Wildcat: Do What You Love

This year, the Leopold Wildcats are welcoming a new physical education and health teacher, Joe Shoemaker.

Shoemaker attended high school at Oran. After graduation, he attended college at SEMO and William Woods, where he got his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a master's degree in administration. Prior to joining the Wildcats in Leopold, he spent 25 years in the education field, as a principal, coach and teacher.

Shoemaker has three sons, Jacob, Samuel and Elijah, and also one grandson, Walter. His wife, Theresa Shoemaker, has also worked at Leopold for 27 years as a kindergarten teacher.

He said that his first impression of Leopold was very positive. He noticed the family atmosphere of the school and how nice everyone has been. The thing Shoemaker is most excited for this school year is being back in the classroom. Some of his personal goals for this year are to spend more time with his family. His advice to students is, “Figure out what you love to do in life and make that your career.” The best advice he has ever received is to “always put God first.”

When he is not teaching, he can be found doing any sort of hunting or sport.