Fairview Elementary School’s (FES) Chris Schmidt is the 2024 Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Specialist of the Year!
AIG Lead Facilitator Stephanie Knox, 2023 winner Jennifer Harmon, FES Principal Dr. Bonnie Bolado, Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson, and Associate Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Reed surprised Mr. Schmidt with flowers, balloons and a plaque on Monday. Dr. Bolado praised Mr. Schmidt for his excellence in teaching.
“Mr. Schmidt is amazing,” said Dr. Bolado. “He works with students individually and in large groups as he helps grow young minds. Mr. Schmidt is actively involved in our school including running club on Saturdays as he is constantly involved in helping students be the best version of themselves.”
Mr. Schmidt has been a teacher at Buncombe County Schools for over 20 years and an AIG specialist for 15 years. He praised the amazing people that surround him daily in the school.
“This is a real surprise,” he said. “I work with amazing people in this building and in the AIG department. My students are the reason I am here.”
BCS AIG programs provide advanced students with engaging learning experiences that deepen their passion for learning, problem solving and critical thinking skills while supporting intellectual, emotional, and social success. Nominations for AIG Specialist of the Year come from colleagues who believe the AIG Specialist exemplifies the characteristics and hard work necessary to inspire our students in BCS. Once nominated, candidates write essay responses to broad questions about passion for working with students and gifted programming. Essays are scored by seven district leaders using a rubric.
Mr. Schmidt has been nominated for the North Carolina Teachers of Gifted and Talented award.
