A-Attitude R-Respect T-Try, those are 5th and 6th grade teacher, Mr. Semrad’s, classroom rules. Now, he hopes his former students remember them as he takes a position at Fremont High School.

“The A is for the students to have a positive attitude while in class about their work, their peers and for the teacher. R is for respecting the room, the instructor, the peers, the tools and most importantly themselves. The T is for trying as hard as they can,” Semrad said.

As people and experiences throughout his life shape his teaching style, he tries to find new ways to reach his students.

“I had some great mentors when I started teaching,” Semrad said, “Axton Kahler, Andrea Rockemann and Jesse Kiefer were integral pieces in how I shaped my teaching style. I would also thank Barb Tellatin and Robert Therien. Bob was my college professor who I swiped several mannerisms from. Every year I add some new challenges for myself and the students. My goal has always been to have them ready for the middle school art classes. I hope that I have done that.”

Prior to becoming a teacher, Semrad had a history with the arts that aids in how he teaches today.

“Having worked several jobs before teaching, I believe that prepared me in specific ways. I have a unique perspective to share with the students about what work life looks like in the fields of retail, food service, graphic design, t-shirt printing and construction. I believe that all those jobs taught me things that have helped shape me as a teacher,” Semrad said. “My grandfather was also a great painter and he was the reason that I have such a great passion for the arts.”

Fed up with being trapped in a cubical as a graphic designer, he went to Midland Lutheran College where he received his degree in graphic design. Then he attended Midland University for his education degree, where he was later offered a job at JCAC.

Discovering his personal style throughout his 13 years of teaching at JCAC, he has learned to take what he knows and utilize it to create the best possible learning environment.

“I try to create a classroom that has a gallery feel to it,” Semrad said. “Soft conversations, but still a lot of activity. Each student will be doing different things, so it’s important that they know what they’re supposed to do and that they should come to me if they need help. I will also have music playing in my classroom. Music influences how art is created and I offer a mixture of all sorts of music genres in my room.”

Hoping to maintain that environment at the High School, Semrad shares his excitement.

“After about 8 years of teaching 5th and 6th grade,” Semrad said, “I wanted to see if I could challenge myself to the next level whether that be at the Middle School or High School. With Mrs. Hornig retiring this year, I saw my opportunity to do just that.”

Excited for a new adventure, he is taking a class at Dominican University that he anticipates will help him to prepare his classroom for the next school year. He continues to prepare for the transition with the help of Mrs. Gay and Mrs. Strickler.

Semrad also readies himself for the differences that he expects at Fremont High.

“Each student at JCAC has to take art and there are students who may not like it and that creates uncomfortability,” Semrad said. “I feel that I do my best to help those students develop an appreciation for art, but that doesn’t always work. I think that students at the High School level will be choosing to take art classes and that will make a big difference. I want the students to want to be there, not have to be there. That makes learning and teaching easier.”

Knowing there will be challenges, he still holds on to what he values most about teaching.

“Having a student who doesn’t like art very much discover that they are good at it and find a new interest in it: that is very rewarding to me,” Semrad said. “I also love to see an art kid find a new medium to try and encourage them to take risks and try new things. And PUNS, I love PUNS!”

He looks forward to being a new addition to the Art Department teaching 2D Art, Introduction to Art, Intermediate Art and the Advanced Art classes.

“Joining Mrs Gay and Mrs Strickler in the Art Department has me pretty hyped up. I have looked forward to this for several years,” Semrad said. “Seeing former students again and doing my best to add my style to the FHS Art department has me excited. I expect that the summer will go really fast and I am excited to get into my room and get started! Go Tigers!”