Schrode-Fries Named Boyertown Mentor of the Year

2023 Boyertown Mentor of the Year, Dr. Tina Schrode-Fries,  is a 1989 graduate of Boyertown Area Senior High (BASH) who returned home to teach after earning a bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College. This 29- year veteran teacher is married to BASH Social Studies teacher, Dan Fries, and they have two children, Skyler and Chloe.

Originally a fourth-grade teacher at Gilbertsville Elementary School, Schrode-Fries went on to teach the third through sixth grades gifted program at district elementary schools. Her current assignment is teaching in the gifted program at Middle School West and co-teaching gifted fifth graders from all elementary schools. Throughout her teaching career, Schrode-Fries also continued her own education, earning a master’s degree in school leadership from Villanova University and a doctorate in reading from Widener University.

Schrode-Fries was informed that she has been chosen Mentor of the Year by former award recipients Dr. Jim Tribbett and Shawn Barndt who came to her classroom at Middle School West, along with principal Stephanie Landis. They brought all of the 8th grade gifted students with them. When the news was delivered, the students cheered for their teacher. Schrode-Fries says she is “grateful for this award, and strongly feels that her students and colleagues inspire her to be the best she can be.”

Described as “going the extra mile for students,” Schrode-Fries has been a student council adviser and leader of special events like the Boyertown Elementary School Fun Run, as well as a district coach for the Venzke Relays, the West lacrosse team, and the senior high winter track team.

Schrode-Fries has a passion for health and fitness that has led her to be an advocate for wellness among students and staff at school, and those interests have also motivated her to be a mentor in the community. A fitness instructor for the Boyertown YMCA for over 25 years, she credits her parents for nurturing her involvement there, recalling, “My parents were very instrumental. They served as Y board members and volunteered there. My mom taught tennis there. I became involved with the swim program when I was 8 years old. I remember when swim lessons were given at Mel Roth’s home pool before the Y building existed. My father was very involved in the fundraising campaign for the Y pool. By the time I graduated from college, the pool was at the Y. I still swim there all the time. I love the outdoor pool too (at the Boyertown Community Park). It’s perfect for training.”

In addition to her parents, Schrode-Fries points to Carolyn Weisel Loughery, one of her favorite BASH teachers, as having a positive impact on her life. “She always lifted me up and challenged me in a good way to recognize my strengths. She also works at the Y, teaching water classes and swim lessons,” says Schrode-Fries.

Another of Schrode-Fries’ passions is coaching the Du Tri Run running club offered by the Y. Comprised of about 20 adult members, the club is designed to help people prepare for races or in some instances, just help people to run for fun and improved health.

Schrode-Fries enjoys staying in touch with former students and hearing about what they are doing. “I love sharing a love of learning and fitness and growth. I revel in their success and try to utilize their experiences to help my current students,” Schrode-Fries reveals, and shares one of her favorite activities as an example. "I often do 'mystery calls' where my current students and I call one of my former students and they try to figure out the profession and location of my former student by asking a limited number of questions. It is informative and fun for all.”

“By being open with others and sharing a love of things you already enjoy, you can make powerful connections with others and help them reach their goals,” Schrode-Fries explains.

She continues, “I know there were many deserving candidates for this award and I am humbled. I have been blessed with many wonderful mentors. People who lift you up make a tremendous difference. It is important to lift one another and recognize the power of relationships."

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