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Andy Schoenborn
Learner. Teacher. Facilitator. Writer. Speaker. Award-Winning Author National Writing Project Teacher Consultant Michigan Reading Association President 2x Michigan Council of Teachers of English Past President [email protected] FB: andy.schoenborn @aschoenborn |
Andy's main objective is to teach and facilitate literacy by using progressive methods that focus on student-centered critical thinking, digital collaboration, and multimedia means. His teaching experience is vast and varied. Earning a Bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University with majors in English and Social Studies and a minor in History, he began his teaching career by accepting a long-term substitute teacher position in a resource room for students with learning disabilities. It didn't take too long for him to realize that he loved teaching and learning with whoever entered into his classroom.
Within a few months of working as a long-term substitute teacher, he was contacted by Anchor Bay School District's Department of Human Resources and offered two full-time positions as an English teacher or Special Education teacher. Viewing this opportunity to work with students who traditionally struggle as a wonderful learning experience, he opted for the full-time Special Education position It was during this time that he earned a Masters degree in Learning and Behavior Disorders as a way to support his most needy students.
Anchor Bay High School's administrators were impressed with his work and asked if he'd be interested in expanding his sphere of influence by working as a General and Special educator. He accepted, understanding the importance of inclusion when working with all students regardless of their ability. It was from that point on that his teaching career balanced between both the General and Special education departments.
His belief that others can be successful when they are given opportunities and take charge of their education is evident by the learning opportunities that came his way. While employed with Anchor Bay School District he also worked for the alternative education program, Compass Pointe Learning Center. It was there that Andy taught summer school and night school, each in three-hour blocks, across multiple disciplines in addition to teaching full-time at the high school.
Eventually, his desire to return to his roots culminated in his acceptance of a full-time teaching position at Mount Pleasant Public Schools where he was again charged with educating General and Special education populations. Within the first four years of this position, he taught thirty-three different courses which stands as a testament to his resiliency, persistence, and drive. Understanding that every challenge is an invitation to learning, he discovered that this challenge helped him to grow immensely as a professional educator.
In 2011, Mid Michigan Community College offered him an English adjunct faculty position to teach Freshman Composition during the Fall semester and he accepted, considering it a great opportunity to see how students learn in the post-secondary environment. Currently, he finds himself teaching AP Literature and Composition, English Language Arts 12, and a Science Fiction elective at Mount Pleasant High School.
Andy's commitment as a life-long learner and contributor to the teaching profession might be best captured by the organizations to which he belongs. As the Vice President for the Michigan Council of Teachers of English, he regularly meets with educator leaders from across the state to promote literacy in Michigan. He is a National Writing Project teacher consultant for the Chippewa River Writing Project and, as such, creates and facilitates professional development for teachers state-wide. Working with professors from Central Michigan University, he is routinely called on to mentor prospective teachers who seek experience either through their mid-tier program or as student teachers.
He is an avid reader both for pleasure and profession, a writer who enjoys helping others to realize their potential, and a person who continually seeks ways to improve on past practice.
Within a few months of working as a long-term substitute teacher, he was contacted by Anchor Bay School District's Department of Human Resources and offered two full-time positions as an English teacher or Special Education teacher. Viewing this opportunity to work with students who traditionally struggle as a wonderful learning experience, he opted for the full-time Special Education position It was during this time that he earned a Masters degree in Learning and Behavior Disorders as a way to support his most needy students.
Anchor Bay High School's administrators were impressed with his work and asked if he'd be interested in expanding his sphere of influence by working as a General and Special educator. He accepted, understanding the importance of inclusion when working with all students regardless of their ability. It was from that point on that his teaching career balanced between both the General and Special education departments.
His belief that others can be successful when they are given opportunities and take charge of their education is evident by the learning opportunities that came his way. While employed with Anchor Bay School District he also worked for the alternative education program, Compass Pointe Learning Center. It was there that Andy taught summer school and night school, each in three-hour blocks, across multiple disciplines in addition to teaching full-time at the high school.
Eventually, his desire to return to his roots culminated in his acceptance of a full-time teaching position at Mount Pleasant Public Schools where he was again charged with educating General and Special education populations. Within the first four years of this position, he taught thirty-three different courses which stands as a testament to his resiliency, persistence, and drive. Understanding that every challenge is an invitation to learning, he discovered that this challenge helped him to grow immensely as a professional educator.
In 2011, Mid Michigan Community College offered him an English adjunct faculty position to teach Freshman Composition during the Fall semester and he accepted, considering it a great opportunity to see how students learn in the post-secondary environment. Currently, he finds himself teaching AP Literature and Composition, English Language Arts 12, and a Science Fiction elective at Mount Pleasant High School.
Andy's commitment as a life-long learner and contributor to the teaching profession might be best captured by the organizations to which he belongs. As the Vice President for the Michigan Council of Teachers of English, he regularly meets with educator leaders from across the state to promote literacy in Michigan. He is a National Writing Project teacher consultant for the Chippewa River Writing Project and, as such, creates and facilitates professional development for teachers state-wide. Working with professors from Central Michigan University, he is routinely called on to mentor prospective teachers who seek experience either through their mid-tier program or as student teachers.
He is an avid reader both for pleasure and profession, a writer who enjoys helping others to realize their potential, and a person who continually seeks ways to improve on past practice.
Professional Publications
2020 -- Co-Authored with Troy Hicks
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2018 -- Chapter 5: "The Value of Authentic Feedback"
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2014 -- Chapter 23: "Authentic Writing Through Digital Feedback"
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Peer-Reviewed Publications
2024 -- Contributing Author of "Now the Hard Work Begins: Inviting Writers to Use AI Tools"
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2021 -- Contributing Author of the poems "Six Feet Away," Earth Day Presence," and "I See You"
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2018 -- Author of the award-winning "Reclaiming the Arts in English Language Arts"
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Awards
2023 Michigan Association of School Librarians
"Community Collaboration Award"
2017 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe ISE Award "Inspiration, Support, and Encouragement"
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2021-22 Communications by Design "Impact Teacher of the Year"
2014 Great Lakes Bay Region RUBY Award "Recognizing the Upward, Bright, and Young"
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2019 NCTE Linda Rief Award for "Outstanding publication in a peer-reviewed journal."
2013 MCTE Ray Lawson Excellence in Teaching Award "For faithful service, inspirational qualities, and distinguished leadership."
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