of completing high school and going on to college seemed remote," said teacher Bill Ste. Marie. With the guidance of CSULB College of Education Professors Charles J. Kokaska and Alfred I. Schmidt, Ste. Marie achieved his dream of earning a college degree and a teaching credential.

Ste. Marie then returned to his alma mater of Bellflower High School where he founded and heads its special education program, leading to a 29-year career teaching special education for the Los Angeles County Office of Education.

A strong community advocate, he started a Boy Scout troop for disabled youths and twice a year presents a five-day "Disabilities Awareness" program for his school's ninth graders. This project earned him the 1998 Access Award from the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities.

Last November he was elected to the Bellflower Unified School District Board of Education. "When I think of CSULB today, I think of a second home that put my life together and on track." He and his wife, Joy, are parents of two adult children.

From Alumni Awards 2002 program