This month’s National Renaissance Staffulty of the Month is Erin Schreurs from Kingman Academy of Learning High School in Arizona. Jennifer Perea, one of her many nominators, writes:
Erin Schreurs has worked tirelessly the past 7 years to not only reignite but to grow our Renaissance program at KAHS. Her efforts as an advisor have turned our floundering dabble into Jostens Renaissance into a mega-program at our small, rural school. When Erin started, she had a small group of students interested, very little staffulty involvement, and no community support. With her innovative ideas, belief in the Renaissance formula, and a desire to spread a positive attitude throughout our school, Erin has made the Renaissance Club THE place to be! Erin Schruers is constantly designing ways to improve our school, support other clubs, recognize our students, and shine the light on kindness, compassion, and a positive mindset. She makes sure the students are supported, have the necessary supports needed, and become leaders in school. She puts in more hours than seemingly are in a day, and she puts her own needs aside to support our students and Staffulty. By her example, she has encouraged other teachers at our 3 other KAOL campuses to start and grow their Renaissance programs. I believe there is no other harder working Renaissance advisor in the global Renaissance community.
How long have you been involved with Renaissance?
Going on six years.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
Every year when we do our Gratitude Grams there are students whose faces light up when they see someone sent them one. Staffulty and students always stop myself and our Ren crew in the halls to thank us and tell us how much those little messages of gratitude meant to them. Knowing that such a simple note can make such a huge impact is absolutely inspiring.
How has Renaissance impacted your school’s culture?
KAHS has always been a tight knit family, but I have noticed that there is more of an outreach to new students to get them involved and become part of that family. I’ve noticed that students are more engaged with each other on a daily basis and the relationships between students and Staffulty is amazing. I see students that normally would hide in the background stepping into leadership roles and volunteering to help. We have a lot of students coming back to our school, just because of the climate and culture that we create every day.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Renaissance brings my creative and fun loving side out even more than just teaching. I truly enjoy planning rallies, dressing up for spirit weeks, finding ways to celebrate everyone, and just bringing a little joy to others. Renaissance allows me to create the high school experience that I wanted as a teenager, and share my passion with those around me. And any day that I am struggling, I know I have an entire tribe of students and Staffulty there for me. The relationships I have built with my Renaissance students continues well beyond the four years of high school, and knowing that I am actually making a change and impacting others is the greatest reward.
What advice would you give to someone just starting with Renaissance?
First, you have to go to JRGC. You will make connections, get fired up, and go home with more ideas than you can imagine. And second, find one or two schools or advisors that can be mentors. It is so helpful to have people to idea share, get feedback, and just encourage you. Just get involved with the Renaissance family as much as possible and they will help you every step of the way.
Erin will receive a tote bag and a lapel pin in recognition of her achievement.