His nickname is “The Scheuerminator.”
No matter how hard the task, he gets ‘er done.
David Scheuermann, an instructional assistant at Leroy Greene Academy, was a divisional winner this year in Natomas Unified’s “Classified Employee of the Year” program.
Principal Leslie Sargent said students and staff at LGA consider him a “second teacher” in classrooms. He brings a positive attitude, a smile, and students know that he’ll do whatever it takes to support their learning, she said.
“Mr. Scheuermann consistently goes above and beyond to ensure high levels of learning for all LGA students through his positive and encouraging nature, and his ability to make connections with our Lion students,” Sargent added.
Scheuermann, after saying he was surprised and honored by the divisional Employee of the Year award, quickly steered the conversation to Leroy Greene colleagues. He enjoys being part of an excellent and collaborative team in which “everyone is headed for the same goal,” he said.
Later, Scheuermann conceded that he doesn’t enjoy being in the spotlight. “No way,” he said, smiling. “I’d rather not be.” On campus, he’s outgoing enough to make his presence felt, but “in the real world, let’s say, I’m more on the introverted side,” he said.
Perhaps the seeds of Scheuermann’s career as an instructional assistant were laid years ago when he was a volunteer, after-school mentor at the Bannon Creek campus where his son attended elementary school.
“I’ve always liked to see the lightbulb go off, when someone ‘gets it,'” Scheuermann said of the learning process. “It’s a really good feeling.”
In his spare time, Scheuermann, a Natomas resident, volunteers at the Sacramento Food Bank, sometimes takes on a computer game, and, when the weather is nice, he enjoys tennis, swimming, and riding a bike.
Hired by Natomas Unified in 2008, Scheuermann began his career at Natomas High and moved to Leroy Greene Academy last year.
“I enjoy coming to work every day, it’s a good fit for me, I feel comfortable,” said Scheuermann, who was talking about his job but could just as easily have been referring to the signature plaid shirts for which he is fondly known on campus.
“I feel like I’m contributing,” he said of serving LGA students. “I think what I’m doing is very worthwhile.”
What advice would he give to someone thinking about becoming an instructional assistant? “You’ve got to be flexible,” he said. “Patience is a virtue. You can’t be easily frustrated. You’ve got to find the good in everyone. And don’t stop learning – you can’t stop learning.”
