Cheryl Schubmehl

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I am deeply passionate about shaping the future and supporting children in achieving success in their lives. After 22 years in the classroom, my enthusiasm has only grown stronger. Children deserve passionate, caring educators who know how to engage them and ignite a lifelong love of learning. It is truly an honor to continue being part of their journeys and to help shape both their futures and the future of our world.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a student enter third grade as a nonreader. Together, we worked to build a love for reading by discovering topics that genuinely interested them and selecting books that sparked their curiosity. We turned phonics lessons into engaging games filled with laughter and fun. By meeting the student where they were academically and offering consistent encouragement, we gradually built both skills and confidence. Seven months later, that same student is now reading early chapter books.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would create an environment within our classroom and school where students feel supported, can thrive, and are excited to come to school each day. Specifically, I would gather student input through surveys to better understand what they would like to see in their classrooms and throughout the school. Their feedback would help guide improvements that make the learning experience both academically enriching and aesthetically welcoming.