This week’s “Warrior You Should Know” is Chris Schramm. Chris teaches in the Science department and while I still don’t know Chris all that well, I already think he is great based on his responses to my questions.
- His name is Chris and his initials are CS. (same as mine)
- We both love the same book series.
- We both love Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s Pizza.
- We both play the bass guitar.
After receiving Chris’s responses to my questions, I felt as if we might be long lost brothers, cousins, or perhaps I had stumbled into some sort of alternate universe based on our similarities. Chances are that you may also have some things in common with Chris (and me) as well, so read on to get to know him better.
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What do you teach?
I teach Biology and Genetics
How many years of experience in education do you have? How many have you taught here at WV?
I have been teaching for 14 years, all at Waubonsie. I also student taught here and took a long term subbing position here before I became full time.
Where did you go to high school?
I went to high school at Downers Grove North High School.
Where did you go to college?
My undergrad was at North Central College and my Masters was at Aurora University.
Why did you get into education?
I found out very quickly in college that doing bench research was not for me. I also began working with a high school youth group in college. I loved the energy of the kids and working in a setting like that, so I put my love of science together with working with kids and here I am.
Where do you get inspiration from?
The students for starters. It’s amazing the energy that they bring to the classroom. Sometimes it’s that energy that gets me through the day. Second would definitely be the science department. From helping each other out, to our daily humor sessions in the office, it’s never a dull moment. Teaching Genetics offers me a unique chance to bring in new technologies that are being used in the field, and continually update the course to match. This has always been supported by our department and I am truly grateful for it. Last, and certainly not least, is all of you, the building staff. You are all such a great group of people that I couldn’t think of working anywhere else
What is your favorite Warrior memory?
I have many, but probably my favorite was last year when my son was in Warrior Preschool. It was awesome to have students that I would teach in class then go on to be such great teachers for my son as well.
Is there a student that you will never forget? Tell us why they were so memorable.
There have been many great students that have come through Waubonsie, but I tend to remember the funniest moments first. I will not name this student, but it was during the infamous “Lock-Down” situation from a few years ago. After about 2 hours of sitting in the dark computer lab with my class, not knowing what was going on, and having a bunch of students having to sit quietly – one of my students finally spoke up with a very simple statement: “Mr. Schramm, I love you!” The entire class, me included, completely lost it in laughter at that point. It was the greatest tension-breaking moment of my career.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
Ripping my pants from the zipper all the way to the knee right as my class was coming in. I got my class covered and got to go be the weird guy at Walmart wearing a jacket around his front and buying pants.
What is the current book that you are reading?
My favorite book series is The Dresden Files Series by Jim Butcher. *The WVHS Library has the series available for checkout.
Do you have any favorite artists or songs?
There are too many good songs to choose from for me to pick a favorite but I like anything but Rap or Country.
Favorite childhood teacher and why?
Mr. Hoffman, AP Bio teacher senior year. Convinced me to pursue Biology as a career.
Who do you live with? Spouse, kids, pets, etc.
I am married to my lovely wife Abbey and we have 2 boys: Logan (6) and Dylan (1). We also have a dog named Bailey, a bearded dragon named Zizza (which is how a 2 year-old pronounces “Lizard”), and various fish.
When not at school, where do you like to spend your time or what do you like to do?
When not at school, I like to spend time with my wife and 2 boys. I also enjoy reading, movies (especially Marvel Movies and Star Wars) and the occasional video game. I would say my only special talent is that I play the bass guitar.
What are your future goals?
I was taught early in my career that you are never done improving your teaching, so I want to keep getting better. I also want to continue to bring new and unique experiences to my students in Genetics. Lastly, I never want to lose my sense of wonder!
If your department had to vote you, “most likely to…”, what would they vote you?
Most likely to find all of the remaining infinity stones and save the universe single-handedly!
Now that you know a little bit more about Chris. be sure to say hello and possibly make plans to catch the next Star Wars or Marvel movie together.