Jay Schroder
Position: English Language Arts Teacher
School: Central Medford High School
School District: Medford School District 549C
City, State: Medford, OR
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Jay Schroder was nominated by his friend, Jeremy Krull, as well as his colleague, Margaret Perrow. The following profile contains text from each nomination.
"As educators, we get to operate at the intersection of the present and the future… that's what educators get to do. We're sculpting a better future than what otherwise would have just happened by itself."
This quote by Mr. Schroder perfectly highlights why he is such a powerfully effective and impactful educator. Within his classroom and the walls of Central Medford High School, Mr. Schroder works tirelessly with his students to help cultivate their skills and create a future founded on their best selves. His superpower–his incredible talent–is building these collaborative relationships where students feel safe, heard, and supported; when they feel safe, they better engage and receive the maximum impact of Mr. Schroder's teaching. They can then build upon the skills he helps them build, creating a future that will help them thrive according to their individual proficiencies.
Mr. Schroder's philosophy is particularly impactful when considering his school's demographics. Central Medford High School is an alternative high school focusing on helping students that struggle with attendance, disciplinary problems, and academic performance; the school's overall graduation rate is between 40-44%. Mr. Schroder knows that this may be the last opportunity to make a memorable impact for many of these students, which is why he works tirelessly to ensure that every student knows that he is there to support them on their journey toward success.
"I first heard about Jay in 2011 as word of his innovative high-school poetry slam spread through the southern Oregon region. Since then, as a faculty member and director of the Oregon Writing Project at Southern Oregon University, I have been privileged to get to know Jay well," said Perrow. "Now at Central Medford Alternative High School, Jay is a dynamic, thoughtful teacher who reaches and influences students who have given up on (or been given up by) traditional school. I deeply admire his life-changing impact on students over the years."
Ask anyone who has had the opportunity to watch Mr. Schroder teach, and they will explain the zen-like way in which he approaches educational instruction. He masterfully blends calm patience with strict standards; his students know what is expected of them, but they also know that Schroder will take the time to give them individualized attention. When asked about his teaching style, past students have said: "He'll ask you constantly how you're doing, if you need help, and he's always willing to help you no matter what," and "He's constantly pushing me, when some teachers would just blow me off because I don't want to do work." Mr. Schroder makes his students feel seen, forging powerful bonds that help fuel students' drives to graduate when they previously felt lost and abandoned due to apathetic teachers.
Outside the classroom, Mr. Schroder has been a teacher-consultant for the Oregon Writing Project at SOU. He inspires his colleagues to make their classrooms places where all students feel a genuine sense of belonging and connection—prerequisites for engaged learning. Furthermore, as a student-teacher mentor, he knows how to provide that magical combination of support and challenge that results in ongoing learning, which student-teachers carry with them into their future classrooms.
Mr. Schroder's ability as an outstanding educator has been recognized more than once. He was a nominee and finalist for the Golden Pear–an award given to teachers in the Medford School District to acknowledge their impact and exceptionality–in 2018. He was the recipient of the Oregon Council of Teachers of English "Excellence in Teaching ELA Awards" in 2021. This year, Mr. Schroder was awarded the "2022 High School Teacher of Excellence Award" from the National Council of Teachers of English. He always approaches his specific discipline with an imaginative and creative approach, constantly working to make a curriculum that will make the content matter to his students.
Three years ago, Mr. Schroder collaborated with a Math teacher at Central to help build a lesson for Economics, which he also teaches. This lesson helped students understand loans and credit and how those things can significantly affect their lives. Mr. Schroder had students build a budget and track it, which allowed them to see the relevance of the skills they were learning.
Mr. Schroder understands that students need that recognition–the moment when they are seen as people. He accepts them despite their baggage and makes it his mission to sculpt a better future. Many times, amidst student frustration and behavioral issues, Mr. Schroder will take the time to talk with them about life. He finds the path that will prompt optimal success, working in that powerful intersection that will forge students' futures. These conversations allow students to see that he wants them to succeed outside of school, not just in his classroom.
During the height of COVID, one student was overwhelmed and commented on her inability to graduate. Every day after class, Mr. Schroder had a one-on-one talk with her, focusing on her strengths rather than dismissing her because of her previous academic performance. The effort was not unnoticed. The student's mother contacted Mr. Schroder to explain: "You're the most impactful male figure in my child's life. She values your advice and respect more than anything."
Teachers must create safe, inclusive classroom cultures that calm students' brains while awakening their innate learning capacities. Of course, Mr. Schroder recognizes that to best help students, those working in the teaching profession also need help. Without developing the ability to maintain access to their best selves in high-pressure situations, teachers' good intentions can easily be reduced, by their own limbic systems, to instinctive, non-inclusive reactions. To that end, Mr. Schroder has made it his mission to help teachers better understand themselves so they can best help their students.
"Jay is completing a book manuscript for teachers, Teach from Your Best Self, which is now under contract for publication. When I initially read the manuscript, I asked Jay to consider creating an institute based on its principles and practices," said Perrow. "In summer 2022, the Oregon Writing Project launched the first 'Teach from Your Best Self' (TFYBS) Institute, with Jay at the helm."
TFYBSI is a 70-hour program designed to fight the fracturing educational system that leads to burnout and cynicism. Mr. Schroder's goal through TFYBSI is to help arm fresh-faced and veteran teachers with the skills to address the personal trauma that so often gets triggered in the craziness of hectic classrooms. Through this Institute, Mr. Schroder hopes to replace stoicism with renewed enthusiasm that is sustainable because teachers will be able to utilize the skills that he teaches–skills that he so masterfully exercises in his own classroom. Over the last two years, Mr. Schroder has grown the Institute, with the help of the Oregon Writing Program, to include roughly fifty educators whose grade levels range from Kindergarten to Seniors in high school. Mr. Schroder has transformed the Institute into a nonprofit whose sole mission is to spread his mission and help as many educators as possible.
Mr. Schroder's institutes and workshops have now reached hundreds of teachers; testimonial after testimonial attests to his work's life- and career-changing impact. Here are just three:
"When I am in my best self, I'm able to provide the best possible learning environment for students where students feel safe, cared for, respected, and heard. In this environment, the magic of learning expands to all students."
"Being a part of this program has vastly improved both my physical and mental health."
"Students' sense of safety and belonging is supported in my classroom thanks to this Institute. The techniques I have learned here help me stay balanced, and I have been able to teach versions of these techniques to my students. After all, humans of all ages benefit from staying emotionally regulated."
"As we research the impact of Jay's institutes on teachers and their students, we're finding strong evidence that the institutes are making a beneficial difference for thousands of students each year," said Perrow.
"Mr. Schroder is a tireless advocate for his students and student success," said Knull. "He deeply values the importance of education and its impact on student life. These examples are just a few ways Mr. Schroder uses his incredible skills and gifts to help his students and colleagues reach their optimal potential. It is, without over-exaggeration, the most accurate statement to say that Mr. Schroder changes the lives of all he interacts with, always for the better."
One of the most insightful teachers I had the honor to work with. Jay is very methodical in the classroom with his teaching and the way he interacts with students. He has the ability to challenge students to rise to a higher level of skills with confidence. The students are so confident because they know he will support them until they are ready to fly. He works hard at getting to know students and guiding them on their path to graduation. Also important is that many students have had past challenges in English however, with Jay's passion for his subject of English, the students find they can do it also and have fun doing it. It's great to see how Jay inspires so many.
Jay Schroder was one of the most impressionable teachers I ever had the honor of being a student for! I loved his class so much I became a TA for him too one semester. I never saw myself as a strong reader or writer until attending his classes and he did. He built confidence in me I never knew I held within. I still remember opening class with free writing exercises. These writing exercises really unlocked a barrier to creative writing for me and I remember how kind he always was. A truly caring teacher! To this day 20 years later I am an avid reader and enjoy journaling due in large part to Mr. Schroder’s influence in high school. I have held him in high regard for all these years and truly believe him the most deserving of this public recognition!
I have had the privilege of working with Jay for the past few years now and have witnessed firsthand his incredible way with teaching and relationship building with students. His passion for teaching shows in all he does and I feel honored to work with Jay on a daily basis. Jay is definitely most deserving of the Life Changer of The Year award because his impact in our community is truly priceless.
When I started my senior year I struggled a lot with my confidence in myself and putting effort into important things in my life, such as showing up to school and putting in the effort. Having Mr. Schroder as my teacher senior year changed my perspective on a lot of things, in a lot of different ways. He always has always been so supportive and helped me so much with my confidence in a lot of things and getting through school and graduating. Definitely the most understanding and helpful teacher I have ever had and Mr.Schroder’s class was always so much fun and gave me something to look forward to. He taught me many things I use in my everyday life that I will always appreciate him for!
Jay has changed my life not only as a teacher, but also a person and parent. I have been teaching math at the secondary level for 14 years. This year has been my best year yet. Jay and his program, Teach From Your Best Self, has been an integral part in making this my best year! When I met Jay and started my work with TFYBS, I started with wanting to create a class called Mindful Math. Jay's ideas seemed to fit right in with my vision. I knew I wanted to teach students struggling in math, not only about math topics, but also about how our nervous system, brain and emotions play into our learning. I didn't know where I was going or how I was going to do it, but I had an idea. I met Jay and entered TFYBS very naïve of what I was about to experience. Jay supported me diving in deep about my vision and he helped me take away the perfectionistic way of looking at my goals and instead starting the journey in a vulnerable and authentic ways. Being ok with the ebbs and flows of creating something from scratch, and at the same time not being attached to outcomes. I am forever grateful for my time with Jay because it gave me tools and language to take my ideas and create my own "Prime Directive". Moments where kids and I can be vulnerable, honest, human and compassionate to each other our my best life moments. My life and the lives of the children I serve have been changed because Jay came into my life.
I know Jay as we are friends in the same community here in Oregon. I have known him close to three decades. When I first met Jay he was not a teacher or a parent yet and now he has those roles and multiple other roles.
I think of him, the man he has become, as a signal light, or in sailing we call it a channel marker. The marker that lets you know where you are in the sea and directs you to the right channel so you can get to where it is that you want to go.
In teaching and outside the classroom Jay directs people to their channel over and over and over again. He does it persistently.
He advocates for other people’s possibilities, and he points out the way.
And he does it without displays of authority or undue force.
He is in the water with you, with his students and colleagues (and his friends). He isn’t in the light house looking down. He is beside you, letting you know that you can do the hard thing. That he has seen what you have, and it is enough. And the best thing you can do is to keep going
He discloses his own experiences to you, his wins and his losses.
Not advertising his black belt, or the years he has invested in himself or the mastery he has obtained. Jay is so amiable, very amiable, and the thing about it that you don’t know right away is that Jay is persistent. He will continue to point to the best in you and at some point you just might acquiesce and go with it. He welcomes the hard things, the investments in oneself that grow a person, and he passes this capacity on to all around him. He is sympathetic and understanding and will listen but don't think you will get off the hook.
This welcoming broad and strong force of Jay is terrifically inspiring regardless of the role he has with you, student, colleague, friend or parent. He is this same force in all these roles. A positive inclusive unrelenting force that will move you along.
He has changed thousands of lives and I don't see him stopping. I doubt that he will ever stop changing lives.
He is a super qualified candidate for this award.
I worked with Jay a few times during the Young Artists Institute. He understands the concept of community and and brings people together with solid leadership skills. He has a way of encouraging both staff and students to express themselves authentically. He approaches others with support, care, and deep understanding. It has been a joy to get to know him.
Jay is an excellent educator and an exemplary human being. He constantly strives for the betterment of his students, his community, and himself. He does this with courage and humility. His mentorship to me has been transformational and I know that I will rely on him for many years to come for his wisdom and his experience.
Jay has an incredible capability to look at a situation and view it from a unique and brilliant perspective. He is able to bring out the best in his students. And importantly, he helps students to actualize themselves in the moment of what they are doing.
Jay has changed my life not only as a teacher, but also a person and parent. I have been teaching math at the secondary level for 14 years. This year has been my best year yet. Jay and his program, Teach From Your Best Self, has been an integral part in making this my best year! When I met Jay and started my work with TFYBS, I started with wanting to create a class called Mindful Math. Jay's ideas seemed to fit right in with my vision. I knew I wanted to teach students struggling in math, not only about math topics, but also about how our nervous system, brain and emotions play into our learning. I didn't know where I was going or how I was going to do it, but I had an idea. I met Jay and entered TFYBS very naïve of what I was about to experience. Jay supported me diving in deep about my vision and he helped me take away the perfectionistic way of looking at my goals and instead starting the journey in a vulnerable and authentic ways. Being ok with the ebbs and flows of creating something from scratch, and at the same time not being attached to outcomes. I am forever grateful for my time with Jay because it gave me tools and language to take my ideas and create my own "Prime Directive". Moments where kids and I can be vulnerable, honest, human and compassionate to each other our my best life moments. My life and the lives of the children I serve have been changed because Jay came into my life.
Jay’s approach to supporting educators and empowering them to support themselves is so different than any other professional development or teacher training experience than I have had. His Teach From Your Best Self strategies have empowered me to reflect on who my best self really is both in and out of the classroom, and helped me bring that best self to show up for my students every day. I respond to my student’s needs with flexibility and excitement, to emergency situations at school with positivity and humor, and to the stressors of being a first year teacher with grace and patience. The life-changing impact Jay has had on me is letting me support my students in ways that are life-changing for them. I am able to focus more strongly on relationships with my students, setting them up for success by creating an environment of belonging. I appreciate deeply the work Jay does and the impact he has had on me and my students.
Jay is kind, present, and the true definition of Zen. He welcomes any and all situations that come his way with poise and grace, and has extended these and many other qualities to the teachers whom he supports, which, in turn, ripples out to hundreds, even thousands, of students. This is the way we change the world and Jay is at the forefront of embedding this into the life of teaching rather than adding it as a separate entity, which holds promise for a true shift.
As a first-year teacher, I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to participate in Jay’s Teach from Your Best Self Institute. The skills and concepts that we learned in this course have helped me not only within my teaching career but have also been directly applicable within my personal life. Jay has such a kind heart and soul, and the work that he is doing to support teachers, especially as a teacher himself is invaluable. Jay’s work is creating ripple effects in all directions, as when we as teachers are better able to show up for our students when we are our best selves, and then they can do that for all those who they touch as well.
I am blessed to be a part of the “The Teaching from Your Best Self Institute”. Jay is the engine behind this amazing new movement. The strategies from “Teaching from my Best Self Institute” are why I am able to persevere through the challenges and obstacles that impact myself, my students, and my classroom community. My “best self” allows my students to find and develop their own “best self”. My best teaching doesn’t come from a single moment, it comes from my connections and relationships with my students. When my students know I care for them and they trust that our connection is genuine, the possibilities are endless. They forever know they have someone in “their corner”. As I reflect on the start to this school year, I see my ability to make and maintain authentic connections with my students at the forefront of my success. I see this play out in my classroom as students let go of their fears of mistakes and being stuck, instead working with the “power of yet” & perseverance mindset. My teacher's heart swells with joy, as I see classmates reach out to support and learn together. I’ve had students who really struggle in school across many dimensions (academically, socially, and behaviorally). When they come to me with a smile, a hello, a hug, and to share about their lives I know I made an impact. They let me into “their corner” and they know they can count on me. I am in this amazing place as an educator, because Jay is in “my corner” too.
My best teaching moment happens first thing every morning. My students come in and greet each other and check in with how they're feeling and move their clip. Our class "uncrumpler" starts to work around the room and check in on students feeling sad, mad, glad, or scared. The community we have built is one of trust, compassion, and interdependence. Fulfilling my responsibility I take attendance and visit with a few students and then we sit on the floor in a circle and start our glad meeting. During our class meetings we address problems that have cropped up for individuals or groups of students and problem solve together. Everyone listens attentively, everyone participates respectfully, and big work gets done when we put our heads and hearts together. Every day we talk about something different but we always start our morning meeting circle by passing around a little stuffed dog and sharing with the sentence frames: I appreciate... I notice... or I'm thankful for... it warms my heart every day to hear these kids openly and honestly share their feelings, their gratitude, or get a playful moment in the spotlight. When it's my turn I always feel genuine and flexible in what I choose to share and I've never had that experience of vulnerability and openness with a class until this year. This year I've learned skills, practices, and mindsets that allow me to BE my best not "DO" my best and now I come to work every day knowing that I am having the maximum impact on students with the minimum amount of effort and that return on investment has enabled and encouraged me to keep loving and teaching every day. Thank you Jay!
Jay is one of the teachers that will forever remain in my heart. When I was in high school, Jay had an immense impact on my education, leadership, and goal-setting. He continually showed up in integrity every day to support his students. He guided me in ways that I needed to become successful. He opened doors for us that we may not have otherwise had the opportunity to experience. Jay Schroder is an incredible leader in this community. He will continue to change peoples lives. Jay is a remarkable friend & role model.
Jay is so incredible deserving of this award and has left an indelible impact on my life! Jay is an absolute visionary, and has truly changed so many lives.
At first, it’s crazy to think how many years ago it was when I attended high school, and then to consider all of the educators I have worked within my lifetime. When I think back to high school, I remember feeling like an odd teenager out because of my home life. School became a sanctuary for me, and I can honestly say that Mr. Schroder (Jay) was one of the few teachers who truly made it that way. Mr. Schroder’s classroom made me realize that I wasn’t alone. All of my classmates had their own struggles, and walking into his classroom brought a sense of creative excitement in the midst of it all. We were encouraged to pour our imaginations out on paper and present our work to each other in the class. It never felt like you were being judged with Mr. Schroder’s guidance. Even the most tender and sensitive writing pieces felt safe in his class.
Jay was, and I’m sure still is, compassionate, kind and supportive. I would have never had the courage to walk on stage for a poetry slam if it wasn’t for him. Even years later, I think of his classes and how his mentorship has helped me move on to college and a career with the same sense of joy in creating and writing. Jay absolutely deserves this nomination for all of the good he has done for me and many others.
Jay is the perfect recipient for a LifeChanger Award. Two years ago Jay offered a course through the Oregon Writing Project, Teaching From Your Best Self, which provided a safe place to learn and grow as educators during a very challenging season in our profession. Under his mentorship, he provided a collaborative environment that transformed practices and mindsets in educators, and radically changed both my professional and personal life. Students across our valley benefitted from Jay’s dedication and insights into relationships and philosophies of education. His practical methodology and his communications skills truly changed my world, as well as every other person who has had the privilege to learn from Jay.
12 years ago, Jay Schroder was my high school teacher at Eagle Point High School. During that time, I was an underage student considered at-risk for homelessness living on my own, with some McKinney-Vento Act provisions. Not as serious of a situation as some, but from time to time I had teachers dropping by with boxes of food, helped me pick out clothes, the list goes on. I was incredibly lucky to receive the help I did, as many students fall through the cracks without this assistance and fail to graduate. When I met Jay, I was overwhelmed on a consistent basis, and I struggled to keep up with grades, school duties, and functions. I would imagine teachers likely talk, but I wasn't sure Jay knew of my at-home situation. Regardless, he had a keen perception, and intuitively knew I was struggling in more than an academic sense.
In class, Jay inspired a love of learning that was not only unique to his raw energy within the classroom, but also in his tenacity with incorporating life lessons within his curriculum, all the while challenging us to improve ourselves academically. He didn't have to, and there's few teachers I had in my life that could share in his outstanding devotion to his students.
Outside the classroom, Jay didn't refrain from being a steadfast mentor. Professional, yet deeply caring to advise impressionable youth that are still getting a handle of their start in life. For me this was crucial to my success, I was close to being unable to graduate, and if it wasn't for Jay, I can likely say life for me would have taken a much more difficult turn.
Taken from the last sentence of this article:
"It is, without over-exaggeration, the most accurate statement to say that Mr. Schroder changes the lives of all he interacts with, always for the better."
That's a comment I can present living evidence for. Thank you Mr. Schroder.
I put my wholehearted trust and faith into Jay’s true intentions of helping all people become a better version of themselves through self-love, self-care, and inclusiveness. He wants to bring out the best in ourselves and teach us how to bring out the best in each other.
My first year as a teacher has been manageable because of the life skills Jay has taught me. I do not know how I would be feeling about teaching or how this year would have gone had I not been lucky enough to be a part of his "Teach From Your Best Self Institute." Jay has a presence of inner peace that spreads to those he works with. He sees the best in everyone and seeks to bring humanity into what sometimes feels like an inhumane world. He truly is a life changing person, who is making a difference in our world.
On high-school I went through one of the most traumatic times in my life. It seemed to be coming from all angles. Mr Schroder's classroom was a space of safety and peace for me. He allowed me to doodle in class and saw that my constant state of overstimulation was aided by this act, and that it did not hinder me paying attention in class. He taught that resistance is often a gift and in that time of my life I needed that wisdom. He inspired action in his way of teaching and his way of purely connecting with his students and offering them someone who saw them....
Mr Schroder changes lives because it's undeniable that he leads with love, intention and intuition and is passionate about his students at their core. Thank you Jay Schroder the world needs more teachers like you!
I met Jay three years ago as I was named the Central Medford High School Principal. Without delay, I experienced the incredible human and educator Jay was. His perspective on learning and life was refreshing and it came through in how he delivered instruction while working with alternative high school students. To say he met kids where they were by making learning relevant is an understatement… I so appreciated his perspective and thought processes as a teacher leader as he is a life changer both for students and staff alike. I have since moved on to another job, but Jay’s influence has forever helped shape my own thinking as to what a learning leader should look like. I miss his influence… but know he is making a real difference in his circle!
Congratulations on your nomination, Jay. It comes as no surprise, as you have always been an inspiration, supportive and a great example to look up to.
My school career was never easy; I was the odd kid with a bad home. Jay not only taught me the subject at hand, but also that there are good people in the world. That the fruits in the passions I had for the arts was worth pursing, and that life is worth it. He listened when he didn't have to, and helped me, even when I didn't know how to ask for it. As an adult, he Still inspires me to continue to drive for my goals. He is an all around golden example of a gentleman and a scholar. It is an honor to call him a friend.
I have been able to experience Jay's wisdom in different points of my life. As his student I was able to receive an education through his caring and nurturing ways. As an adult and teacher, he has helped me navigate an incredibly hard time in my life and career in those same ways. I am so thankful to have known him throughout my life; I am a better person, teacher, and partner because of him!!
I am fortunate enough to be working with Jay as a participant in one of his Teach From Your Best Self Institutes. I feel confident in saying that he truly practices what he preaches -- he is kind, compassionate, centered, steadfast, and inspiring. He is the sort of person who can make you feel welcomed and at ease right from the start. What he has presented in TFYBS is something that I feel is desperately needed in education, with a positive impact on both teachers and students. I feel lucky to know him, and I think he deserves every accolade in the book!
Jay is working to change the world of education, by tackling one of the biggest problems there is right now...teacher burn out. This is a huge undertaking, but his acts of love and generosity with his time and spirit and inspiring educators around the world. If you've met him, you are immediately greeted with the kindest, gentlest spirit that is there to listen, have fun, and encourage you wherever you are. When I think of a life changer, he is at the top of the list!
I have a million positive things I could say about Mr. Schroder, so I'll try to keep it short. He was my English teacher my junior and senior years, and now in my early 20s I can easily say that he has continued to be one of the greatest supports in my life. He continually provides guidance to me and other fellow former students whenever we need it, and never hesitates to try his best to help or offer advice. These days I would consider him a mentor, and I'm so grateful for his willingness to continue to be that for me and many others despite no longer being a student. Mr. Schroder has offered me unwavering kindness, patience, and belief in me as I have navigated my young adult life, and I could never thank him enough for that. If anyone is deserving of the title "Life Changer of the Year," it would be him.
I have only known Jay for less than a year and the impact he has had on my life is invaluable! In a time that I was ready to leave the teaching profession he offered a workshop, Teach From Your Best Self, to help teachers work through the tough times our profession had fallen upon. Not only has Jay given me the tools to stay in my best self while teaching, he has given me the tools to share with my students so they can stay in their best self as well. I have one student that has a hard time regulating himself and I have taught him some tools such as taking a cool pause, or asking for nourishing attention rather than seeking negative attention. This student has responded well to these techniques and no longer has behavioral troubles in the class. Jay's kind and gentle method is having a ripple effect throughout our valley because of the heart he has for people and their mental well being.
While many educators aspire to become life changers--this is after all, what calls so many of us to the profession--Jay lives this. Not only does he change the lives of his students, he has a far-reaching and tangible impact on the students of so many other fellow educators. Jay came into my life, and the lives of so many others, nearly two years ago when he opened up registration for the Teach From You Best Self Institute. It was 2021, and my teaching partner and I, like so many others, were exhausted and ready to call it quits. We loved teaching, but we were done. Teaching was hard enough before the pandemic, but the pandemic has so many of us worn out and feeling like this profession can't wring much more out of us. Jay, however, saw this. He saw us. And he saw how he could help. He opened his arms to all of us, and gave us the perspective and the tools to go on. He taught us that if we can take care of ourselves both inside and outside of the classroom, starting with healing ourselves step by step, that we can continue to do this important and impactful job. So many of us aspire to be life changers. Jay makes it so that not only is he changing our lives, he's changing the lives of our students by allowing us to find our best selves so we can help our students find theirs. Frankly, if there is a Lifechanger Award of the Decade, Jay's the person for it.
Jay is truly deserving of the "Life Changer of the Year" Award. I met Jay about 2 years ago when I had just graduated from my Masters program. Jay has had a profound impact on how I teach and how I value teaching as a profession. Through being a part of TFYBSI, Jay has taught me how to have boundaries with myself and my job. I can't be the best teacher for my students unless I am taking care of myself first. He has shown both grace and strength in his journey to make the profession of education more sustainable for students and educators. I am proud to call him friend and mentor.
Jay was my cooperating teacher during the second-half of my student-teaching year—right in the middle of the pandemic. I credit him with helping me form the core of my teacher persona; now in my second year of teaching, I regularly reflect on what he has taught me. His unique approach, a mixture of grit, grace, humor, intensity, and all-around awesomeness has changed lives, both student, teacher and otherwise. Jay really understands what students need to succeed in this world and I am grateful to have worked with him.
LifeChanger of the Year feels like an understatement for what Jay has brought to so many lives. He is a rare sort of human who, when his life intersects with others, leaves them a better version of themselves. Much of this is his own dedication to personal growth and his ability to expand his own understanding and perspective. He truly listens, and truly cares, and builds people up with grace and understanding. When I first joined his Teach From Your Best institute in the spring of 2021, it was in a last ditch attempt to save my, as of then, six-year, career in teaching. I still had a passion for kids, but was burnt out by other factors. During my time working with Jay, I have reconnected with the why and the how of my path in education, and through the self-reflection he facilitated and framework he provided, was able to tune into my best self, both in and out of the classroom. When teachers are in their best selves, students are significantly more likely to be able to access, find, or build skills to become their best selves. I am in awe when I think about how massively my time with Jay has not only impacted me, but also the three hundred students I have worked with in the course of the last two school years, both their in feeling safe and supported in my class, as well as how I have been able, in turn, to directly teach students some of the strategies Jay taught me. I am only one such example; Jay’s ripple effect of influence is monumental. Jay has such a strong yes for students, teachers, and for all people navigating the tricky work of being human. I am beyond grateful to know him, and can attest that he does indeed change lives.
Jay has forever changed my life by providing me with the time, space, and skills to grow as a new teacher through his Teach From Your Best Self Institute. He built a foundation for me that I can always fall back on when I am struggling in my job or my life. Not only has his hard work impacted me, it has changed my students as well. My classroom has become a place of refuge for my students and I owe that to the teachings Jay so graciously provided to me and other educators while asking nothing in return. He truly wants to help people and has gone above and beyond the call of duty. The Institute gave me skills to help me grow as a teacher and the chance to connect with others in a safe, understanding community. Having tools to help improve my situation changed the game for me. Now, not only can I vent, I can rebuild and change and grow alongside others who are also growing and changing. That’s quite possibly the most powerful thing in the world.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jay since 2018. He reached out to a mentoring organization I was volunteering for named Alliance of Generations. I was also a board member at the time. We focused on empowering youth by cultivating their emotional literacy, empathizing, valuing heir experiences, listening deeply and honoring their inner wisdom and passions. Jay created a space in his classroom where we held a circle for young men once a week and modeled these skills. They were both fun and sincere, touching and impactful. I saw Jay interact with youth sometimes in these circles and sometimes just in his classroom. He was always respectful, kind, thoughtful, helpful and caring as well as respected enough by all the kids to be able to hold them accountable to his standards. His values guided his work with these kids as well as his outreach to our organization. His commitment and dedication to improving the lives of these kids was always evident to me. I was truly impressed by his acumen, professionalism, and devotion to being the kind of teacher he knew these kids deserved, the best.
I'm writing in support of Jay Schroder for the LIfe Changer award. If there ever was someone to win this award--it's Jay. He has an amazing ability to make people feel seen and heard and to create a safe space where people of all ages and walks of life feel comfortable and able to learn and grow. I know Jay because I was a participant in the first year of the Teach From Your Best Self Institute. In a time where many teachers are claiming that this is the hardest year of teaching, even harder than in 2020 when the world of education was turned on its head, there are not many teachers who have the mental or physical capacity to help people outside of their classrooms and families. Jay does. The TFYBS Institute that Jay has created has helped many teachers throughout the valley learn strategies to prevent them leaving the profession. I will be honest-- I'm still struggling every day as a teacher. However, when I'm having a hard moment and my nervous system is dysregulated and the cacophony of "I cant's" begins echoing in my brain, I try to channel Jay's calm and steady voice out like pulling a happy memory from a Pensieve. Teaching will always be hard. It hasn't become less hard since I've been a part of the Institute. However, having strategies to help me reset and care for myself make it bearable. Jay is a teacher, a therapist, a life coach-- and I can honestly say that he has changed my life and the lives of all of the TFYBS participants (and all of the people in their lives); therefore, I couldn't think of another person who deserves this award more.
Jay has been my colleague, friend and mentor for almost 15 years. Looking back to my early years of teaching, I was very much left to my own devices to figure out how to work through the challenges of balancing work and life. Online resources were not as plentiful as they are now and social networking was a fairly new concept. I was in need of "in the flesh" positive examples of how to be sustainable as a teacher, and fast. Jay was that example for me. He was my department chair and I quickly found myself admiring his ability to build strong relationships with students, create rigorous engaging coursework and maintain a positive outlook on teaching as a whole. During those many years we worked together, I witnessed him stay steadfast and committed to his students by creating one of the most impressive poetry slam events where the entire school attended. No one wanted to miss it. It would be standing room only! I also saw him be a teacher leader and advocate for his beloved profession by serving in leadership roles in the education association. And, when situations could easily root a mindset in cynicism and resentment he would rise above it and set an example of positivity, perseverance and patience. This is how Jay lives his best teacher life. Now in my 17th year of teaching, I model my mindset based on what I have learned from Jay. This mindset provides me a way to work through feelings of burnout and self-doubt. Two damaging yet familiar feelings that accompany the field of teaching. I am so proud that he is being recognized for the impact that he has made on his students, his peers, and the community at large. And, it hasn't stopped. Jay shared with me an early draft of his new book, "Teach from your Best Self" and as I read it, I immediately felt like this was required reading for every teacher at any stage of their career. Once it is completed, it will positively impact an exponential amount of teachers and students, just like it did me.
As I look back, thinking about my experiences with Mr. Schroder, I am remembering his presence and smiling. I have been fortunate enough to have had a few fun times over the years. I am a martial arts student for over 10 years now. On many occasions, Mr. Schroder has been an encouragement to me. I have seen him work with many people on numerous occasions. I am always happy to talk and train with him. He has always been forthcoming with his understanding and techniques, regardless of the subject. I have always enjoyed his willingness to learn and impart his knowledge of the subject. He has helped me advance in understanding, developing movement a few times over the years. He has always been a leader in this community and does so from the front. He is just plain and simply, a wonderful person.
Jay is both a compassionate teacher and an undying supporter of today's and tomorrow's educators. In the classroom, Jay supports the whole child. He advances the skills and knowledge of the often trauma-affected, non-traditional students in the alternative education program at Central Medford High School. He has designed curriculum and proficiency-based grading programs that have increased state assessment scores at his schools, and provided opportunities for students in the Medford area to earn dual credits. More importantly, Jay is dedicated to inspiring his students to reach their potential and appreciate the richness of life.
He encourages the same passionate engagement in life and learning in the participants in his Teach from Your Best Self Institute. Using curriculum he has created based on a book he has written, he facilitates both personal growth and group support among the members of his institute. We all look forward to both the work we are challenged to apply to our classrooms and the support we get from one another during our weekend gatherings as we all aspire to find the balance Jay has inspired in teaching from our best selves.
Jay is a one-of-a-kind educator. He is grounded. Centered. Genuine. Compassionate.
There's a saying in education that we teach who we are. Nowhere is this more true than it is with Jay.
He shows up for his kids and other educators in a way that breathes life into education.
In short, Jay brings joy and hope wherever he goes.
He is a model educator and one that I'm honored to have crossed paths with.
I graduated 10 years ago, and I still talk about Mr. Schroder. He was one of the only teachers who made an impact by believing in me during times when I didn't believe in myself or fell short. Jay finds the strengths of his students, shines a light on them, and amplifies. He never discourages, and only encourages. If he knows you have the potential to do better, he will not let you settle for a mediocre grade. He will give you as many chances as it takes to reach your maximum potential, and I dont know of another teacher who has that much patience with his students. Jay was also there to offer his love and support during the incredibly dark times that happened for me after high school. Once you're a student of Jay's, you're a student for life; and I think all of his "kids" would agree.
Jay is by far one of the best teachers I have experienced in the K through 12 system. I’ve seen the work that he’s done with students and the way he’s able to connect in a deep way that supports breadth of learning. Students clearly appreciate the presence and great experience Jay brings to the classroom and work with students and their learning. I also had the honor of starting a school circles program with Jay and got to experience the high level of expertise in navigating conscious dialogue and connection with students. In my experience as a psychology professor and youth mentor, Jay is one of the best teachers out there who clearly is always learning and growing and developing the great work he does.
Thank you so much Jay!
It's been over fourteen years since Mr. Jay Schroeder called me onto a stage with my diploma in one hand, the other ready for a handshake. I was fortunate to learn from an impactful few like him. Adversity of youth and high school is common; teachers like Mr. Schroeder are rare. He educates with geniune desire to enrich the lives of others and sets a standard lead by example.
Within two years of creative writing, one poetry slam, and a karate class; the most prominent lesson he taught me was the importance of following through. While I dealt with issues outside of classroom, Mr. Schroeder challenged my habits of procrastination. He helped me gain control of a weakness in a time I felt helpless. Seeing new names among my former classmates' comments here it's evident I was not the only one.
Educators and mentors like Mr. Schroeder give generational gifts of knowledge. To be taugh by him is an opportunity for one's life to change for the better. It's a chance for an individual to realize greater strength of self that can serve for as long as they choose. I'm honored to have had him in my life.
"Life-changer of the Year" is a perfect description for Jay, except for the singular "year" part. Jay has an amazing ability to not only extend positivity and resilience into the people that he meets, but to give them the tools and power to continue to extend this to further and further ripples of people. How many lives has Jay changed? There is no algorithm that can quantify this, but the anecdotal quality that our community (and all of the communities to which we have reached) have benefited is exponential. I was lucky enough to join the "Teach from Your Best Self" institute in its first cohort. At that point in my career, I was stressed, frustrated, felt inadequate and was considering other job options (I literally started filling out an application to be a TSA agent!) Through working with Jay, I finally realized what was making teaching so difficult for me, and was able to heal through it, fine-tune my focus and skills, and now I am a thoroughly fulfilled teacher!
(*Note: Jay was never my writing teacher, so my bad grammar and confusing sentence structure are not a reflection on his teaching! This is more a product of what happens when a math/theater teacher writes a testament for a human that they hold in such high regard. Words just.....)
I am delighted to speak about Jay Schroder for the Life-changer of the Year Award. I speak from the experience of a friendship of many years. While I have not been a student of Jay’s in this lifetime, I can see that the values and qualities Jay brings to our friendship infused in his teaching, his writing and his wider work with the teaching community in Oregon.
As a friend, Jay has been a cheerleader, inspiration and role model for me. It makes for a rare and precious friendship.
He has the ability to give me the messages I need to feel seen deeply, and he offers them courageously and boldly, despite any protestations, efforts at modesty, or even misunderstandings on my part.
When I come to him with a challenge in my life, he listens deeply and gives me his most helpful response. He does so without standing above me or offering quick fixes. Rather, he asks honest and curious questions. This ultimately leads me to those deeper aha moments at 3 am, helping me find my own way out of a stuck place. (Luckily for him, I don’t celebrate by choosing to notify him at that hour). That is the kind of friend that nurtures the flame of future possibilities in you, and yet meets you just where you are.
Early in our friendship, I noticed how heartfelt and honest he was about difficult feelings that he might have experienced under pressure, about periods of discouragement and confusion, or his own perceived mistakes. He never pretends to be all-fearless or all-knowing, even though that is sometimes the expectation put on us by others. He is more comfortable in facing the uncertainty of ‘not knowing’ than most people I know. And he has shared some of these experiences with the wider world in his forthcoming book.
The humility underpinning that approach builds the bridge of trust and relatability like nothing else. It has inspired me to disclose more deeply about my own experiences, including the more painful or embarrassing ones, something I have found hard to do in the past. And in doing so, I have been able to connect more with my true self, with my deeper inspiration and with others. It is a gritty, humble and real approach to the journey of becoming more of one’s genuine self.
Jay and I have cherished mentors in common, and I have picked up a great deal about ‘how to learn and grow’ from Jay’s example with them. I have noticed an uncommon ability to remain humble, open and curious to new ways of seeing, to genuinely follow through on suggestions from his mentors, and to express joy in the process of learning. And while he may jokingly say his distinguishing quality is that “he is the last person left in the classroom” his approach shows a genuine ‘growth mindset’ - a profound dedication and commitment to true learning.
And then I see him instinctively seeking to pass on the things he has learned to others, as they become ready for it. These are the people who, as they climb the rocks, turn around to look for those coming up behind them, and throw down the rope. They help because it is their nature, as teacher, friend or fellow hiker.
I have also benefited deeply from Jay’s encouragement to try new skills with a ‘just do it’ enthusiasm. These include skills in areas I would not have considered on my own. For instance, I never thought to take off my eyeglasses, don a Gi and stand in front of a Karate sensei, and I don’t think anyone but him, thought I would either. For reasons unknown, he imagined I could. When I felt inhibited by my lack of confidence, he identified the dojos that I should check out in my town across the ocean and encouraged me to give it ‘a red hot go’ (as we say in Australia). One step at a time. And now I stand, quite thrilled, in front of my sensei, Kev, learning my first kata. I look forward to trouncing Jay in Kumite one day -- to show my gratitude, of course.
These are some of the many personal qualities that Jay embodies and offers in our friendship, and I see these qualities in his vision for teachers and teaching. It is a vision in which teaching is about much more than the passing on of skills and techniques. Great teachers bring their hearts and best selves to the engagement with students. While they may have mastery, they too remain as curious and open as students ? beginner’s mind ? and the journey becomes one of fellow travellers ? we are in it together. Without them even knowing it, these teachers become unforgettable and life-changing.
Just like great friends.
I had Mr. Schroder as a creative writing instructor in 2011 and 2012. During my time in his classroom, he introduced me to various prose styles, encouraged me to take risks with my writing, and learned to provide -- and receive -- feedback in as constructive and helpful a manner as possible. These experiences influenced my worldview and helped shape me into the man I am today.
Participating in the Poetry Slam forced me to stand and present in front of others, showcasing the best sample of a composition I could produce at the time. While I don't regularly orate in front of crowds, the walls of my communication repertoire were developed in Mr. Schroder's classroom. I still depend on those skills when communicating in written or verbal forms.
To whom it may concern,
I train at Martial Arts of Medford. I met Sensei Jay at what is known as Taikai. This is where people from around the country, whose dojos are of the same affiliation come together in order to reconnect and train together. I am new to martials arts and this was a big deal for me.
I am 58 years old and was the lowest ranking induvial at Taikai. The only people I knew there were from my own dojo. We were all gathered on the mat drilling techniques, maybe 30 or so people black belt thru yellow belt. The senseis were watching the training off mat.
I will admit I was struggling to get my form right and to keep up at the same time. One of the senseis came up to me as we were going through the drills. He was very humble and kind in his approach. He helped me with my form and made me feel more relaxed. I didn’t know it at the time, but this was Sensei Jay Schroder.
All of the senseis are more than willing to share their knowledge and give their time. Sensei Jay stood out to me. Out of 10 senseis at Tiakia, it was Sensei Jay who stepped onto the mat to help a struggling student of karate. I was grateful for his help.
I was so impressed that after training I asked my own sensei who this person is. Truthfully, I was not a fan of teachers for the most part growing up. I had a lot of traumas going when I was young and was one of those students that just didn’t do well the way that subjects were taught. On the drive home my thoughts began to think about Sensei Jay and what took place. What if… what if when I was in school a teacher like Sensei Jay took an interest in me?
Sincerely
Staff Sergeant William Kovaleff, retired
United States Army
I was a student of Jay Schroder’s between the years of 2003-2004 when he was teaching Creative Writing at Eagle Point High School. I was a pretty rebellious teenager who didn’t have a great relationship with anything academic. That changed when I attended Mr. Schroder’s Creative Writing class. We read a segment from Stephen Kings “On Writing”, which I listen to on audiobook to this day.
This is what initially sparked my interest. I was into the horror genre and couldn’t believe that some teacher would use my favorite author as referential material for writing. Jay is not just some teacher, as I would soon find out. He was a mentor and a friend, someone who supported me and treated me with the respect and humanity I wasn’t completely used to at that point in my life. He actually cared about my creative potential.
Nobody else was doing that for me. I wrote some short stories and essays that I was very unsure of. I was very shy about exposing my inner self, and it was very scary to turn assignments in. All of that changed within the walls of Mr. Schroder’s Creative Writing class. He did not judge me for the content of my writing. Instead, he gave me valuable feedback and input on where my strengths and weaknesses were. He used his open mind and instructional instincts to point me in the right direction. Receiving praise from Mr. Schroder is one of the highlights of my life to this day.
I’ve had a lot of writing and English teachers throughout my K-12 and college experiences—none of them have made an impact on me like Mr. Schroder. I am so very proud of myself for earning a good grade in his classes. I am also very proud to have him as my instructor and friend. Many of my old classmates from Eagle Point High School feel the same. We have such a reverence for Jay Schroder that it’s almost silly. I don’t feel like I need to gush much more about my favorite instructor. If you know him, you have already been touched by his good nature and compassionate instruction. I am so lucky to have had him see my creative and intellectual side and help nurture it.
Earlier this year I published my first fiction novel. I am so proud of myself for going through with it. I don’t feel it would’ve been possible without Mr. Schroder believing in me. Thank you, Jay.
When I was in school I struggled immensely in English Language Arts. I felt defeated by the red sea of pen edits that constantly flooded my papers. By the time I reached high school, I was disengaged and well below the academic standard.
Jay Schroder came into my life in my senior year of High School and introduced me to what support feels and looks like. Jay helped me focus on the content and overall message, instead of the self-critical perfectionism I was used to. I didn’t know this at the time, Jay was doing more than helping me write a paper, he was helping my self-esteem.
I think of Jay often and recently had the opportunity to share with him that I now work as the Communication Supervisor for Eagle Point School District 9. Jay changed my life and I’m extremely grateful! Jay is a LifeChanger!
I met Jay when I took his course TFYBS at the institute that he "gave birth" to over two years ago. I wish that I had completed this course in my first few years of teaching, as I believe that I would not have given up on the profession if it was available to be back in the day. Though I am only substitute teaching at this stage of my life, the tools that Jay taught his students and colleagues to use, including mindfulness practice and expressive writing, have become part and parcel of my ability to better take care of myself, and recover from my status as a burnt out teacher and professional. I can't express fully in words the transformative effect of Jay's teachings and practices has had on my mental and emotional health. I am able to bring my better self into the classroom as a substitute teacher now, and more importantly, I am able to show up for all the people that are presently in my life as well as those individuals that I interact with on a regular basis in my community. Jay has been and continues to be a source of light and inspiration to live from my best self. He is indeed a positive life changer. Bravo, Jay!
I am Jay Schroder's mentee and I can think of numerous ways that he has changed my life. Through sharing his wisdom, perspective and dogged perseverance in his own endeavors (and under conditions that would amaze you!) he lives as a picture of exemplary character. Noble, humble and austere in his way, he gives to others and creates meteoric impact that alters the direction of lives, not needing nor asking for anything in return.
Jay has a way of saying the correct thing at the right moment, which is hard skill to accomplish. He can say the thing that I need to hear, more-so than the thing that I might want to hear, every time propelling me to the next level of my own development, always to my benefit. (For example: He said one sentence that made me realize what an amazing girlfriend that I had - she is now my wife!)
In a time of doubt, his was the only ear that I felt could hear of my deepest fears and not judge me for them. He has helped me to see the power of promise and fulfillment. He has helped me see the peculiar humanity of other people and within myself and through his example has guided me to recognize that the everyday struggles in our lives are where the real heroics lay.
Jay is a hero, to many. Jay is an inspiration. Jay IS a life changer.
I've worked with Jay Schroder for more than a dozen years, following his inspiring work as an alumnus of Southern Oregon University, as a teacher and educational advocate, as a teacher-consultant in the work of the Southern Oregon Writing Project, and now as the author of a forthcoming book. At a time when others have started to fade with the day-to-day difficulties of our profession, Jay has been a source of inspiration and renewal for many of us. His gentle commitment to helping all of us work from a place of self-awareness and self-knowledge has changed the lives of students, colleague, and everyone he meets.
When I think of the most influential teachers I've had, I think of Mr. Schroder. To be a student of Mr. Schroders you have someone who is fully dedicated to helping you become the best person you can be. Mr. Schroder IS a teacher. I'm not talking about someone who has a job title of "teacher" but someone who has a gift to teach others.
I was lucky enough to have Mr. Schroder for creative writing in high school. He never spoke poorly of my work and never let me feel forgotten. He was and still is the best teacher I've ever had. He was there cheering me on through every draft of every assignment, pushing just enough to encourage growth without overwhelming me. But, what I find to be the biggest reason there is no other choice than Mr. Schroder for this award, is that he showed up to everything. Every activity or performance he was there supporting his students. He didn't just tell us he believed in us, he showed us he believed in us.
For what it's worth, he changed my life.
I was a student of Jay Schroder’s between the years of 2003-2004 when he was teaching Creative Writing at Eagle Point High School. I was a pretty rebellious teenager who didn’t have a great relationship with anything academic. That changed when I attended Mr. Schroder’s Creative Writing class. We read a segment from Stephen Kings “On Writing”, which I listen to on audiobook to this day.
This is what initially sparked my interest. I was into the horror genre and couldn’t believe that some teacher would use my favorite author as referential material for writing. Jay is not just some teacher, as I would soon find out. He was a mentor and a friend, someone who supported me and treated me with the respect and humanity I wasn’t completely used to at that point in my life. He actually cared about my creative potential.
Nobody else was doing that for me. I wrote some short stories and essays that I was very unsure of. I was very shy about exposing my inner self, and it was very scary to turn assignments in. All of that changed within the walls of Mr. Schroder’s Creative Writing class. He did not judge me for the content of my writing. Instead, he gave me valuable feedback and input on where my strengths and weaknesses were. He used his open mind and instructional instincts to point me in the right direction. Receiving praise from Mr. Schroder is one of the highlights of my life to this day.
I’ve had a lot of writing and English teachers throughout my K-12 and college experiences—none of them have made an impact on me like Mr. Schroder. I am so very proud of myself for earning a good grade in his classes. I am also very proud to have him as my instructor and friend. Many of my old classmates from Eagle Point High School feel the same. We have such a reverence for Jay Schroder that it’s almost silly. I don’t feel like I need to gush much more about my favorite instructor. If you know him, you have already been touched by his good nature and compassionate instruction. I am so lucky to have had him see my creative and intellectual side and help nurture it.
Earlier this year I published my first fiction novel. I am so proud of myself for going through with it. I don’t feel it would’ve been possible without Mr. Schroder believing in me. Thank you, Jay.
As a sophomore at Eagle Point High School, I enrolled in Mr. Schroder’s Creative Writing course expecting to simply expand my writing ability. I found much more than vocabulary and grammar through his course. My junior year and senior year, I took his advanced creative writing class. The second pass was simply because I felt safe and human in his class when I was struggling with so much more than grades. Jay Schroder saw through half-hearted assignments and a quiet kid in the back row and held out his hand. He checked in on me regularly, didn’t belittle me for missed work, and treated me as a human when so few teenagers feel valued. He helped me grow my writing by encouraging me two write from the heart. He gave me space while still passively being present and reminding me I wasn’t alone in my experiences and struggles. I was more than some kid who was passing through his lessons. I was someone who deserved to grow and thrive, and without him I can’t say I would have ever seen that. He epitomizes what teaches should strive to be: more than a passion plan. Even 10 years after graduating, I still regularly turn to the copy of A Young Poet that he gifted me for my graduation. Even 10 years later, this amazing man still stands as a voice in my head telling me it’ll be alright. Jay Schroder will always be a formative figure and guiding light for any student he interacts with and I’m so grateful to have met him.
Jay Schroder is an extremely influential and compassionate instructor. As a former student I was given the distict honor of experiencing his teaching. It left such a profound impact on me that I am pursuing a career in education to continue his legacy of excellence.
Jay Schroder is my hero! I have had the privilege of working with and knowing him for almost 20 years. He is an outstanding example of what it looks like to be someone who is all in. His "all inness" radiates throughout his entire world. As a writer and poet he has had the honor of being named a Fishtrap Fellow, as a karate practitioner he has earned an advanced black belt and the honorable title of teacher. His all inness plants itself firmly in the room as a mentee, a creator, a student, a teacher, a community member and a leader.
Teaching has been one path on which Jay has profoundly impacted those that he has had the great good fortune of working with. Over the course of his career I have had the opportunity to witness transformation in many of his students who had all but given up. Over and over again I saw him work his magic, ultimately showing students multitudes of options, superpowers that they did not know that they had and possibility beyond their wildest dreams. While I know that his teaching endorsement says he is a language arts teacher, I can see that he is actually a life changer of the finest sort. With grace, ease and all inness he moves through the world leaving behind a footprint of change that will iterate out for generations.
Teach From Your Best Self (TFYBS), a program (and soon to be published book) that Jay developed is a giant step forward in his vision of supporting teachers. The program has experienced great interest in a short time and many participants attest to the fact that it has saved their teaching career. As a teacher myself, and a participant of TFYBS I am so changed by the program. The program has given me a renewed sense of hope and dedication to my teaching practice. It has helped my find what it is that I love about my profession and taken me back to the roots of why I chose to teach. At this point in my career it was a welcome and unexpected transformation in my relationship to teaching.
I am eternally grateful to Jay for his vision and courage to follow through. Whether that is in the dojo, a one on one conversation with a student, leading a group of teachers through TFYBS or any of the other paths that he has brought his all inness to, I can see that he is a man who understands change. He understands that when one has their hand on the lever of change there is nothing to do but jump all in.
When I think of Jay, the first word that comes to mind is impact. The second word that comes to mind is caring. In every interaction that I have had with him as a presenter/teacher he has made a concerted effort to create a positive impact on his listeners and his caring, loving attitude is obvious.
I also know him on a personal level as a trusted friend. Whenever we visit I leave better than I arrived. This tells me that his teaching style is a natural extension of his personality which speaks to his genuineness. He deserves recognition, but beyond that, I truly believe that the world will be changed for the better if more people are exposed to individuals like him.
I too have known Jay Schroder for 25 years. I have borrowed the first part of the comments made by our mutual friend, Richard Seidman below. I literally was going to write what he has written.
What I would add is how I've witnessed countless times Mr Schroder call on his immense inner integrity and innate love of people, even in very tough situations. He has taken these qualities to a remarkably advanced level as he has attained very high ranking in his chosen martial art.
I do not know anyone I would recommend more highly for the designation, Life-Changer.
Excerpted from Richard Seidman's comments...
"As a friend of Jay Schroder's for the past twenty-five years, I wholeheartedly concur with the moving description of the profound impact he has had and continues to have on his students and teaching colleagues. This impact will dramatically expand with the publication of his book, "Teach from Your Best Self" and as more teachers participate in his workshops and trainings. I feel Jay provides a unique antidote to the burnout and despair afflicting many teachers these days that leads them to quit teaching, leading to a critical shortage of teachers. I feel it's not too grandiose to say "Teach from Your Best Self" can help preserve the viability of public school teaching as a desirable career path for young people and provide renewed inspiration and fortitude for long-time teachers. It's truly life-changing."
I had the privilege of partnering to serve students for many years with Jay in a rural high school in Southern Oregon. As a counselor, it is vital to student success to foster a collaborative partnership with teachers, and your hope is that teachers have the ability and the time to see who their students are and their needs. Jay was able to do this as he was aware that his students’ academics growth was connected to their personal and social wellbeing and he had a sincere desire to see his students succeed. The teacher-student relationships he formed provided a safe adult whom students could open up about their life, struggles, and challenges, providing the support they needed and connecting the ones who needed additional intervention with counseling and other resources. Jay's students often expressed that he was the one adult in their lives that they could trust and felt they were accepted, just the way they were. Jay used writing assignments to foster their self-awareness and created a poetry slam that wielded incredible works by our students. We witnessed even the timid and withdrawn students take the stage in front of their peers to share their creations. Emotional, real and what adolescents realized through this was that the feelings they are experiencing are unique and yet shared. The poetry slam was always a highlight for the students and our school community. Students felt so cared for in Jay’s classes that they opened up and often journaled about abuse and even suicide ideation and because of this, I can assuredly say that lives were changed and saved. When I heard Jay was developing his Teach from Your Best Self Institute and would be offering it to teachers I was excited and grateful. Knowing that educators could develop self-awareness, strategies and build their understanding of Jay's methods to create belonging and connection with his students is truly a gift. I have hope for the field of education and especially for our students knowing that Jay's compassion, energy and methods are being shared with educators who will utilize them for exactly this moment of time.
Jay’s commitment to teacher and student well-being has changed my teaching practices and given me hope to continue in a career marked by high rates of teacher burnout. Jay has given me peace, practical advice, and valuable perspective in what, nationally, can be described as a contentious environment for educators. My classroom is my happy place and my students are getting a better version of me because of Jay’s strategies for creating an authentic “best self.” His work is valuable to teachers, students, and any one who has dedicated themselves to a life of service. I am grateful to know him and honored to be a part of his great work.
Mr.Schroeder,
Has always been one of the kindest and true teachers I had. He taught me so much through his creative writing classes at Eagle Point High School when it came to using punctuation, and grammar. I remember he always gave me confidence in my writing ability and most times I would procrastinate and wait until the last minute to turn in my assignments he kind of didn’t like that but, he understood that once my pencil touched the paper I wouldn’t let myself stop just to make sure that I had everything written down just before the bell would ring. I remember I wrote an interesting poem that I thought for sure was going to get me into trouble and instead got me the utmost praise during our poetry slam. Due to his little confidence push he got me in front of the whole school and I read it out loud to everyone. I didn’t feel ashamed or even one bit bad about it because of his confidence in me that it is a moment I will hold onto forever. This was about 10 years ago and I can honestly say that Mr.Schroeder impacted my life in a good way and he also always believed in the no child left behind clause that even when I was struggling in his class or others he would make sure I was okay and help me with any subjects if I needed it. Jay if you see this I just want to thank you for being such a humble kind and honest teacher I know you didn’t just impact my life back in 2009-2012 but so many others in your creative writing class. Thank you!
Graduate of 2005. Jay Schroeder taught me Creative writing. Please excuse my punctuation. Language arts was a chore for me. Creative writing taught me how to express myself. Schroeder treated us like 34 individuals. Not a class of 34. I remember the stories I wrote in his class. Empathy for a spider. A dragon fell on our school. Please explain your first memory using first smell, then taste, touch, finally sound and sight. Punch the padded board on the wall.
It has been a pleasure to know Jay Schroeder over the last couple of years. Though I have not observed Jay teach directly his passion comes through in sharing about teaching and what it means to him. Jay shared a manuscript of his recently completed book on teaching Mr. Schroeder has recently completed and it is inspired! As a teacher, post-graduate, to physicians, I can’t wait to get a copy and incorporate its tools into my teaching. Mr. Schroeder is what being a teacher is about - a catalyst for others to manifest their unique gifts in contribution to the world.
I had the good fortune and absolute pleasure of having Jay as my teacher for a creative writing course in high school. Jay has a talent for making each student feel heard and respected. His classroom was a safe space to share feedback and ideas without being judged. It was certainly a transformative experience for me. Taking his class, I learned just as much (if not more) about myself, as I did the creative writing process.
He is genuinely kind, caring and has a wealth of knowledge that he shares with each of his students. There is no one more deserving of recognition for contributions to their community than Jay.
I find myself exceedingly fortunate to have had many amazing teachers during my formative years. Mr. Schroder being no exception. They all have a special place in my heart and are a large part of why I chose to become an educator myself. I try my best to emulate their examples in my own teaching. As a student, I remember back to the end of freshman year of high school. Feeling like Language Arts class had been a waste of time, discussing with the friend sitting next to me that we hadn't really learned anything the entire year. I resolved not to spend another year in "traditional" language arts. When it came time to select classes for the next year I elected to take Creative Writing for sophomore year instead. I also managed to convince the friend sitting next to me to take the class as well. When sophomore year came around we found ourselves wedged in a tiny room next to the home economics classes with Mr. Schroder. We learned more in the 1st grading period sophomore year than we had the entire previous prior. We wrote of our hopes, our hurts, our deepest fears, our greatest joys. Not just in poems but in stories and occasionally in songs. Mr. Schoder taught us how to paint a picture with a pen (or pencil depending on which draft it was). To set the scene, to draw the reader in.
The "friend" who I talked into taking the class with me soon became more than just a friend. By March Sophomore year we were a couple and have been together ever since. I guess you can say Mr. Schroder's class helped us fall in love (yes, I'm aware how cheesy that sounds). We even wrote poems about each other to perform for what may have been the inaugural poetry slam (if memory serves). We enjoyed the class so much we enrolled in the second part the following year. We had our college essays already written well before we really needed them with Mr. Schroder's guidance. I am so grateful for everything he taught us.
The teenage years were rough, but having an outlet for our thoughts and feelings in a healthy way was an invaluable coping mechanism for navigating the road to adulthood. We couldn't have done it without Mr. Schroder's help. He let us be ourselves and express any and every thought we had matter how bonkers it may have sounded (in some folks' cases) and never seemed at a loss for how to give feedback. We were quite the motley crew of characters but somehow the class just worked.
Nowadays, I teach 7th and 8th grade students. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and we were forced to stay home many of my students were struggling. Feeling isolated, missing their friends and all the extra curricular activities they normally participated in. I gave out a journaling assignment which seemed both feasible and practical at the time. I said they could write whatever they wanted and recalled how writing poems really helped me as a teen cope with tough stuff. Fast forward two years, a former student (now in high school) shared with me a link to the poems she started writing back in 2019-20. When I was reading them one night and giving some artistic feedback about the formatting of one of her poems, I had to pause and appreciate how it was a "full circle" moment. What started with one student and teacher was continuing on with a new generation. As educators we have no way of knowing exactly how far out influence will go. We just know in our hearts that if we trust the process, lives well beyond our own will be changed for good.
I was a student of Mr. Schroder 15 years ago at a rural high school. I took two Creative Writing courses with him, but I don’t feel the course name adequately describes all the lessons I learned while in his classroom.
Mr. Schroder challenged me to try different styles of writing and experiment with various techniques in order to find my voice. When some of this work inevitably missed the mark, he also helped me accept that not every attempt would be a success.
While I learned a lot about language and storytelling from Mr. Schroder, I also learned how to explore, be curious, and try new things without a crippling fear of failure. I learned to more effectively communicate ideas to my peers and develop self confidence.
His empathetic teaching style showed me a different way to navigate in the world. I now work in the medical field and can confidently say that this teaching style, rich with compassion and human kindness, has impacts far beyond those who choose to pursue a career in writing or English.
To this day ~15 years later, Mr. Schroder's impact on my life is still felt. Jay's patience, passion, and care during my time in his Creative Writing classes influenced the way that I feel about myself, my abilities as a creative person, and how I navigate the world. High school was a particularly difficult time for me as a queer student who dealt with bullies, at school and at home. Jay's Creative writing courses gave me a space to freely express myself without bounds. I felt like I could be myself! I knew when I walked into his classroom, I was going to be met with kindness, compassion, empathy, and unconditional regard for my wellbeing.
Jay wanted us all to succeed! His classes were fun, compelling, and challenging in ways that caused us to continually grow. When I felt like giving up or didn't want to make another edit on my poetry or story, Jay was there to gently guide me to consider ways to further my writing. Jay exemplifies all of the qualities of a leader and impactful educator! His inclusive, open-minded, thoughtful, and creative approach to teaching encompasses different learning styles. His ability to be flexible and meet students where they're at makes him an incredible asset to any classroom he works in. I know he will continue to make sweeping changes to the community of Southern Oregon that will be felt for a long time. He taught from his best self, and I know his work will empower educators generations down the line to teach from their best selves!
A quote that I feel Jay lives into: “Go forth and use wisely, every heartbeat.” Jay uses his heartbeats wisely.
I am in my 18th year of teaching. The last couple years have been the most challenging, as well as mentally and physically exhausting thus far in my career. Last spring, I thought about finding another profession because I simply could not sustain. I was invited to join TFYBS and I accepted most eagerly. This class has changed my life for the better, both in and out of my classroom. Jay has given me tools to better manage the many challenges and ongoing changes. He is one of the most empathetic and caring humans I have ever met. Each time I leave his class, I feel as though a huge weight is lifted. He has changed my life!
I had the good fortune to meet Jay at a critical time in my young teaching career. I had been teaching for two years, had just been moved from the high school level to middle school, and had honestly been considering leaving the profession following negative experiences. I signed up for the Teach From Your Best Self summer intensive hoping to find some clarity and support before jumping back in to teaching. The first couple of chapters of Jay’s text moved me to tears, as I had never encountered a mentor who made me feel so seen, and the TFYBS institute proved to be career-affirming and life-altering for me. Through the community Jay built with us in the short span of a week, along with his consistent and skilled modeling, I found myself not only prepared for the upcoming school year, but also able to exorcise some old teaching-related demons. I left the intensive with a fresh view of myself, as well as a renewed passion for my craft. Jay would be an excellent recipient of this award, and I am proud to count him as a mentor and friend.
I was fortunate enough to student teach under Jay’s mentorship. He instilled in me the critical importance of building genuine, lasting relationships with students and valuing them as individuals. Additionally, he taught me the importance of staying present in my teaching and creating an atmosphere that enables and encourages students. His focus on people as valued individuals, both for students and colleagues, has left a lasting impression on me and informs my teaching every day. I cannot recommend Jay highly enough as the Lifechanger of the Year.
I have had the honor and privilege to have been Senior Black Belt Jay's friend and martial arts instructor for the last twelve years. As a Rogue Community College retired educator, I have been blessed to know Jay and to share our love of teaching and serving the Southern Oregon community in which we live. During that time I have been continuously impressed with the compassionate integrity I have witnessed with all with whom he comes in contact. His communication skills and acumen while mentoring our students combined with his insight born from the heart of his own journey are transformative in all he touches. Throughout our association, I and my students have benefited from various seminars and workshops he has generously shared over the years and their understanding and skill levels have evolved immensely. Perhaps, one of the most impressive indicators of any superior educator would be the students he or she has produced during their career. Year after year, I met visiting former students of Jay, and the adoration and thankfulness they showered on him were boundless. The adoration-rich stories of successful lives and careers, told with thankful, often tearful eyes were directly attributed to his teachings and his personal example of a life well lived and accolades well deserved.
Mr. Schroder is not only a great teacher but an amazing man. I was lucky enough to take his creative writing courses at Eagle Point High School as well as work closely with him on a summer institute project. Besides teaching me self expression and value, his kindness, compassion, and understanding for students helped inspired me to become a teacher myself. He will always hold a special place in my heart for all he has done for me.
Jay is the epitome of education. He is exceedingly perfect in his subjects knowledge. As a plus,he really knows how to light a desire of knowledge and passion In His students. I sincerely hope that Jay gets the recognition he deserves.
I have trained in the martial arts along side of Sensei Schroder for several years. Sensei Schroder also teaches martial arts in Ashland. He is an excellent instructor with so much knowledge to share. He goes out of his way to make sure you understand what he is teaching. I believe my training and instruction from Sensei Schroder has had a tremendous impact on my martial arts as a whole. He is definitely a life changer for all Martial artists.
I can personally attest that Jay Schroder changes lives everywhere he goes, not just in the realm of teaching. As someone who knows him through the Southern Oregon community, I cannot even count the number of times when he gave me stunning advice at key moments of my life. He asks the right questions, at the right time, with compassion. His attention is a palpable force, making you feel heard, seen, and welcome to be imperfect. He clearly believes in everyone's potential and helps them move in that direction when they seek help. He does this with a down-to-earth, humble style that is at once direct and unassuming.
I've also heard from people in the local martial arts community that Jay, who I believe is something like a 5th-dan black belt (quite an accomplishment in itself) is a source of inspiration there as well, tirelessly striving to improve his own skills. This commitment to endless excellence is part of what he gives to others when he helps them - beyond helping others, he is his own example of what that means, walking the talk and doing what he says he will do. Anyone who knows him knows that he is someone you can count on to fulfill his promises.
Some 14 years ago, I was fortunate to take a series of Creative Writing courses from Mr. Schroder in high school. Jay made a lasting impact on my life. He stood out as a teacher who uniquely integrated his humanity into his teaching style. The cultural story of teachers changing the world by changing lives certainly applies here.
Mr. Schroder's demeanor is that of acceptance of students for their identities and experiences. I came to school “with my head in the clouds” most days due to a bad home life and being bullied severely at school. I could always count on his classes to bring me safely to the present moment. He readily shared his rigorous standards and his wealth of knowledge, which kept me engaged and refreshed with each class. He recognized my lack of confidence and encouraged me through diligent, gentle processes of accountability. This led to my winning 3rd place in the Oregon Kay Snow student writing competition with a short story that depicted a traumatic series of events during my upbringing, giving me a significant sense of courage and empowerment that I had never experienced previously. Through this, I learned essential lessons that I still carry with me today: I have a voice and I can use it. I do not have to hide my pain. Through writing, my difficulties can transmute into healing for myself and others.
Additionally, he advocated for me by helping me get funding to acquire college credits for these classes and he took the time to write me an astounding and detailed recommendation letter, which ultimately played a key role in my becoming a fully funded first generation college graduate. I graduated with honors; I credit much of that outcome to the ways that he helped me develop my writing voice.
I am unsure that he is aware of this, but I can trace plenty of personal growth back to his classes. As I came of age with more than my fair share of hardships, Jay's teaching gave me the tools to process these experiences through writing. By teaching writing styles that distinguished between 'writing for oneself' and 'writing to make a splash' in the hearts of others, he facilitated the development of an essential set of skills that I still lean on today for personal wellness.
My ongoing effort to collect and publish an anthology of poetry that reflects healing, complex emotion, and growth is rooted in his teachings. I will never forget the transformative experience of being taught by Mr. Schroder. I am unsurprised that he has continued to make above and beyond contributions to students and community throughout his career. Without question, Mr. Jay Schroder’s classes changed my life!
Jay is a phenomenal educator and mentor. His giving and caring nature are evident to students and colleagues alike. He is an extraordinary asset to his educational communities. His students admire him and his creative, bespoke lessons help to foster real and lasting growth. I am proud to call him a mentor and friend. Congratulations on the nomination, Jay!
Just over a year ago, my daughter was hospitalized for six week. Her illness and recovery were life changing events in many ways, including precluding her from graduating with her class as expected. After she was discharged from the hospital, she was lost and despondent. She felt separated from school, separated from her friends, and separated from life in general. As a friend of the family, Jay knew about her illness; she knew Jay from attending an art camp he directed. Jay saw her struggles and volunteered to meet with Elie to support her. He met with her at least weekly for many months, listening to her, encouraging her, and challenging her. Throughout the time they met, she began to find a path forward and to reengage in life. Jay was instrumental in helping my daughter find her reason to get up in the morning and figure out how she was going to get where she wanted to go. I’m happy to say that with the help of Jay’s patience, wisdom, and perseverance, she found her best self and was accepted as a Dean’s Scholar at Brandeis University.
Me. Schroder was my high school English teacher a few years ago. He watched me go through ups and downs for years and was always supportive even when I’d dissapear for weeks at a time. He not only saw opportunity within me, he helped me achieve graduation when I didn’t think it was possible anymore. Without mr schroder i would never had graduated and I wouldn’t be where I am today. He is hands down the best teacher I ever had.
I had the privilege of working with Jay on a summer arts institute for high school students. His care for each participant and thoughtfulness for the student experience was embedded in every aspect of the program. Not only did he make the experience transformative for the students, he had a similar impact on all of the instructors and administrators who worked on the program with him. I am better at my job and a better person because of what I’ve learned from Jay. Years later, I still reflect back on things I learned from him when I am making program decisions. I am so pleased that he is sharing his perspective and expertise with other educators!
I had the privilege of having Mr. Schroder as my homeroom/English teacher in my Senior year at Central Medford High School. I was juggling two jobs, school, and was struggling with anxiety/depression. Schroder was always there to support me in any way he could. He would make sure to check in with me daily, especially when I was absent. I remember a time when I missed about a week of school, he and the whole class called and left a voicemail that really lifted my spirits. He made the class feel like a team unit, with everyone there to support each other. He was always there to answer questions, offer advice, or just listen. I have had a few great teachers, but I don't think any of them come close to Schroder in terms of individual support, team building, and classroom control. Schroder made class somewhere you actually wanted to be. He's very patient, but knows how to draw hard lines without disrupting the laid-back, fun atmosphere. Schroder has made a lasting impression on my life, and without the support of him and the rest of the team at Central, I'm not sure I would have graduated. I am very happy that he has the opportunity to share his priceless knowledge with other educators, and am greatly looking forward to the publication of his book "Teach From Your Best Self." I am extremely honored to have been a part of 'Schroder's Dojo 2020' and can think of no one more deserving of the LCOY award than our Sensei.
Jay Schroder is downright one of the most genuine people I've ever met. He always had the best intentions for everyone he came in contact with and he was a very valuable teacher to me.
He gave me the tools to improve my writing skills and changed the way I looked at art in general.
He absolutely deserves this award.
Jay was one of the best teachers I ever had in school. Not only did he better cultivate my love for writing, he was also a very compassionate soul and a positive presence to learn from. He truly exemplifies the trope of language arts teachers being the best educators.
Hi, I’m a former student of Mr.schroder and man what a teacher. He’s very motivational, inspiring, and looks out for his students, when I was in his class not a single student was left out, he made everyone feel like apart of the team.
Me personally when I showed up to central I had already given up, I was gonna drop out, but then schroder started to motivate me, lit a flame of ambition within me. With his help I was able to succeed. I don’t know where I’d be without him, and wasn’t just me that felt like giving up, it was multiple lives he turned around.
All I can say I can’t thank him enough.if it weren’t for many people might not have graduated. Hope he knows he is appreciated.
Mr. Schroder is one of the most fantastic teachers out there. His open communication, and compassion are unparalleled.
I am forever grateful for the lessons I learned in his creative writing classes, and the way he encouraged all of us to be the best writers we could be. He always gave constructive feedback, and asked the right questions to make sure that he understood the intention we had as the writer(s).
The time I spent in his class gave me invaluable skills I carried into adulthood, and still use today, ten years later. These lessons will stick with me throughout my life.
He really cares about each of his students, and takes the time to listen to them where it really matters. Even if it wasn’t related to writing, he is always there for his students- long after we’ve graduated.
Mr. Schroder taught the creative writing classes I took in high school. He has always been a highly supportive, compassionate, and fantastic teacher.
The feedback he gave me on my writing both in class, and while preparing for poetry slam, were invaluable. Some of my most fond memories of high school were in his class. There was always an open line of non-judgmental communication. He really urged his students to think for ourselves, and use our ability to freely express those thoughts in a positive way.
The impact he had on me as a teacher will forever stick with me; even after ten years, I still utilize the skills he taught me.
Thank you for everything you did and continue to do for us students!
I have known Jay for over a decade, first meeting him when he was an ELA teacher at a high school to which I had recently been hired. I was the librarian and an ELA teacher, and he was an English teacher. From that more objective view, one is able to see much, and Jay is far and away one of the most professional, effective educators with whom I have ever had the pleasure to work. He taught students with passion - passion for them and for their success, as well as passion for his content. He ran amazingly creative poetry slams and built relevant curriculum for the department, guiding those who were disinterested or uninterested through transitions. Even when a toxic environment threatened to overtake others and the morale of the school, Jay remained professional and a source of light. He exudes everything he hopes to build in students: compassion, calm, creativity, positivity, and kindness. Students and educators look to him for all those things, and without seeming to try, Jay delivers, perhaps because it is who he is. As someone with education and interest in social and emotional wellbeing for all educational stakeholders, his Teach from Your Best Self Institute is one Jay and I have spoken about for several years now and I wish desperately that I could attend. Jay never fails to check in on me, find out if I am doing well. He just - well, he just cares about people. Given that, plus his monumental talents as an educator, he deserves any and all accolades for which he is nominated.
Jay Schroder has been an inspiration. His leadership and support through the "Teaching from Your Best Self Institute" has impacted my life both inside and outside my classroom. The tools he's shared have revitalized my hope and joy for teaching.
I am currently halfway through my year long Teaching From Your Best Self Institute. From the beginning I knew it was going to be a life-changing experience. Jay first introduced the idea of In Shin Tonkei--creating the greatest effect with the least amount of effort. Next, he talked about our hurt spots--areas of emotional tenderness that both go deep and show up when least expected. Jay explained that, without proper attention to healing them, hurt spots will continue to get in the way of my being able to teach from my best self. TFYBSI has allowed me a safe space to acknowledge and heal my hurt spots through the use of circle sharing and expressive writing. Delving deeper into my hurt spots has allowed me to stay in control of my feelings and not be taken by surprise by them. Now I use what Jay calls The Cool Pause, and stop for a minute and take a breath before addressing whatever is going on in class. When my students see me taking a beat, then dealing with an outburst or upset with kindness and understanding they know the two most important things: that I care about them and want them to succeed, creating what Jay says is "belonging and connection--two prerequisites for learning." I consider this the most important aspect of TFYBS: the fact that it is Professional Development in the truest sense of the phrase. It starts with us as teachers by helping us, healing us and most importantly supporting us so that we have the strength and ability to do the same for our students. Jay truly does what he states as a goal: "Help teachers better understand themselves so they can best help their students." Now that I’m coming from a place of real calm, my students understand that learning in my classroom is collaborative (part of my Prime Directive) and they are more relaxed and work harder because they know they have unconditional support and high expectations. This is another way Jay meets his stated goal of "Giving teachers ways to maximize student learning that doesn't cost them their physical and mental health." I know everyone talks about what a great teacher Jay is--and I think I've shown that he is--but being in his presence in the classroom is one of the greatest gifts of his program. Love and support really exudes from him and it's amazing when I think that he is running the TFYBSI while also working as a full time teacher at an alternative high school with challenging students. This kind of generosity toward us as teachers and his own teaching is awesome and inspiring. It's one thing to be taught and learn concepts for how to support yourself to be a better teacher but it becomes something much deeper when you see the depth of dedication that Jay gives to this work. As Jay has written: "Schools need to be re-created as places that support and inspire our best." And with Jay's TFYBSI I believe that can be accomplished.
Jay has been so helpful with his classes. As teachers we will see each other in the hallway and ask about ROI (return on investment) or ask each other if we took a cool pause. It’s helped us build a community and just share our struggles with strategies to help us preserve with an overwhelming job at times. He’s been great.
Jay is a fabulous human being. He inspires me to be a better version of myself and aim for continual improvement.
Dear Reader,
I truly agree with the comments in this article regarding the wealth of knowledge and positive influence that Mr. Schroder is giving
each of those which he interacts with, including myself in attending our TFYBS Sessions at C-TAK. I feel that he is most qualified and
sincere as he brings his best tips and advice to educators on how to be the best that we can be in the classroom. I feel that this will
insure our best endeavors toward bringing successes at every turn as we teach and interact with our students and staff daily.
Sincerely Grateful to have this opportunity to become a confident and a better educator, Stephanie Keener.
Mr. Schroder's commitment to teaching his students surpasses his unwavering support to always help them. It is evident that he exudes enthusiasm and positive energy along with thoughtfulness in how he builds community in his classroom. He is exactly the kind of person you would want as a teacher and colleague. The number of incredible curriculum innovations and approaches he has shared over the years with students and teachers are hard to measure via this testimonial. I do hope we can publicly thank him for his years of service and being a mentor to so many. Congratulations! on your nomination and we need to celebrate and recognize your dedication to the art and practice of education.
As a friend of Jay Schroder's for the past twenty-five years, I wholeheartedly concur with the moving description of the profound impact he has had and continues to have on his students and teaching colleagues. This impact will dramatically expand with the publication of his book, "Teach from Your Best Self" and as more teachers participate in his workshops and trainings. I feel Jay provides a unique antidote to the burnout and despair afflicting many teachers these days that leads them to quit teaching, leading to a critical shortage of teachers. I feel it's not too grandiose to say "Teach from Your Best Self" can help preserve the viability of public school teaching as a desirable career path for young people and provide renewed inspiration and fortitude for long-time teachers. It's truly life-changing.
For more than twenty years, I've trained with Mr. Schoder in Karate. He has now risen in the art to become a fifth-degree black belt. Sensei Schroder brings the same qualities to teaching Karate as he does to teaching his high school English students: diligence, kindness, challenge, and humor.
I'm honored to know Jay Schroder and cannot think of anyone more worthy of being called "Life Changer of the Year."
Early in my career as a professor at SOU in English, Teacher Education, and Director of the Oregon Writing Project, Jay was a participant in one of my teacher workshops. He was just beginning his teaching career, but his maturity, thoughtfulness, his command of classroom strategies and curriculum building distinguished him among his peers. He was a valued cooperating classroom teacher with whom I placed several student teachers. As I observed and supervised my student teachers in his classroom, I also had an opportunity to observe Jay practicing his craft. The comments in the nomination resonate with what I observed then, even at the start of his teaching career. Not only is Jay a model for excellent classroom instruction, he demonstrates in his daily practice that effective teaching requires more than a good lesson plan. Teachers need to know their students, empathize with their struggles, celebrate their talents, and show those students how to be their best selves. He certainly deserves recognition for being the life changer that he is.
Jay is an inspiration to educators. He teaches us the true purpose of education and provides us the knowledge and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our students.
Congratulations, Jay! Thank you for your continued good work in helping all educators lead from their best selves! Your dedication to your colleagues and students is inspirational!
I've known Jay since we were both young teachers and colleagues teaching at a rural high school. He has become not only a skilled teacher but an advocate for his students and for his colleagues. He mentors new teachers and elevates the profession through his work.
I have heard such wonderful comments about Jay's Teach from Your Best Self Institute. He's doing great work that is making a big impact on education in southern Oregon.
As a longtime colleague and fan of Jay Schroeder, I see him as a teacher who is not only extremely knowledgeable in his chosen content area, but inspires others to appreciate and enjoy the value of expressive communication. Several years ago, I had the good fortune to work with one of his students while she was home after giving birth. The writing assignment Jay gave her led to some significant moments of self-discovery and affirmation that were truly meaningful to this remarkable young mom. Jay's students have an opportunity to learn much more than any state curriculum guidelines could ever outline. He provides a safe environment where, through literature and creative writing, they can discover more about themselves and their world. I have no idea how many lives Jay has changed throughout his long career, but have seen ample proof that he has had a positive impact on our shared students.
Mr. Schroeder has done so much for Southern Oregon teachers and students. I frequently hear from other educators about his positive impacts, including that they're staying in the field.
