Anthony Reisedge
Middle School and High School Social Studies Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, University of Michigan-Flint; Master’s Degree, Education, University of Phoenix
Some people know from an early age that they want to be teachers. For Mr. Reisedge, it took the economic downturn of 2007. “I found myself looking for employment,” he recalls. He took a job as a substitute teacher. “It hit me right away how much I enjoyed working with students,” he says. “I realized this is the profession I should’ve been in my whole life.” He went back to school to earn a master’s in education, and his passion has been his profession ever since.
Helping Students Grow, Learn, Persevere
Mr. Reisedge began teaching at Great Lakes Learning Academy in 2014. Having worked in a traditional brick-and-mortar school, he understands the advantages of online learning. Students must take ownership of their schedule, deciding for themselves “when or when not to do schoolwork.”
“It prepares students to be self-reliant and confident,” he says. “Being successful at Great Lakes Learning Academy means you’re dedicated, responsible, and able to persevere through several challenges and obstacles.” He adds: “These skills are key to achieving their goals in life.”
One of Mr. Reisedge’s most memorable experiences was working with a student who initially didn’t want to engage, who was reluctant to even speak on the phone for check-ins. “We went step by step each month,” Mr. Reisedge explains, and by the end of the school year he became much more comfortable. Mr. Reisedge hopes that this student’s positive experience “can transition to other similar experiences… later in life.”
Fishing, Fresh Food, Family
When he’s not teaching, Mr. Reisedge is just as busy. “I enjoy fishing, camping, hiking,” he says, and watching football games. Go Spartans! Go Lions! His favorite foods “are almost anything cooked on the grill…especially from local farms.”
He travels as much as possible up to Lake Charlevoix north of Traverse City, and down to Memphis, Tennessee. “I have two brothers and two sisters who live in the Memphis area,” Mr. Reisedge says. “If you haven't visited that area before, I highly recommend checking it out.”
"If you wait until you feel brave enough to do all the scary stuff you dream about, you'll die still dreaming."
— Mr. Reisedge