Mike Schmidt
Mike Schmidt earned his Bachelor of Science in the Teaching of Theatre from Northern Arizona University in 2000. He has done graduate work the field of Educational Leadership, and helped to teach graduate math courses through the Arizona Teachers Initiative at the University of Arizona. He is currently working on a Master of Arts in Economic Education and Entrepreneurship from the University of Delaware and will be awarded his degree in May 2021.
Teaching at University High School, Mike is a “jack-of-all-trades” he has taught nearly every math course offered at the school as well as AP Physics 1 and a dual-enrolled Engineering course through the University of Arizona. He tries to infuse every class he teaches with joy, engaging students with his content mastery and sense of humor. Whether teaching momentum by skating through his classroom, serving up pop culture trivia for bellwork on Fridays, or going viral with his epic Halloween costumes every year, Mr. Schmidt shares his own love of learning his students.
Mike dedicates an enormous amount of time to UHS outside of school hours as well. Mike serves as the chairperson of the School Council, creates and provides professional development for his peers, provides before-school tutoring for students and participates in numerous extra-curricular student clubs. For the last five years, Mike has chaperoned the UHS Travel Club on educational trips to New York, Washington D.C., and countries throughout Europe. As the sponsor of the 3-D modeling and printing club, Mike acquired a 3-D printer and computerized milling machine for his classroom. He teaches students the appropriate computerized drafting software and how to use the machinery. Over the last decade, Mike has also forged a partnership with the Thomas R. Brown Foundations to design and present workshops focusing on helping teachers explore the connections between teaching math and teaching economics.
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