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Schmidt, Jon

Clinical Assistant Professor; Senn/Loyola Partnership Coordinator

Jon Schmidt comes to the School of Education from the Center for Experiential Learning at Loyola University where he managed academic service-learning. Prior to his work at Loyola, he served as the Manager of Democracy Education and Student Leadership for Chicago Public Schools from 2002–2014, coordinating service-learning, civic education, and student leadership initiatives throughout the District. The most recent initiative brought 28 high schools together with civic and community organizations to build and strengthen the civic mission and purpose of public high schools. Prior to his work at Chicago Public Schools, Jon founded and directed BOLD Chicago Institute, a non-profit dedicated to developing young leaders and engaging them in their communities.

Jon has long been interested in and worked toward building healthy and just communities through the strategies of organizing, development, and service. He is particularly interested in working with faculty and students to connect their academic work to the exciting and innovative work in our schools and communities across the city. Jon has dedicated his career to connecting young people to opportunities to develop their sense of identity and civic purpose and supporting their active engagement in ways that build the common good.

Education

  • EdD candidate Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
  • MEd, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
  • BA, Valparaiso University

Research Interests

  • K-12 civic education in urban settings
  • Civic education pedagogy
  • Civic education and identity development
  • School district supports of K-12 civic education
  • University as anchor institution in urban communities
  • Placed-based pedagogy and university engagement
  • University/Community/School partnerships
  • Discipline-based service-learning

Professional/Community Affiliations

  • Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Consortium, President
  • ONE Northside, Strategy Team Leader
  • Chicago Public Schools Community Schools Initiative, Assessment Advisory Council Member
  • CURL/ONE Northside, Advisory Council Member

Courses Taught

  • CIEP 469: Teaching and Learning in Urban Communities
  • EXPL 290: Community Power and Social Change
  • TSLC 130: Introduction to Teaching, Learning, and Leading with Schools and Communities

Awards

  • Mikva Challenge Adult Ally Award, 2016
  • Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago, Teacher of the Year Award, 2005
  • Umoja Student Development Corporation, Community Partner of the Year Award, 1999