Laura Schmidt: A Class Act At Edwin Loe
- marketingjda
- Aug 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 27
In New Town, North Dakota, Edwin Loe Elementary is utilizing new equipment to drive student learning and excellence. Among the teachers who use these tools for improving their students' futures, Laura Schmidt works extensively to encourage positive behavior and community growth.
Since she was a child, Laura Schmidt loved to read. Her desire to learn grew into a passion for teaching others, beginning with her own child. Laura's child had trouble reading books, and she deeply sympathized with their struggle, not only academically but also emotionally, as it affected their confidence. Her child's challenges inspired Laura to support other children and help them become better readers as well.
Moving from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to New Town transformed Laura's life. When her husband became a pastor for Bethel Lutheran Church in 2014, she began working as a paraprofessional in the Reading Intervention Program for Edwin Loe Elementary. Principal Jenell Bear noticed Laura's passion and commitment to educating students, and in 2019, she encouraged Laura to return to college to get a Master's Degree in education. In the years that followed, Laura studied at Grand Canyon University while still working as a paraprofessional for Edwin Loe.
After earning her Master's Degree, Laura was hired as a licensed teacher in 2021. She is also a Co-coordinator for Title I, a testing coordinator for state testing, a member of the school's administration team, and oversees the afterschool program.
Through Laura, Edwin Loe began a new initiative to reinforce positive behavior and student growth.
Book Vending Machine
Inspired by a fellow teacher's project, Laura recognized the potential of a book vending machine to engage students and promote literacy. Mountrail County JDA Board Member Bill Wilber recommended the JDA's Community Grant to Laura, leading her and the school to apply for funding.
The book vending machine is part of a system that rewards students for positive behavior. When a student exhibits excellence, they receive recognition through school announcements and in the school newsletter. They also receive a token that can be redeemed for a book of their choice to keep.
The vending machine helps to build home libraries for students in a rural area where access to books may be limited. It also promotes an excitement around reading and builds motivation for students.
Color Copier
To enhance instruction and communication, Laura and the school applied for the Mountrail County JDA Community Grant to purchase a color copier. The copier is able to print ledger-sized posters of learning goals for classrooms, create materials for family and community events such as Reading Night, and produce clear, colorful copies of student work and instructional resources.
Poster Printer
On top of the book vending machine and color copier, Edwin Loe has secured funding for additional projects. To create large, high-quality visuals that highlight students and their work throughout the building, the school plans to purchase a poster printer. Edwin Loe's projects are part of a greater agenda to make students feel seen and heard and develop supportive mentor relationships with them.
Laura strongly believes her work centers around relationships:
"I believe students learn best when they feel known, supported, and valued, so I focus on building strong connections with students and their families. Living in this community with my family—my husband as a pastor and my son working at the college—helps me form genuine relationships because I’m part of the community, not just the school."
Laura also values close relationships with other staff; when they support each other and work as a team, she feels it creates a positive environment where students can succeed both academically and emotionally.
Laura And The Community
As for her role as a teacher, Laura feels it's vital in her community:
"For many of our students, school is a place where they can count on consistency, support, and care each day. It’s where their basic needs are met alongside their education."
Laura and other teachers at Edwin Loe Elementary work hard to create a family-like atmosphere within their school and classrooms so that students feel safe, valued, and supported. No matter what their position is, all staff at Edwin Loe play an important role in supporting their students and making a positive impact in their lives.
Laura advises aspiring teachers to develop patience with their students and themselves:
"Growth takes time, especially for struggling learners, but those small wins really matter. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The people around you—your coworkers and those in leadership roles—are there to support you. Teaching is a team effort, and some of the best ideas and growth come from working together."
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