Luverne native Madeleine “Madee” Schmuck is beginning her teaching career at MCC as the seventh- and eighth-grade math teacher.
For Schmuck, teaching has always been a career she could see herself pursuing.
“I have always been passionate about helping students learn and succeed to the best of their abilities,” she said. “I also love the sense of community that comes with teaching and being part of a school.”
Schmuck graduated from Luverne High School in 2022 and earned a degree in secondary math education from University of South Dakota in Vermillion in May 2026.
She wanted to stay in Minnesota and teach in a small school with a strong sense of community.
“I’ve heard great things about MCC,” said Schmuck, who spent her childhood summers going to Lake Shetek and Slayton.
As a first-year teacher, Schmuck plans to draw on what she learned during her student-teaching experiences.
“One of the most important things I learned is the importance of getting to know your students, including their interests, passions and personalities,” she said. “Building those relationships helps you create a strong classroom environment and find the best ways to teach and connect with your students.”
Schmuck hopes to build strong relationships with students while creating a safe, welcoming and positive classroom environment.
“I want my students to know that I am excited to teach them and that they are always welcome to talk to me,” she said. “I want my classroom to be a place where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes as they learn.”
While she looks forward to meeting students and staff, Schmuck is excited to begin her career in the classroom and encourages anyone interested in the teaching field to get into a classroom and observe as soon as you can.
“I had opportunities to help my teachers and observe what they did in the classroom which helped me understand what teaching was really like and determine if it was a good fit for me,” she said.
Schmuck’s family includes her mom, JoDee; her stepdad, Jeff; her dad, Cory; and her stepmom, Sara.
“I would like to thank my parents for helping me all through my stages of life and also all the great teachers I have had throughout my life,” she said.
