Schroeder is first annual honoree

CRESCO - If hugs were worth money, Mrs. Amy Schroeder would be a millionaire! And sometimes hugs are enough!

The care and compassion she has shown students over the years helped secure her being named Educator of the Year in the Times Plain Dealer’s Hall of Fame. This is the first time an Educator of the Year has been announced.

Schroeder has been working at Notre Dame Elementary since 1996. “I never thought about working with children until I subbed in my daughter’s playgroup classroom at Notre Dame School. I realized working with children was something I really enjoyed. Shortly after, a full time position became available, and I went full time. Now it is 26 years later.”

The first 18 years, she was in Playgroup and Preschool. That’s how she got the name Mrs./Ms. Amy. “Schroeder was a little tricky for the real little ones to say and the name stuck, even my license plates on my vehicle say Ms Amy.”

In the 2009-2010 school year, she became a Paraeducator Level 2.

Kim Holthaus, who nominated Schroeder, said, “Amy has always had a huge heart for the kids! I can remember that she was the person the kids looked for if they got hurt, fell down, forgot something, needed help opening their milk or generally just needed a hug to get through their day. I know all of this because I had two daughters who attended this school, and they adored Ms. Amy!”

Her responsibilities are many during the day. She comes in early to prepare for her own day, but also to help others prepare for their day.

Even with her busy schedule, Mrs. Amy finds time for every child. Holthaus explained, “Some kids have rough times at home. Amy notices this right away and checks on those children often, helping in any way she can. There are kids who forgot their hat and gloves, or some that don’t have any. Amy has always had an extra hat or two and extra gloves for the kids. 

“Now with COVID, it’s been water bottles that haven’t made it to school, because all the drinking fountains have been closed. 

“Amy has made me want to be a better person with donating items they need!”

Schroeder has been in each grade at Notre Dame, preschool through sixth, but always finds her way back to the youngest ones. The hugs were more plentiful in the earlier years, but have slowed down due to rules about touching.

She has been married to Dan Schroeder for 32 years, and they have two children. Amber is a Dental Hygienist at Moellers & Moellers in Decorah, and Seth is an Academic Adviser at Iowa State University. They also have a granddog, Ruby.

Mrs. Amy said she has lots of good memories over the past 26 years, but one really sticks out from a preschool class when she first started.

“I was working with Mrs. H., and I was having a bad hair day, I asked her if my hair looked okay. She said it looked fine. The first little girl who came into the classroom looked at me and said ‘Mrs. Amy, what happened to your hair? It looks awful.’ Out of the mouths of the little ones. So honest. I looked over at Mrs. H., and she just smiled.”

The educator is seeing children of the students she had in playgroup and preschool in her early years.

Holthaus is one of those. “I now have four grandchildren attending the Notre Dame School, and each one of them know and love Ms. Amy! She is absolutely the best educator for our little ones to start with!”

When she is not in school, Schroeder enjoys spending time with friends and family, sitting on the patio and kayaking.

Each community has its local celebrities. They are not the CEOs or politicians. They are regular people like Schroeder, who is shopping in the grocery store and hears a little voice yell, “Hi, Ms. Amy!” There might be a wave or even a hug involved as well.

Holthaus noted, “Amy, you truly are the best educator for our young ones to get their start with today! Thank you for all you have done for my children and hundreds of other children, touching their lives and making them always feel so special since 1996! You are truly the best!”