Introducing CUSD 50 Staff Spotlight! Each week we will highlight an outstanding member of our dedicated staff to get to know the people who make Harvard schools such great place to be!
CUSD 50 Staff Spotlight: Dylan Schmidt
Dylan is an English Teacher at Harvard High School and is known for his positive attitude, thoughtfulness and his implementation of “Dapper Tuesdays” which aims to “inspire students to choose at least one day a week to wear something that really showed off more of who they are,” according to Dylan. He is being recognized at this month’s board meeting for being "Deliriously Happy".
“I grew up close to town here in McHenry, I went through elementary school and middle school while in Wonder Lake but most of my years were in McHenry with me attending McHenry West HS back when it was known as ‘West’.”
“What inspired me most to become a teacher were previous teachers who inspired me to care more about not school specifically but life and my passions. I know I’m a social person and enjoy having each day be its own unique adventure but the idea that I could affect the lives of students in the same way I experienced pushes me to always be using new ideas to bring life and passion to the classroom.”
“I strongly follow the mantra “Every cloud has a silver lining” and it’s led me to find the positive in everything I do. Not everyone feels that way obviously so having the opportunity to spread that joy is something that energizes me in a way.”
“I do the things I do because they give me a sense of joy and purpose in my passions. To be recognized for that is not only invigorating but leaves me with a sense of pride in sticking with my goals and spreading some of that joy.”
“My love for the Harvard District comes from the staff within the high school and the students I interact with. I’ve had the opportunity to teach among varying districts and student populations, without a doubt Harvard stands as a home community where the majority feel connected and share a connection.”
“Start small, and don’t worry about the results. The little things will do the work for you, and it’s all worth it! Seeing people around you brighten and open up is a rewarding feeling, and it costs nothing to make someone smile.”