He teaches to help special-needs students, Joel Schwieger says, not to win awards.
But Schwieger concedes that he is honored that ABC 10 has selected him as its regional “Teacher of the Month” for April. The segment featuring Schwieger aired Tuesday (April 12) and can be seen here.
Selection of the veteran Natomas High School instructor marks the second time in five months that ABC 10 has chosen a “Teacher of the Month” from Natomas Unified. Courtnay Kaump of Two Rivers Elementary School won similar honors last December.
Co-workers at NUSD’s Adult Transition Program, which Schwieger oversees, say they’re not surprised by his selection. It comes with a $1,000 check from Schools Financial Credit Union and places Schwieger in the running for ABC 10 “Teacher of the Year” honors.
“He’s very caring, he’d take the shirt off his back to help someone, or give away his last dollar,” said Wanda Murphy, an instructional assistant. “He looks out for everyone. If anything, he’s overly caring.”
Asked to describe Schwieger, instructional assistant Willie Jennings summed it up in a single sentence. “Easygoing, willing to help anybody — big heart,” he said.
Special-needs students in the Adult Transitions Program learn not only how to live independently – write checks, catch buses, cook, clean – but also positive values such as respect and trustworthiness, Jennings said.
Schwieger began his teaching career 21 years ago as a Vallejo middle school instructor, but he moved to the Sacramento area about a dozen years ago and switched to overseeing Special Education classes, inspired by two sons with special needs.
“I treat each and every one of my students as if they were a part of my family,” Schwieger said.
Student Marissa Marez, 20, said he is well respected by her and other classmates. “He’s hilarious, he makes me happy, he’s a good guy and a good teacher,” she said.
Schwieger teaches independent living skills to special-needs adults, ages 18 to 22, by urging them to serve others.
Last October, Schwieger’s class opened a food closet at Natomas High, named “Joey’s Food Locker” in memory of his son, “Joey,” who was born with autism and died at age 30. More than 1,200 people have received free groceries at the facility since it opened in October.
Schwieger’s class ran the concessions stand at Natomas High football games this year, giving them practice in making change and customer service. They also cook breakfast for special-needs students every Friday and wash the school’s football and track team jersies.
Last year, Schwieger helped 15 students pass a state-required test and obtain their food handler’s certificate, which qualified them to work in restaurants, cafeterias or other food outlets. This year, an additional three students have passed the test.
Graduation ceremonies for the Adult Transitions Program are held at Schwieger’s home, where guests are treated to a sumptuous barbecue. Each graduate receives a watch purchased by Schwieger. Why? “So they know they’ll need to be on time for work and ready to go,” he said.
Asked what it takes to be an exemplary special-needs teacher, Schiweger said, “You have to be patient, willing to work long hours, compassionate, willing to sacrifice, and always be there for students … I try to do that – to the best of my ability.”
