Dear Parents:

My name is Zak Schaefer, and I will be student teaching in Mrs. Czyperas classroom for the next
few months. After graduating from Grand Valley State in 2008 with a degree in Integrated Sciences, it
took me a few years to realize my passion: educating children. I have many experiences working with
elementary students. While in college, I worked for TEAM 21, an after school program in Wyoming. I
also volunteered in several classrooms in the Grand Rapids area. Post-college, I gained excellent
classroom experience substituting in southeast Michigan. This past year, I had a rewarding opportunity
to teach 2
nd
through 7
th
grade Korean Students in Cheonan, South Korea. It was this experience that
truly cemented my intention to become a teacher.
A little more about me: I grew up in Jackson, MI and have always been close with my family. I
love to read, run, and play sports, especially football and basketball. (Ive also been a basketball referee
for several years.) Additionally, I enjoy cooking and hiking mountain trails around the world. I spent
several weekends in South Korea traversing their mountains, and I was fortunate enough to spend a
month hiking in New Zealand after my contract was finished. It had always been my dream to hike the
Himalayas; and this past October, I realized that dream and made a trip to Nepal, where I saw amazing
views of Mt. Everest and some of the other tallest mountains in the world.
I feel fortunate to be working with Mrs. Czypera; shes a dedicated teacher who I know I will
learn much from. I believe in doing ones best and overcoming fears and insecurities, and I hope to
inspire the same goals in my students. At some point this semester, one of my lessons will be recorded
for the College of Education at GVSU. If you have any concerns about this or anything else, please
contact me. Mrs. Czyperas classroom number is (616) 254-5519. My prep time will be from 9:50-10:30,
and I will also be available after dismissal at 3:10.
I look forward to meeting you!
Sincerely,

Zak Schaefer