Gary Schmidt

Background

About Gary Schmidt

For over 30 years, I have served as a classroom teacher and math tutor. The first half of my career was in public education where I gained valuable experience as a curriculum leader and mentor to aspiring student teachers. Since 2007, I have worked in Christian schools as a principal, teacher and math tutor. In addition, I've been a tennis coach whose career spanned across four decades. My current role at Southwest Christian High School includes teaching mainstream Intermediate Algebra and serving as a learning specialist who provides academic and organizational support for students. In addition, I'm hired by families to teach an independent study math class (Algebra 2) for students who struggle in the mainstream classroom. Finally, families also hire me as a private math tutor on an hourly basis. I am known for: 1. BEING PATIENT and KIND - Students know that I am approachable and will not judge them when asking for help. As a veteran secondary educator and parent of four adult children, I have vast experience working with adolescents and know what to expect during this life stage. God has allowed me to vividly remember what it was like to be their age. This is a blessing as it helps me with empathy. BALANCING HARD WORK with HUMOR - I set and reinforce high academic and behavioral standands for students, yet will attempt to incorporate dad jokes and lightheartedness at times to hopefully add some joy to their lives. CELEBRATING PROGRESS and SMALL VICTORIES - Everyone appreciates positive feedback when it's been earned. I've,made it a priority to recognize incremental improvement, knowing that the encouragment could contribute toward continued growth. I Have: been an innovative, creative classroom teacher for over 30 years in public & Christian schools a current MN teaching and license provided curriculum leadership for 6 years & led teachers through curriculum mapping & alignment process led teams through curriculum review process mentored 9 student teachers & new teachers on staff built a strong teaching team while serving as a middle school principal for 5 years previous corporate work experience My Strengths Include: Classroom instruction, providing individualized feedback, tutoring math students at various levels and making instructional videos, providing academic and organizational support. My Specialties Include: working with students with learning challenges. My email: geschmidt7@comcast.net