Professor Schmitz earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from University of Nebraska – Kearney. Her B.A. in Elementary Education and ESOL Endorsement were also from UN-K in Kearney, Nebraska. She has continued post graduate course work at University of South Florida, Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida. 

Professor Schmitz has 16 years of teaching experience. Her teaching experience includes all grade levels from K-12, as well as adults. She was the initial ESL teacher for Hastings Public Schools, launching the school district’s K-12 ESL program. 

When teaching at the middle school level, she began utilizing technology in the classroom. With the Technology Specialist she was a co-presenter at the Florida Education Technology Conference. 

In addition to serving as Adjunct Professor for online courses with College of Education at St. Petersburg College, Clearwater, Florida. She also teaches adult English Language Learners for the College of the Mainland, Texas City, Texas. 

Professor Schmitz’s personal interests are her family, (she provides daycare for her one-year old grandson), beach outings, travel, movies, gardening (a novice), flying (licensed pilot, but not current), supporting NASA, and learning about the world through her students.