As he prepares to enter his 12th year of teaching, Tyler Schmidt has spent the last four years in the Grain Valley School District as the 6th-8th grade speech and theatre teacher and recently transitioned to solely teaching 8th grade science at Grain Valley South Middle School. He understands and values the importance of his role within the Kansas City and Grain Valley communities.
“I find pride each day in the effect that I make on my students,” said Schmidt. “The proudest moments are when you witness students using skills or encouragement that you’ve provided them in their own lives or the lives of others. When you talk to students often about ways to build up their character and they put those skills out on display, you see the effect you have made, and it makes you work even harder for the next moment.”
Like many educators, one of Schmidt’s highlights of teaching at Grain Valley South Middle School is the people he’s surrounded with on a daily basis. This stretches beyond the students and extends to parents, other educators, custodians, coaches, nutritional staff members and faculty. They all work together as a cohesive team to help give the students the most important gift they can: their time.
“I am someone who is a life-long learner and constantly looking for advice and ways to grow,” said Schmidt. “We have an amazing ability to take the events that occur in our lives for what they are, most out of our control, and then we respond. If you’re able to respond appropriately and effectively, you will arrive at a desired outcome and opportunities will arise shortly thereafter. This is especially important to remember as a husband, parent of young children, teacher and coach.”
