Ms. Schmidt

Laurie Schmidt
Laurie Schmidt

Elementary Media Center

email: [email protected]
phone: 320.245.6071

As the East Central Elementary Media Center Specialist, I have the joy and privilege of engaging children with literature in exciting and innovative ways.  Whether we are dramatizing award winning picture books, sharing book chats of new releases or growing as digital citizens, we are busy celebrating literacy and encouraging lifelong learners and readers.

I have always adored books.  Growing up in Norfolk, Nebraska, I spent my free time reading through the lists my mother made of Caldecott and Newberry Award winners.  Laura Ingalls Wilder books made me shiver on hot summer days.  I screamed with delight when I solved an Encyclopedia Brown mystery without looking at the solution page.

After graduating from Doane College, in Crete, Nebraska, I worked in the media department for the University of Nebraska at Omaha Medical Center Children's Rehabilitation Unit creating informational media packages for parents. Finding myself drifting away from hands on work with children, I returned to school earning a Master of Arts from Ohio State University in Speech-Theatre Education. Moving to Minneapolis, I began my career as a storyteller, puppeteer, and improv artist in residence.

I eventually settled down in rural Minnesota and began teaching for East Central in 1992.  I taught English for 20 years at Crossroads Learning Center, an experience that will always be near and dear to my heart.  In 2010, I became the Elementary Media Center Specialist and  reconnected with my roots in children's literature. Here I am rewarded daily with the energy and delight of young readers.

I spend my free time gardening, stargazing, and, of course, reading.  I have one daughter, Emily, a poet and media integration expert for Duluth Public Schools. I am blessed with an incredibly delightful granddaughter, Lyra, whom I visit every chance I get.

It's exciting to be a part of the East Central community, surrounded by eager children, a beautiful facility and dedicated educators. Stop by the Media Center and take a peek for yourself.

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