English 10
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English 12 (Capstone)
Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day. - Albert Einstein
Background & Education
I'm excited to be returning for my fifth year at Arapahoe and my twenty-fourth year as an educator. Although I've taught every grade level from fourth through twelfth grade, a high school English classroom is my natural habitat: truth told slant, philosophical discussions, slang and poetry and the whole jumble of human experience caught in a few lines of writing...I get to talk about this stuff every day.
Most of my previous teaching experience was in Texas, where I lived for 17 years before moving to Colorado in July of 2018. I love being outside with my family, whether we're hiking, running, or riding our bikes. I also love to read, write, and cook.
I earned my B.S. in Education with a dual major in English and Theology from Concordia University in Seward, NE. My M.A. in Humanities (Literature emphasis) is from the University of Texas at Dallas.
I teach because I value curiosity in myself and others. Teaching helps me remain curious and gives me the opportunity to foster curiosity in my students.Â
My Promise to Kids
This year, my promise to my students and their parents is I will be excellent in communicating expectations and maintaining open dialogue about our learning process and work.
Schedule
English 12
- C1458 1st Period
- C1458 7th Period
English 10 (Co-Taught)
- C1458 2nd Period
- C1458 4th Period
- C1458 8th Period
Office Hours
- I'm available for in-person or online appointments during my unscheduled periods, 5th and 6th. We can also have an online meeting before or after school. Set an appointment to meet with me using this site or via email.
Communication
I will communicate using Google Classroom for all assignments and links to agendas and slides for each week. There will be an agenda posted in Classroom with three columns: In-Person, Synchronous Online, and Remote Learning. The In-Person section will include a link to the slides I will use to conduct class in person. The Synchronous Online section will include a list of materials you may need for our online session, as well as an overview of what we will do with the time. The Remote Learning section will include a list of assignments for that week. Those assignments will also be posted to Google Classroom.
I am happy to conduct individual communication via email with students or parents regarding specific issues that may arise. I will not be available to respond after 5 pm, but I will answer all emails within 24 hours.
Communication will be the key to success for all of us within a hybrid, online, or in-person learning model. In particular, though, with less face-to-face contact during the time we are in a hybrid or online model, I want you to know that I will be as available and responsive as I can when students or parents reach out. I want to partner with you in making this new and different approach to learning successful and meaningful. If I fail to communicate something clearly or if you need more information, let me know. If you are struggling with the schedule or workload or content, let me know. The more we all talk to one another, the more we maintain the community that makes Arapahoe special, and the stronger our campus and classroom will be.
10 Things to Know about Mr. Schermbeck
1. I believe human invention peaked with the bicycle.
2. Family dinner is always, always, always the highlight of my day.
3. If it wouldn't sound right with a mandolin accompanying it, I probably won't listen to it.
4. I was born in Nebraska and can confirm that it's not for everyone. I love it, though.
5. What's in the cup? Probably coffee, preferably French press.
6. I think it's important to fail, so long as you are able to learn and grow as a result of your failure.
7. My favorite book is always an ongoing argument with myself. Current contenders: As I Lay Dying, White Teeth, Catch-22, Leisure: The Basis of Culture, Go Tell it on the Mountain.
8. Springsteen.
9. If you told me I could eat only oatmeal, bananas, and peanut butter for the rest of my life, I would probably be okay with it.
10. If you told me I could teach only poetry for the rest of my life, I would probably be okay with that, too.
