05/21/2026
🎓 Teacher Spotlight: Celebrating Your Legacy
Let's all give it up for Mrs. Schaal on retiring after 34 years of service! Michelle has had quite the career. She has taught: Grade 1, Title 1 Math (grades 3-6), Sixth grade, JH Math, Fifth & Sixth grade math, back to Grade 1. Fun fact: Mrs. Schaal was my first-grade teacher and also taught my daughter! Continue reading to learn more about Mrs. Schaal.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your journey in education:
(What led you to teaching, where you started, or what has kept you inspired over the years?).
My family is full of educators. My mom, both grandmothers, Great Grandmother who was a principal in Canada, and a grandfather who was an accounting professor at SIU-E. The gift of knowledge, the love of learning and the ability to share it with others was portrayed through every important adult in my life. Inspiration comes through the reward of watching students learn and grow into adults that are capable of helping others and spreading the knowledge they earned while in my care.
2. What has been the most rewarding part of your teaching career?
(A favorite memory, moment, or experience with students or colleagues)
I have been so blessed to have shared my friends from other countries with my students through the years. They have communicated via FaceTime, writing and through classroom contests that required research work about the country. The opportunity to share my personal experience and my friends with my students is a memorable bond that I cherish.
3. A favorite quote, motto, or phrase you’ve lived by—inside or outside the classroom: Watch learning through the eyes of a child and see the true value of time, compassion, and patience.
4. Best advice you’ve learned or would like to pass on to students or fellow educators:
Life can be tough…but with perseverance, compassion and the ability to communicate your thoughts and actions with others, you will be able to solve any problem that you encounter. Believe in yourself!
5. What are you most looking forward to in retirement?
(Travel, hobbies, time with family, new adventures, or simply relaxing!)
I am looking forward to spending time with my 3 granddaughters, relaxing, and traveling. I am especially interested in visiting my Australian friend at her home again. My traveling dreams include; Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
6. A fun or little-known fact about you:
My mom was born in Canada, my stepmom was born in Japan and my best friend lives in Australia.