Two teachers in Wisconsin, including one who is a Lawrence University alumnus, are being honored by Lawrence with the annual Outstanding Teaching in Wisconsin Award.
Chris Rundquist, a social studies teacher at Neenah High School, and Eric Schroeter ’85, a chemistry teacher at LakeView Technology Academy in the Kenosha Unified School District, are being recognized for their commitment to students.
The Lawrence Awards for Outstanding Teaching in Wisconsin recognize two secondary school teachers each year with a monetary award to the educator and a donation to that school’s library. The teachers are nominated by Lawrence seniors who attended school in Wisconsin, and recipients are selected by a committee of education faculty from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Conservatory of Music.
The award honors teachers who create a sense of excitement for and enthusiasm about learning; actively engage students and motivate them to do their best work; contribute to the well-being of their school and its community; and are committed to the personal growth of their students.
Rundquist was nominated by Lawrence senior Spencer Millay, who will be receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in history at the June 9 Commencement. He plans to pursue a career in social studies teaching. In his nomination, Millay wrote: “Chris is passionate about what he teaches, he cares about the school culture, and he wants to see his students succeed.”
Millay went on to describe the personal attention Rundquist gives every student and how he encouraged his own steps into teaching by, among other things, inviting him to lead a lesson in a practicum. He also noted the care Rundquist demonstrated as the school’s wrestling coach.
Schroeter was nominated by Nicolas Magnuson, who will be receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in physics. In his nomination, Magnuson wrote, “Dr. Schroeter, a Lawrence alum, embodies the heart and spirit of impactful science education daily” and that “Dr. Schroeter consistently stands out among the already spectacular teaching staff” by “harnessing his sincere adoration for science to inspire and bring out the best of students in his class.”
Magnuson described the extra time and effort Schroeter put into helping students hone their skills and further their understanding of the subject matter.
Lawrence has been giving these awards to outstanding Wisconsin teachers since 1985, thanks to the support of a generous donor.
Ed Berthiaume
Ed Berthiaume is director of public information at Lawrence University.
