Meet Mrs. Schuemer, our 1st grade teacher!

Mrs. Schuemer - 1st Grade

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What made you want to become a teacher? 
​When I was five or six I asked for a chalkboard for Christmas. I would set it up in front of my stuffed animals or younger brother and sister. The desire to teach has always been in me. I never thought there was something else I should be doing. 

I also had really great experiences with teachers and even teachers that weren’t great. Even the hard experiences were good in the sense that I’ve learned that as a teacher, I want to make these children feel loved and safe.  

Was there a teacher growing up that inspired you, and why?
My principal and eighth grade teacher as well as my fifth grade teacher, fourth grade teacher, and kindergarten teacher all inspired me. I have been so blessed with great teachers along the way who always gave me an opportunity. They knew I wanted to be a teacher so they would mentor and encourage me even at a young age. In eighth grade, I gave all the spelling tests. This was an opportunity to assist the teacher. I also had opportunities to teach Sunday school and VBS. All these experiences helped build a foundation for my love of teaching. 

Is there a subject that you especially love to teach? 
I really enjoy teaching reading comprehension. 

What did you miss the most about teaching in person during the stay-at-home order?
I missed the interactions with the students and hearing their voices and questions. I missed discovering new things and being curious together. 

What is the best advice you’ve received about teaching?
Love each child for who they are. They are God’s children before they are my students.

Why did you decide to teach at St. John’s? 
I had it in my heart to teach in Chicago for a long time. God opened the door for me to teach here. I really feel called to be here and I am so excited to begin my first year at St. John’s.

What do you like about St. John’s? 
Providing the best education possible for the children is a priority at St. John’s. Although I’m new here, I can already see the focus on the mission in everything.