Alumnus Chloe Schumacher recently honored with Lakeview Elementary Inspire Award

When searching for a college, Chloe Schumacher ’22 was drawn to Concordia Nebraska because the university was close to home, was small in size and featured and outstanding college basketball program. 

Schumacher has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a special education endorsement. She said her favorite thing about her time at the university is the lasting friendships she made during her time on campus, but she also pointed out that her professors invested in her education and helped her discover her calling and vocation. 

“My professors were incredible by showing interest in my personal journey in education,” she said. “They were always available to talk about things that were going well and things that were weighing on me. They asked the right questions and knew me well enough to know my strengths so they could help me find the right fit in education. The classes I took at Concordia Nebraska were very intentional in how they were structured. I learned new skills in each class that were applicable to teaching in the real world. I still reflect on things I learned at the university to help me in my current role!” 

Schumacher is currently in her second year serving as a teacher and teaches fourth grade at Lakeview Elementary School in Lincoln. All of her student teaching placements were in Lincoln Public Schools, and during her special education rotation, she student taught at Dawes Middle School.  After student teaching at Beattie Elementary School and Lakeview, she accepted her current position there. 

“I love teaching because each day comes with its own successes and challenges,” she said. “Every day I am responsible for teaching students important skills in reading, writing and math, but also important social, emotional and life skills. I stay in contact with parents and guardians about upcoming tests and activities, as well as keep them updated on how their student is doing in class. I find teaching fulfilling because every day I see my current and former students using the skills that they learned in my classroom to help them navigate the many different aspects of school. I think of my classroom as a safe and consistent space for students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. It makes me so proud to see their growth in those areas and gives me my ‘why’ for teaching! 

Schumacher recently received Lakeview Elementary’s Inspire Award from Lincoln Public Schools. Each year the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools honors one student and one staff member from each school who are an inspiration to their school and their community.  

When she’s not serving in the classroom, Schumacher loves watching movies, spending time with family and friends and going on walks with her dog. 

Students in the elementary education program at Concordia Nebraska have the opportunity to take specialized courses related to various aspects of the elementary education profession. These classes, designed to equip students for leadership and service in various elementary education careers, are taught by some of our esteemed faculty who have extensive experience in their fields. Whether in the classroom or not, those with a degree in education from Concordia Nebraska find meaningful work that speaks specifically to their passions, strengths and long-term employment goals.