Longtime Lincoln math teacher passes away
Steve Marcy, beloved Lincoln Middle School teacher and Scoutmaster of Santa Monica Boy Scout Troop 2, passed away last week at the age of 77.
Steve’s impact on his students and scouts was immense. He was first hired in 1971 as a math teacher at Lincoln Middle School in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), where he taught until 2006 before retiring in 2007.
“Steve brought a wonderful sense of fun and adventure into his mathematics classroom and was a pioneer in addressing engagement and joy in math learning for all students!” said Rosa Serratore, current SMMUSD math and science coordinator. “Steve inspired so many of us as teachers and leaders by anchoring his math department’s efforts with doing math together and keeping us current with readings and research.”
Steve’s love for teaching was not limited to teaching; he began writing mathematics enrichment materials in 1973 and subsequently published eight binders of classroom activities that are now used nationwide. In 1978, Steve was awarded a Ph.D. in educational psychology from UCLA.
SMMUSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Mark Kelly, also a math teacher in his early career, recalls utilizing Steve’s materials in math classes.
“Steve had a tremendously positive impact on students over his 36 years at Lincoln Middle School. He also inspired teachers throughout the district and beyond,” Kelly said.
His wife Janis served as a high school counselor for SMMUSD prior to her retirement. For the past 32 years, Steve also dedicated his life to Scouting as the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 2 in Santa Monica; he worked tirelessly to support and produce responsible citizens for the community, nation, and world through his leadership and guidance of hundreds of students and scouts.
Steve was honored by the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce as an inspirational hero in 2013 and reflected on his work as a role model for that honor.
“As both a teacher and a Scoutmaster, I was thrust into the position of role model. In both contexts, children can be strongly influenced by the example you set. You hope to inspire them by that example. There are many teachable moments to discuss values such as kindness, integrity, and moral courage. You can teach children that they have the power to do something great,” Steve said in 2013.
Before coming West, Steve grew up in Virginia where he attended the College of William and Mary, serving in several leadership roles including class president. His first teaching job was in Azusa. Three years later, in 1969, he came to Lincoln Middle School which would become his lifelong home until retirement.
“Dr. Marcy was an exceptional man,” said former SMMUSD Board Member Senator Ben Allen, who was one of Dr. Marcy’s students, a Troop 2 Eagle Scout, and is friends with his children. “He devoted his life to making young people’s lives better, and taught so much to so many through the power of his example — his integrity, his work ethic, good humor, tenacity, and big heart. He was a great teacher — fun, witty, substantive, and engaging. And his 40-year leadership at the helm of the Troop made such a difference for so many young men in our community — building a love for the outdoors, self-sufficiency, citizenship, and the quest for an ethical and meaningful life. Dr. Marcy was at the heart of all that made the Troop 2 experience so great, and like so many of my friends and peers, I have carried lessons he left with me into my life and career. I know that I speak on behalf of so many people in the LMS, scouting, and broader Santa Monica communities when I say how devastated we were by the news of his untimely passing. We will miss you terribly Dr. Marcy.”
The family has planned a memorial service for Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Lincoln Middle School auditorium. Cards and memories may be shared with Janis Marcy at JanisMarcy@gmail.com. Donations can be made in memory of Steve Marcy to the Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood, ACLU or Santa Monica Boy Scout Troop 2.
