The following is the fifth in a series on Independent School District 549 retirees for the 2023 school year.
After spending 44 years with Independent School District 549, Mary Schmidt is calling it a career and retiring.
Schmidt has served multiple roles for ISD 549 as a Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Math and English for Dent and Perham Elementary. She has served in the role of Reading Recovery, Reading Intervention at the Heart of the Lakes Elementary and as a Reading Interventionist at the Parochial Schools.
During her time with ISD 549, Schmidt was presented with the Hearing Research Fellow, which was presented by Lions: Hearing Foundation Inc., District 5M. Schmidt received the award for her humanitarian service, outstanding leadership and personal commitment in their support for hearing and hearing-related issues.
Schmidt started the Deaf/Hard of Hearing program in September of 1979 and worked closely with the Perham Lions to receive grants or monetary donations to buy equipment and/or materials that helped the Deaf children in Perham.
Schmidt’s favorite memory from working with the school district is working with deaf students and seeing them reach their potential.
When asked what advice she would give to young and new professionals to the field, Schmidt said to seek help and ask questions when you need help and advice. She added to take care of yourself and have fun with every child.
“Love what you do and enjoy doing it,” Schmidt said. “I have never regretted my decision to work for the Perham School District.”
Schmidt plans on traveling more with her husband, Brad, as she ventures into retirement. She also plans on spending more time with children and grandchildren.
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