Biography

Hi, I’m Mrs. Schaefer!

I am so fortunate to have worked at Ascent Academies since we opened our first campuses back in 2014.

I love Ascent—it is my home! Our mission is my passion, and the SEM model is what sets our school apart from all the rest!

I am dedicated and passionate about meeting the diverse needs of students, helping them to explore their interests, and inspiring a love of learning and discovery. Children thrive when they see the relevance of what they’re studying, and their natural curiosity drives them to dig deeper. Witnessing this excitement firsthand is one of the greatest joys of teaching. I also love harnessing the power of technology to increase engagement and enthusiasm, making learning more interactive, meaningful, and fun for students.

In my classroom, I set high expectations while striving to build  a warm, supportive, and goal-oriented classroom environment that fosters a growth mindset. I believe that students rise to challenges when they feel encouraged and supported. With the right balance of structure and compassion, I strive to help every child reach their full potential.

My fifth-grade teacher had such a profound impact on my life, and ever since, I have dedicated my life to passing that gift on to my own students.

Education is my passion! I earned my undergraduate degrees from Weber State University in Early Childhood (K-3) and Elementary Education (K-6), and my Master’s degree in Elementary Mathematics Education from Western Governors University. 

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy learning, music of all kinds, reading, gardening, spending time with my family (especially my grandchildren), going to concerts, and exploring the incredible diversity of our world. I also love problem-solving and critical thinking—probably why math is my favorite subject!

I look forward to an exciting year of growth and discovery with your child. Let’s do this!

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression & knowledge.” ~ Albert Einstein