Mr. John Schumacher

Bio:

My teaching experience includes:
· English as a Foreign Language in Seoul, South Korea
· Grade 2 in Kankakee, Illinois
· Grade 2 in Oswego, Illinois and grade 3 at Brook Forest

I currently reside in the Chicago neighborhood of Lincoln Park.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Education from Illinois State University

 I am currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching and Leadership Program at St. Xavier University

Goal:

"The secret in education lies in respecting the student".  One of my ISU professors once shared this quotation by Ralph Waldo Emerson. It succinctly expresses my philosophy of treating my students with respect and dignity. For me, teaching is about reaching the individual learners, no matter what it takes. I create a learning environment where children feel safe and comfortable, yet daring enough to take risks.

One of my teachers once said, "John, the effective teacher never forgets what it is like to be a student." This is something I always consider.

My professional goal is to educate myself in a myriad of areas; to integrate materials into my classroom and communicate it to my students. I want children to believe in themselves, and realize that they can set their own goals and achieve them.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

As a child I was constantly fascinated by my teachers and the relationships we developed.  I declared to my parents in first grade that I wanted to be a teacher. One can say there was no choice; it was an innate decision.
 
I am honored to belong to such a decent and hardworking profession.