(Lazarus Loonsfoot )
On November 20, 2025, Payton Stoner stands in front of the camera while smiling and arms crossed. In his second year of teaching, Stoner has been teaching Health/PE classes at Big Sky, along with coaching both the Big Sky football team and track and field. In a recent interview, Stoner said, “This is my first teaching job and I think as any teacher starts out there’s a lot to learn, and so I think there’s some natural challenges . After about a year and half now teaching, you kinda find your rhythm and how you want your classes to be, it’s a lot smoother now.”
(Lazarus Loonsfoot )
Stoner flicks a basketball up into the air while he teaches his Team Sports Challenge class.
Stoner started his class with warmups and mobility stretches. When asked about his teaching experience so far, Stoner said, “It’s been good yet challenging and there’s a lot of ups and downs in your day. The best part is having good students to interact with and work with. As a coach, it’s fun seeing kids in school and being able to support them in their sport.”
Stoner talking with junior Edie Henckel during warmups. Teachers at Big Sky have shared their praise and appreciation for what Stoner has brought to both Big Sky and its health departments. Big Sky health teacher Casey Rogers said, “He brings a lot of variety and knowledge in a bunch of different areas, he also has really good ideas about how practices and sports operate. He has been very beneficial to our athletes in the weight room and in football and track.”
He continued.
“Being able to be someone where kids can look up to and lean on for support is my favorite thing about Big Sky.”
On November 17, 2025, Stoner taught his health class about the importance of mental health. “I enjoy building relationships more than the content that I teach,” Stoner said. “Being able to build good relationships with kids to me is what drives me to wanna teach and wanna coach.”
He continued.
“Being able to be someone where kids can look up to and lean on for support is my favorite thing about Big Sky.”
Head principal Jennifer Courtney has shared her appreciation for Stoner’s presence. Courtney said Stoner has brought something different to Big Sky since he has been here.
“We are really lucky to have him a part of the staff, and I appreciate his willingness to think outside the box when it (comes) to the exceptionalities class,” Courtney said. “I look forward to his growth as an educator here at Big Sky.” (Lazarus Loonsfoot)
Stoner points at the camera before class starts.
Head principal Jennifer Courtney has shared her appreciation for Stoner’s presence. Courtney said Stoner has brought something different to Big Sky since he has been here.
“We are really lucky to have him a part of the staff, and I appreciate his willingness to think outside the box when it (comes) to the exceptionalities class,” Courtney said. “I look forward to his growth as an educator here at Big Sky.”
