Stephen Schmitz will be joining St. Ambrose this fall with lots of enthusiasm. Having attended Catholic schools, and working for one in the past, Stephen has developed an appreciation for the family-like community that Catholic Parishes foster. He has been inspired by impactful teachers in his life to become one himself. Working with children to help them reach their full potential academically, socially, and spiritually is a central component to his teaching philosophy. Stephen has said, “5th grade is a sweet spot. The students are mature enough to be responsible with more complex ideas, and yet they are still youthful enough to bring a vibrancy and excitement to the classroom not found at every level of education.”
Stephen takes pride in making sure that all of his students feel known and honored, and strives to make his classroom an inclusive and welcoming home for the school year. In his free time, he likes to live actively and adventurously. Stephen recently returned for Kanchanaburi, Thailand where he was teaching 5th grade students and taking time to travel Southeast Asia. He is also an avid camper, kayaker, and rock climber, among other hobbies. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself. Stephen always welcomes a friendly conversation!
“The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm.” – Aldous Huxley