We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Michael Schmidt (1966-2021). Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
Seems like yesterday we were together at AGS. I could always count on Michael coming to see me when I was doing something really embarrassing. I’ve never laughed so hard at work.
My favorite Mr. Schmidt teaching memory was how he encouraged his 6th... moreSeems like yesterday we were together at AGS. I could always count on Michael coming to see me when I was doing something really embarrassing. I’ve never laughed so hard at work.
My favorite Mr. Schmidt teaching memory was how he encouraged his 6th grade World Studies class to write the online history book company and it resulted in them temporarily shutting down the whole site so they could change their pronouns from masculine to gender neutral. He inspired others to make a difference! less
The impact that Mr. Schmidt had on the lives of his students is immeasurable. If we have experienced any level of success in our educational or professional careers, it is due in some small part to having him as a teacher. Every day in his classroom he... moreThe impact that Mr. Schmidt had on the lives of his students is immeasurable. If we have experienced any level of success in our educational or professional careers, it is due in some small part to having him as a teacher. Every day in his classroom he pushed us to be better, think smarter, and challenge everything. He was tough but one of the brightest lights and strongest models of empathy I've ever known. He is so missed and so loved. less
Michael so loved teaching at AGS. I remember him talking about his students with great delight and genuine care. One of Michael's many gifts was creating a safe, inclusive, and warm space for others so that their potential for growth was optimal.
Michael never failed to inspire, educate, enlighten, and entertain all who knew him. He was a blessing to every student and to each educator who had the pleasure of working with him. Most of all, I am thankful for Micheal's dear friendship. His unfailing... moreMichael never failed to inspire, educate, enlighten, and entertain all who knew him. He was a blessing to every student and to each educator who had the pleasure of working with him. Most of all, I am thankful for Micheal's dear friendship. His unfailing kindness, generosity, and wise advice helped me laugh, accept my own and others' frailties, and dream big. Micheal, you will always live on in all the lives you touched. less
My daughters, Lee and Laura, started at AGS in the 6th grade and were completely awed by Mr. Schmidt. He was an amazing teacher in every way. His love of teaching and his expectations from his students were nothing short of amazing. Every day my... moreMy daughters, Lee and Laura, started at AGS in the 6th grade and were completely awed by Mr. Schmidt. He was an amazing teacher in every way. His love of teaching and his expectations from his students were nothing short of amazing. Every day my daughters would come home with some little tidbit of humor or some interesting fact that he had told them. But, the best thing that I remember and will always be grateful for was his total and complete banning of the word like! To this day, my daughters have never peppered their speech with that word. I don't really know how he did it, but he made it a game that stuck. The other really memorable event was of course a class of 6th grade girls performing Julius Caesar. At the time (and maybe still) my daughters thought that was the most fun thing they had ever done in school! And of course Mr. Schmidt was the one who made it fun. He was a one of a kind and I feel so fortunate that my daughters were his students. They learned from him. They enjoyed learning from him. They loved him. It was a sad day when he left AGS.
I would like to send my condolences to his family. He has left us too soon. Please know that he had a positive lasting influence on so many of his students.