A counselor kids needed
The Taylor community is mourning the loss of a counselor who has been described as jolly, problem-solver and a positive influence by those who knew him.
Charles Schroeder, who worked at Taylor Independent School District for 53 years, passed away Tuesday, May 7, at the age of 75.
Relatives describe Schroeder as a “friend to all.”
“A beloved member of the Taylor Duck family, Charlie believed in the possibility of every student and was a trusted mentor to many fellow teachers and staff,” his obituary reads. “The impact he had on those he worked with, taught and the community at large cannot be understated.”
Charles Schroeder is honored during a Taylor Independent School District school board meeting for National Counselor’s Appreciation Week in February.
According to Taylor ISD information, Schroeder joined the district in 1971 as a drafting teacher at Taylor High School. There, he taught students how to draw up blueprints for designs.
A previous article celebrating Schroeder’s 50-year anniversary with the district said Schroeder soon went back to school to begin work on his master’s degree in counseling.
When Naomi Pasemann left Taylor Middle School, Schroeder was hired as the new middle school counselor. Over the next few decades, he served as counselor at Northside, West End, Twelfth Street, TH Johnson and the Opportunity Center.
Pat Alderete, who worked with Schroeder in the early days of TH Johnson Elementary, said the former counselor was a “one in a million type person.”
“He’s touched so many student’s lives,” Alderete said. “The very last time I spoke to him, I asked him when he was going to retire. He responded, ‘Pat, I can’t. Too many kids need me.’” Alderete added Schroeder told her he wanted to work at Taylor ISD forever.
Schroeder was known for dressing as Santa Claus for district events like Christmas breakfasts.
One former student, Patricia Rodriguez, said she especially credits Schroeder for the person she became.
Now a paraprofessional who does behavior support at NPE, Rodriguez said she uses what she learned from visiting with Schroeder when she was a middle school student.
Rodriguez said she was struggling with the loss of her grandmother before being sent to see Schroeder.
“He was able to talk with me and let me talk to my parents there,” she said. “I was able to open up and build a better relationship with my parents when he was there as well. I always say he was the person who saved my life. Quite frankly, he did.”
She added that Schroeder taught her deep-breathing strategies and effective communication practices.
Rodriguez said Schroeder’s passing is a huge loss for the district.
“His smile and his positive attitude just affected everybody,” Rodriguez said. “A lot of the kids are not going to get to go through that. He just was one of the best people you could meet.”
A visitation will be held at Providence Funeral Home, 807 NW Carlos Parker Blvd., Monday, May 13 at 5 p.m.
Schroeder’s funeral service is set for May 14 at 11 p.m. at the funeral home.
Charles Schroeder (left), who served as a counselor for multiple Taylor Independent School District campuses, poses with Rachelle Finck, former director of counseling and guidance. Photo courtesy of Tim Crow
