Jeremy Schuitman enjoyed a happy childhood growing up in Bay City. He and his brother and three sisters are the children of two teachers. His father taught mathematics and his mother taught Home Economics. Jeremy graduated from Bay City Western, attended Delta College, and then completed his education at Western Michigan.
Schuitman’s career in education has taken him to various institutions. He taught and coached at Battle Creek Central before moving to Shanghai to work at Shanghai Community International School. Returning to Battle Creek, he joined Lakeview High School. Schuitman then went back to Shanghai to work at Concordia, and finally settled at Huron High School.
Huron Principal Che´Carter says Schuitman is an exceptional educator whose enthusiasm and positivity shine through in his dedication to serving students and teaching math.
“His ability to create meaningful relationships and foster confidence in young people is unparalleled, always putting their best interests first,” says Carter. “Jeremy consistently supports his colleagues and lives the school’s Huron mission every day “to inspire and advance academic achievement for all students.”
“If you have ever seen Jeremy with his children you know right away that he is a proud father. The same joy he expresses with his own children is reflected in his interactions with his students. One of the things that make him exceptional is his unwavering belief in the infinite potential of young people embodying what great teachers have always done and will continue to do.”
Huron Math Department Co-Chair Sara Serfozo says the department is lucky to have him.
“Jeremy is a kind, amazing person who brings so much joy and positivity to our department and our school,” says Serfozo. “He is willing to help anyone at any time.”
Schuitman is married to his best friend, Andrea, and they have three daughters: Mackenzie, Abby, and Kamryn. The Schuitman family loves adventure and spending time together.
Q: What inspired you to leave international teaching and return to the United States?
A: The world is a big place and even though I have been fortunate enough to travel, there is nothing like immersing yourself into a new culture. The adventure of that really drew me into working and living internationally. I was in Africa when I met a couple who introduced me to the international teaching world. Andrea agreed and we never looked back. Then we missed our families. We missed winter in Michigan. We are super happy to be back to enjoy both of those.
Q: What drew you to teaching mathematics, and what’s your favorite subject to teach?
A: I love the simplicity and elegance of math. I love that math has solutions and multiple paths to achieve it. When students realize that understanding does not mean memorizing a path, but understanding what the solution should be and then being willing to take on the challenge of getting to it.
I also love the challenge! I love helping students build confidence, even if it is not their favorite subject. I know everyone can have confidence in math.
Q: Can you share a particularly successful teaching method or strategy you’ve used
in your classes?
A: Building relationships and building communication. I really enjoy getting to know everyone and giving them a space to make mistakes, safely. If students are willing to make mistakes and communicate, we will win every time. This is not easy to do, but Huron is amazing: great kids and great families. The next essential part is making math real. We use math all the time. Everyone does. When we make math real to students they are much more motivated to learn it.
Q: What were you like as a student at Bay City Western High School?
A: I loved my time at Bay City Western. I enjoyed being a student and I played three varsity sports: cross country, basketball, and track. I liked my math and physics classes the most: great teachers, great coaches, and a great community. I had a lot of fun in high school.
Q: How do you stay current with developments in math education, and what resources do you rely on?
A: So much of my classroom has moved online. I used to have a folder full of great resources that I moved all over the world to be a dynamic teacher. Now I have pages bookmarked that allow demonstrations of content quickly. When students can see the concept visually, they are much better at understanding it. I also teach with an amazing group of teachers that I can always get tons of help there. Huron math teachers rock.
Q: You’ve coached and taught at several schools – what’s the most significant lesson you’ve learned from your experiences?
A: It is another chance to build relationships with a different group of students. Coaching is another incredible way to help build character in all your student-athletes. Frustration and success teach coaches and athletes to be better people and leaders as they continue to be a positive influence in society.
Q: How do you approach building relationships with your students, and why is this important to you?
A: I work to learn their names. I talk to them, every day. I am amazed when I find out details about each one of them and remember to keep learning more as the school year progresses. It is tough to find the time- but so important to take the time to get to know every single one of them.
Q: How do you think your background in sports management informs your teaching practice?
A: I love sports. I love coaching. I really love high school sports. I thought I would make the jump to AD at some point- but teaching in the classroom is too exciting to give up.
Q: What’s the most challenging part of teaching AP courses, and how do you support students in these classes?
A: The toughest part is convincing students they are capable of being successful. We work hard all year so that each student will know exactly what to expect during their May test. As they trust our process they will have confidence when they take their AP test. And… they only have to do their best. I know they are capable.
Q: How do you measure success in your teaching, and what achievements are you most proud of?
A: I am successful when my students are successful. Smiles, relationships and being able to apply mathematics to their life. When students enjoy learning and communicating we are all successful.
Q: You have three daughters. What’s the most important life lesson you hope to pass on to them?
A: I love my family more than anything. Andrea and I want them to be fierce, have empathy and find something that they love and can make a career out of. I hope they vote and offer support to their community.
Q: What is your all-time favorite book, movie, and local restaurant?
A: Two amazing books: “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson and “When the Game was Ours” by Earvin
Magic” Johnson, Jackie MacMullan, and Larry Bird. We love the nachos at Wolverine State Brewing Company and the bulgogi fries at HOMES Brewery.
Q: Do you have a few favorite podcasts or websites?
A: I love sports radio. 97.1 the Ticket is my favorite, along with ESPN.
Q: What advice would you give to new teachers just starting their careers?
A: Have fun. Talk to as many teachers as possible. There is so much to learn from everyone. Enjoy your students, subject, and school family.
Q: How do you like working at AAPS, and Huron in particular?
A: AAPS has been wonderful for our family. We have loved the path of Bryant, Pattengil, and Tappan. Huron is bursting with talent. I am humbled by the educators I work with every day. The Huron Math Department is a family. My classroom is full of students with so many different experiences. When we share those experiences together, we are stronger. We have more empathy. Huron brings this every single day. I am lucky to be here.
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