Spotlight on: Emily Schumske
May 2026 High School Teacher of the Month
The Student Council decides monthly student and teacher awards with a specific category each month. The category for May 2026 was “spring athlete” for students and “most deserving” for teachers.
The Senior Student of the Month awards go to two seniors per month who are nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-11.
The High School Teacher of the Month award goes to one teacher per month who is nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-12. All Teachers of the Month become eligible to become Teacher of the Year in June.
The May 2026 Senior Students of the Month are Alana Schlappi and Cole Bolen, and the May 2026 High School Teacher of the Month is Emily Schumske.
Below is a Q&A with Emily Schumske:
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Q. What is your favorite part about being a teacher?
A. My favorite part about being a teacher is my daily conversations with students. I love getting to know them, their interests, the things they look forward to and their goals.
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Q. How do you build an environment that feels welcoming and supportive for all students?
A. I try to create an environment where questions are welcomed and it is understood that students may not always feel 100%. Because learning takes time, I want my students to know that whether they are struggling with a certain assignment or having a difficult day, they will be met with understanding and encouragement to keep going.
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Q. How do you contribute to the school community beyond your classroom?
A. I love attending games and school concerts throughout the year! It’s awesome to see students pursuing their interests, and I love supporting and encouraging them even after the school day is done.
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Q. What does being recognized as “Most Deserving” Teacher of the Month mean to you?
A. It is very encouraging to know that what you are doing is making a difference. Working at a school has taught me so much about myself and has helped me grow as a person. I am thankful for the community here at Herkimer High School.
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Q. What inspires your teaching style or approach?
A. What inspires me most is my personal experience with school. I grew up not feeling truly confident in a school setting. I never felt smart enough and always felt like I was falling behind. My focus as a teacher is to make sure students feel seen. To do my best in supporting students who struggle staying on task or to take time to help them see their growth and give solutions on how to improve.
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Q. What is something interesting or surprising about you that your students may not know?
A. Something interesting or surprising about me is that I backpacked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon! I camped out at the base and then hiked back up the next day. It is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but also so rewarding.
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Q. Do you have a favorite book, quote, or saying you live by in your classroom?
A. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9. This is a reminder to me that doing good and being kind will always be fruitful. Also to keep going even in difficult times. I always encourage my students to lead with kindness.
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Q. If you could take your students anywhere for a field trip, where would you go?
A. This is such a difficult question! There are so many wonderful places to go. I think it would be amazing to visit another country and experience new cultures, the history, music and food. I would love for students to have the opportunity to see how big our world actually is.
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