Teacher of the Week: Mr. Michael Schroeder

This week's Teacher of the Week is Mr. Michael Schroeder. Mr. Schroeder, a Social Studies teacher who has been with the Oracle staff for two years, brings quality instruction, engaging projects, a love of history, and a deep dedication to his students and colleagues to his classroom every day. Currently, Mr. Schroeder teaches Global History and Geography II and AP American History and Government.

Mr. Schroeder challenges his students not just to learn history but to make it come alive through project-based learning opportunities and critical discussion. In his Global II classes, students are beginning an underground French Revolutionary newspaper project. In AP American History and Government, students are functioning as Supreme Court Justices in a mock trial simulation that explores the topic of civil liberties versus casino advertising.

Asked what he most enjoys about teaching at Oracle Charter School, Mr. Schroeder responded, "The people. I love the kids and their enthusiasm. I really enjoy the look on their faces when they understand a concept, do well on a test, or really excel on a project. My fellow teachers are just terrific as well. Being in a charter school and seeing the dedication of my colleagues makes me want to work harder." It is this kind of teacher who helps charter schools achieve success with all students!

Ironically, Mr. Schroeder didn't start out wanting to teach. Despite his initial resistance, however, his career choices kept bringing him back to working with children (he has worked as a YMCA recreation director, coach, and program coordinator for an intermediate care facility for children), and he eventually took the next step and combined his love of history with his dedication to working with children and students.

We are proud to have Mr. Michael Schroeder as a dedicated member of our Oracle Charter School teaching staff!

Favorite topics to teach:

• Absolute Monarchs (notice the seal of Elizabeth I at the left...this is a stained glass window here at Oracle Charter School);
  
• the World Wars;
• the Russian Revolution;
• the workings of the Supreme Court;
• the relationship between the branches of the U.S. government.

Special knowledge: Mr. Schroeder is extremely knowledgeable about autism and the epidemic of autism spectrum disorders currently being diagnosed in this country. As many of you know, Mr. Schroeder's son is diagnosed with this developmental disability, and he cares deeply about promoting awareness, funding and research to combat this increasingly prevalent diagnosis.