PreK-Grade 2 Principal
Director of Student Support Services
B.S. in Elementary Education
M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction
M.A. in Educational Leadership
Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership
A career educator who advocates for student success, Dr. Schmidt has been a dedicated member of the Morgan Park Academy community for more than two decades. From her days as a classroom teacher to her senior administrative roles, she has led with grace and positivity. embodying “The MPA Way” of being kind and doing your best.
Q&A
What does Morgan Park Academy mean to you? Why have you made it a key part of your life for more than two decades?
Morgan Park Academy holds a special place in my heart. When I joined the faculty for the 2000-01 school year, my oldest daughter was entering kindergarten, and my younger daughters followed soon after. Looking back on the events, trips, and experiences I have shared, I can truly say MPA is my home away from home. I have formed connections with colleagues, students, and families over the years that I will cherish forever.
Why did you choose education as a career path?
I dreamed of being a teacher since I was a child. In second grade, my teacher would save extra worksheets for me, and I vividly remember her saying that I should be a teacher when I grew up. I loved playing school with my friends, and I was always the teacher. Growing up, many people told me I was calm, patient, and good with kids, so I naturally gravitated toward the classroom.
That dream became a reality in 1994 when I began my teaching career. Coincidentally, I wound up working in my hometown district, which meant that my former second-grade teacher was now a work colleague. Of course, I told her she inspired me to become a teacher!
Since then, I have held various positions, all in education. Although I am an administrator now, I still get into classrooms and teach. Teaching will always continue to have a significant impact on my life.
What does it mean to you to stay in touch with alumni after MPA?
Connecting with alumni is one of the highlights of my career. I enjoy catching up with students at Homecoming or on social media to learn about their journeys after MPA.
Recently, for example, I heard from a former student from over 20 years ago who reached out to update me on his life and how I helped him find his voice. His kind words were so meaningful and affirmed exactly why I became an educator.
It is wonderful to follow students who have grown into young adults and are living out our mission to make a positive difference in the world. Also, as a parent of three daughters who are alums, I can see the lifelong friendships they have formed through attending MPA.
What people have had the most influence on you?
So many people have influenced me and my career path. I would not be where I am today without the support and encouragement of my family. Throughout my years at MPA, numerous individuals have shaped me, but unfortunately, I cannot list everyone.
Barb Tubutis, the Middle School principal when I arrived, was always a calm voice of reason. She was a mentor who inspired me to pursue administration, and I took over the role of division principal upon her retirement in 2010. All of my Middle School teaching partners were incredible, but in particular, Tom Malcolm, Tony Churchill, and Peggy Scolan guided and advised me from day one. Harriet Arnold was not only a wonderful teacher for my daughters, but she was also my teaching partner in third grade. Her knowledge, experience, and genuine care for her students and colleagues were unsurpassed.
Finally, I am grateful to Mercedes Sheppard and Phyllis Cavallone-Jurek for supporting me in their respective tenures as Head of School.