Terry Schmalz: A Lifetime of Dedication to Education
Most people don’t end up in the job they said they wanted when they were 8 years old. Terry Schmalz isn’t most people. As a kid in Gunnison, Schmalz envisioned one day opening a school “where children could come every day and feel really good about learning.” She would eventually embark on a 40-year career in education, the final 28 at New Emerson School — the school she founded.
Schmalz retired at the end of the 2024 spring semester, nearly 30 years after starting the school. She reflected on her New Emerson journey in an interview with The Daily Sentinel.
Starting a School and Seeing it Through
“It’s been a wonderful experience. I think the whole idea of creating a space where families, learners, and staff feel safe and motivated and excited every day has just been a dream come true for me,” Schmalz said.
Schmalz was a Mesa County Valley School District 51 staffer for a decade before starting New Emerson, teaching at Taylor Elementary School. In 1995, she had the chance to open what was at the time Emerson Primary, a school for kindergarteners and first- and second-graders at 19th Street and Ute Avenue.
The philosophy of Schmalz’s new school was to establish a strong foundation in literacy for students using unique reading practices before they began attending their area school in the third grade. Powered by successful results and happy parents, the school continued to grow until it became New Emerson at Columbus and moved to its current campus at 2660 Unaweep Ave.
New Emerson built its foundation as a magnet school on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Schmalz emphasized the art component of STEAM as essential in stirring a love for learning in young students.
“At the District 51 Board of Education meeting June 18, Schmalz became the first recipient of the D51 Superintendent Star Coin. D51 Superintendent Brian Hill presented her with the coin, recognizing her four decades with the district.
Starfish International
Schmalz will take some time in her retirement to enjoy some of her outdoor hobbies like climbing, running, and hiking. Even with all the free time in the world now, though, she doesn’t plan on stepping away from the world of education, even if her time with District 51 has ended.
She serves as a board member for the organization Starfish International Grand Junction, which is in the process of building a school called Inspiration Academy in Mathare, Kenya. Her husband, Mark, is the vice chairman of the nonprofit.
Starfish International GJ was founded by Colorado Mesa University student Jasmine Cook — a former New Emerson student who had left an impression on Schmalz since she was little.
“We’ve been able to purchase land in Mathare, Kenya, where we’re building a school. That school opens in January. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to continue to support that and Starfish International. That was a big decision that I made quickly so that I could help support other students in Kenya.”
The next Starfish International GJ initiative will be domestic, but still a good distance away from Grand Junction. Schmalz said that the organization plans to build a school somewhere in South Dakota.
“I just feel that public education is really important, and we’re at some really critical stages right now with teacher and staff shortages,” Schmalz said. “I really hope that the work I’m doing with Starfish International GJ can support public education.”
In conclusion, Terry Schmalz’s dedication to education has left a lasting impact on the students, families, and staff of New Emerson School. Her commitment to creating a nurturing and inspiring learning environment has shaped the lives of countless individuals. As she embarks on new endeavors with Starfish International, her passion for education continues to shine bright. Terry Schmalz is truly a beacon of light in the world of education.