Steven Traw has served in his role as a Principal in Sherman ISD since 2005, moving to the area from Mansfield, Tx.  During his time in SISD, he was the Principal at Wakefield Elementary from 2005-2008 and has more recently been the Principal at Henry Sory Elementary for the past 10 years, opening Sherman’s newest school in 2008.  His career began at Carrol Peak Elementary in Fort Worth ISD, where he taught 3rd grade, as well as Gifted & Talented, for 4 years.  Mr. Traw was named as the campus’ representative for FWISD’s New Teacher of the Year in his first year of teaching, and in his 3rd year of teaching was named Carrol Peak Elementary’s Teacher of the Year, in which he was designated as a finalist for the District Teacher of the Year Award.  He served as an Assistant Principal at FWISD’s historic S.S. Dillow Elementary for one year before moving on to be an Assistant Principal at Cross Timbers Intermediate School for 5 years in Mansfield ISD.

Mr. Traw grew up in a rural area near Durant, Oklahoma, and graduated from Blue High School, after attending all 13 years of school (K-12) in the Blue School District.  He is most proud that he had 12 years of Perfect Attendance at school.  He stayed “home” and attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, majoring first in Accounting/Business, then graduating with a Degree in Elementary Education in 1993.  In 1997, he earned his Master of Education in School Administration Degree from SOSU, which opened the door to him transitioning from a teaching role to an administration role.

Mr. Traw’s focus is ensuring that kids feel safe and creating an environment in which they love school.  His background was built around a very secure, collaborative environment that he refers to as “his village”, in which he felt safe, appreciated, loved school, and didn’t want to miss anything because it was fun.  This is his motivation in building a similar “village” for the students at Henry Sory Elementary.  If children feel safe, and cared for, and can’t wait to come to school every day, that’s the “hook” to help them be motivated to learn and be the best they can be. 

During his free time, Mr. Traw enjoys spending time with family and friends.  His favorite things to do center around being active, such as hiking, riding bike trails, kayaking, working out with his Camp Gladiator group and watching sports (particularly football and basketball).  He is also a board member with the Sherman Community Players, coaches youth league basketball, and even has his Real Estate Agent license.