We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Schultz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, how do you think about risk?
I have been in education for over 10 years, in the classroom teaching math. When the opportunity to teach part-time and also be the IB Coordinator at Lakewood High School opened up, it was a sign to be able to utilize my previous work experience in the world of marketing with my current teaching journey. The IB program at Lakewood High School is such a gem in a very diverse district. The opportunities that the students get by being part of a high rigor academic program with a sense of greater diverse community and a chance to be involved in so many amazing clubs and activities is absolutely amazing. Being able to work with students, colleagues and families to support the IB journey has also been a breath of fresh air.

Lakewood is the longest running and most successful IB Diploma program in Jefferson County and offers the largest full IB diploma program in Jefferson County. Lakewood’s inclusive community reinforces the value of “better together” and encourages students to explore varied interests, clubs, student senate, extracurricular activities and sports outside of their academic focus. Lakewood boasts a 95-99% IB diploma pass rate. The Junior and Senior classes have become a close knit, open-minded, high-achieving peer group.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at LHS is such a unique place. It allows for our students to be exposed to real-life learning and also diversity within the school. Our IB Students are driven, caring, smart and inquisitives. They have interests in so many different areas and their reasoning and creative thought is simply amazing. I love hearing back from our graduates as they go over all of the amazing benefits of doing IB and where it has taken them in their lives in college and beyond. I want the world to know the benefits of the program and how it keeps students engaged and productive critical thinkers in our society and the world in general.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout would be to the educators at Lakewood High School that are the ones that tirelessly come up with creative ways to bring relevant information and engaging lessons. They are my rock in helping me develop as a better teachers myself and helping me find different ways to let the personality of students shine and my own personality as well to help me connect with my students. They have been instrumental in being mentors, friends, and really family, when it comes to raising my own 10 year old twins. Our motto is “We are Family!” and we truly are. Shoutout to really all educators out in the world.

Website: https://sites.google.com/jeffcoschools.us/lhstigerib/home

Instagram: lakewood_ib

Image Credits
IBPA volunteers

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