Mr. Schoonmaker is a teacher that many students look up to here in Pine Plains. In Maylin’s interview with Schoon, he highlights how he entered the teaching profession, his passion for a good competition, and his advice for students interested in pursuing school activities or a career in government.
What made you want to become an Economics/Government teacher?
When I was student teaching at Kingston High School, the college I was at put me in a really tough classroom because I was a bit older than most other student teachers, and since I was in the restaurant business before teaching, they thought I could handle the roughest of kids. Most teachers do not want anything to do with Economics because it is really hard to teach. I fell in love with it right away, and have been teaching it ever since.
Why did you choose to be a teacher in Pine Plains?
I had a few other job offers, but I came out and spent the day in Pine Plains and I really liked the feel of the school.
What other activities do you lead or coach?
Other than [leading] Mock Trial [with Mr. Orton] I am also the Key Club advisor and Varsity Golf coach. I also coach basketball in Ulster County. I am very competitive and enjoy the challenges of teaching young people and competing.
How is mock trial going this year? What would you say to students who have been thinking about joining?
Mock trial has yet to start, but I would encourage anyone thinking about it to [join or] stick with it because there are a lot of life skills that you will use by participating in this activity.
Any advice for students pursuing a career in economics?
Economics is very difficult. Anyone who is pursuing a career in Economics must be prepared to work really hard. It requires a lot of reading and studying.