Schmidt, Chris - (AIG - Gifted Education)

Welcome to AIG - Gifted Education/Enrichment! 
Oakley and Bell Elementary Schools
chris.schmidt@bcsemail.org np

2017 - 2018 marks my 22nd year of teaching!  I am excited to be returning as AIG specialist for my fourth year at Oakley Elementary and my second at Bell Elementary. 
 
My schedule is:
Oakley Elementary (Monday, Thursday, & Friday)
Bell Elementary (Tuesday & Wednesday)
 
Please consider a donation to my Donors Choose Project Proposal.  I'm excited about a new philosophy unit I want to engage in with my students.  

https://www.donorschoose.org/project/the-examined-life-philosophy-problem/2706169/
 
 
 
I am a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After 13 years of teaching elementary school in Wisconsin, Maryland, and NC,  I decided to pursue the gifted license program at Western Carolina University.  I have worked as a Gifted Education specialist at Fairview, Candler, and Emma Elementary before coming to Oakley and Bell. 
 
I enjoy the challenge that comes with teaching a diverse group of students, and each year I like to bring new ideas and projects to my students.  I feel comfortable learning right along side the kids as they always have a lot to teach me.  I stress to students that learning is a process and that we all have things to work on.  In our work it's not about "always being right" but rather, what did the process of learning teach us and are we better at solving problems? 
 
On a personal note, I live in north Asheville with my wife Sally, who teaches at Warren Wilson College, and my son Emery who is in 6th grade.  

This past summer my family embarked on a 3-week trip out west to Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming.  We visited eight National Parks including the north Rim of the Grand Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone National Parks.  It was an incredible trip.  What an opportunity to see the natural beauty of our country and learn about these unique places. 
 
In my spare time I enjoy playing baseball with my son, fly fishing, camping, playing tennis, cooking, and going out to see live music in Asheville.   
 
For class each week, students should bring their Gifted Education folder, notebook, laptop, and a pencil.
 
I look forward to a great year!! 
 
THE CLIMBER'S LIFE - I'm not a rock climber, but I think this video is inspiring and feel her words are the perfect message for young and old students everywhere.