Viking Connections: Vanessa Schmitt
Vanessa Schmitt is the director of specialized services for a three-school high school district (Proviso Township District 209) with more than 4,700 students. Her office is responsible for special education, emergent bilinguals (formerly EL), McKinney-Vento (services for homeless youth) and homebound/hospitalization.
"I am always looking to bring students looking to enter the field of education or a social service field the opportunity to learn about working in a setting that is for those who have a desire to share their talents in a setting that is made up of 10 communities in the western portion of the Chicagoland area.
"My school district is truly unique, encompassing a school that was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, another school that is in its second year of international baccalaureate programming, and a third school that is one of 10 schools statewide chosen to participate in the development of personalized competency-based education, as well as working with Bob Marzano to become a recognized Marzano Academy.
"These activities are things students may be reading about, but my connection will give them the opportunity to hear and see it first-hand!"
Augustana graduation year: 1993
Post-graduate: Special education (M.A. and Ph.D.)
Majors: Speech communication, secondary education
Campus activities: Student Government Association, ACES, WVIK, Sports Information Director's Office, Sigma Kappa Tau.
• Best way to contact her: Email or phone, 815-258-8898
