Educator Recognized for Efforts Across Northeast Iowa

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa — April Schmitt, a long-time resident of the Fort Atkinson area, has deep ties to Northeast Iowa. Alongside her husband Kenneth, she manages a farm, balancing family life with her passion for education and community service. Mrs. Schmitt is a 2000 graduate of Luther College. While a student, Schmitt was in charge of the children's summer reading program at the Decorah Public Library Because of her continued commitment to the area, Schmitt has received the IFCSE Educator of the Year Award 2024 for her commitment to New Hampton High School. This award was presented at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, June 19, in the Scheman Building at the Iowa State University Campus. April Schmitt was nominated by Holly O'Brien, College and Career Coordinator at Northeast Iowa Community College and Kayla Rupard of Postville Schools. Her professional activities include being: FCS (Family & Consumer Science) Teacher at New Hampton HighSchool and Middle School. FCCLA (Family, Career, Community Leaders of America) Adviser IFCSE (Iowa Family Consumer Science Educators) Key Leader ACTE (Association for Career Technical Education) Member April has her undergrad degree from Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) and Luther College in early childhood endorsement and kindergarten. Her master's degree in education from Viterbo University, and her FCS endorsement from ISU. April has been teaching for 25 years, nine years as an FCS teacher. She was a shared teacher for six years between two school districts: Turkey Valley and New Hampton. April has created new classes every year, mainly focusing on culinary arts. However, Schmitt also took into consideration what her students were interested in exploring. Through conversations and brainstorming, it led to not one, but two different housing and interior design classes. Some key initiatives April started within her school districts: April started Pride Pizza's Business with her Turkey Valley students. At New Hampton, April started two entrepreneurship businesses: Chickasaw Tribe Pizzas and Take-N-Bake Meals. Nutrition Carnival for preschool students. This academic year, April began her first year being an FCCLA Advisor. She had 18 students. This year, April was also the key leader for IFCS representing Keystone AEA. April has served for 10 years on the Fort Atkinson Public Library Board She helped start the Greater Area Food Pantry in Calmar and served on their board for two years. April is active with NICC and IWD Sector Board. April excels in writing grants. She explores all options and tries to capture the most she can to increase opportunities and access for her students. She has been awarded the McElroy Grant, Chickasaw Community Grant, Silos & Smokestacks grant, and a few more grants totaling $50,000. Of the award ceremony, Schmitt shared, "It was such an amazing night! I was humbled and honored to receive FCS Educator of the Year. It takes a team to make a difference and on my team I have spectacular students, administrators, staff, teachers, and community. I love being part of the Chickasaw Tribe." Schmitt was also awarded the BEST Award and Key Leader. Unlock a world of knowledge! Sign up for free DecorahNews.com newsletters and receive local news, local events and everything that is happening in and around Decorah.