Art in Motion is thrilled to welcome back Principal Dion Steele, a visionary educator and creative force with over 30 years in education. As he settles into his new role, Steele reflects on the moment he first walked through the doors of AIM.
“It was like, heaven, I literally walked in the door and said, "This is what I was trying to create. This is the space that I want to be in. I could guide the students, impact the community, and everything that I wanted to do in the realm of the arts I could do here.”
Not only is he a beloved educator and community member, but he is someone who has been in the exact shoes of his students. As a teen, Steele’s passion and love for music was ignited when his counselor introduced him to turntables, and that became his outlet. To this day, he is still turning discs, and wears many hats as a music producer, painter, graphic designer, and videographer.
“I can't really be placed in a box a lot of times, because it feels too limiting for me”
With a deep passion for education and a commitment to student growth, Steele’s greatest strength lies in his ability to connect with students from all backgrounds. He is dedicated to empowering young people to discover their talents, pursue their passions, and believe in the power of their creative vision. Throughout his career, he has consistently created meaningful opportunities for students to explore, develop, and showcase their unique abilities.
Steele has always been intentional about giving the youth a space to express themselves and be involved positively in the community. He’s created multiple after school programs that focused on self-expression, art, music, and curriculum, so that students had a place to create and push themselves. In his most recent years, Steele has opened his own local coffee shop where he invites students to showcase their music and art within the community. His goal is to demonstrate how creative expression can not only empower youth but also give back to and uplift the community around them.
“My primary goal is to put students in the position to be financially and, soulfully, right. I want them to be ready to be citizens and contributors to our community. What's extremely important to me is that they are able to give back in positive ways to their community from that passion.”
He is a living example for students that creative passions can lead to a fulfilling and successful life. His mission is to help young people explore the limitless possibilities of their creativity and turn their dreams into real opportunities. He equips students with the tools, guidance, and representation they need to see themselves in successful professionals who look like them and are thriving in the industries they aspire to enter.
This school year, Principal Steele is raising the bar even higher by expanding community partnerships and city-wide connections to provide students with greater access to opportunities in the arts. The AIM campus is buzzing with exciting new additions, including a state-of-the-art podcast studio, a professional-grade recording studio, and a digital arts curriculum designed specifically for seniors. These resources will empower students to build professional portfolios that showcase their talents, preparing them for success in college, careers, and creative industries beyond graduation.
Beyond the arts, Principal Steele and his team are deeply committed to academic excellence and ensuring every student reaches their full potential, both in college and in life. He commends the college counseling team for their strong initiatives this year and emphasizes the importance of a personalized approach to education. At AIM, one-size-fits-all teaching is replaced with tailored support that meets each learner where they are.
A culture of celebration is woven into every part of campus life, recognizing top scorers, standout projects, and student achievements. There’s a renewed energy at AIM, fueled by Steele’s passion for being present in the classroom and building meaningful connections with students. His joy for teaching continues to inspire, and his mission remains clear: to help students break past perceived limits and believe deeply in their own potential.
“This is the place I’ll retire from education,” he says.