When Ryan Schliem graduated from the Harrisonville School District in 2012, he knew he ultimately wanted to return as a coach and educator. After obtaining his degree at Pittsburg State University, Schliem returned to Harrisonville, and in 2019 began his tenure at Harrisonville Elementary School. He served a variety of roles, including his time as a building aide where he would provide essential daily support for students and teachers. But that’s just the beginning.
“I was recently selected and will start my journey as the Focus Facilitator,” said Schliem. “This will allow me to engage with more students in a relaxed environment to help guide different ways to promote learning. I’m trained in trauma informed de-escalation for educators, and that helps me when I’m engaging students in various situations.”
One of the best ways Schliem has discovered that he can positively impact those in his school is by remembering to always do something nice for someone every day. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, he carries the mindset of helping any one in need, which includes his daily interactions with students, teachers, and other school faculty.
“My daily job is about helping students (ages 6-9) that need a little extra attention and one-on-one time,” said Schliem. “I take the time to talk about how they’re feeling and acting, and then present them with different ways to work through the moments they’re feeling overwhelmed.”
Schliem has experienced numerous cultures in his life that have helped mold him into the man he is today. He was born in Japan, but also lived in Iceland, Texas and North Carolina while his mother was in the Navy. In 2007, he settled in Cass County, Missouri and now has a wife and five children, ranging from ages 3-11 years old.
“One of my favorite things to do is cover bus duty in the morning, greet all the students, and help start their day with a smile and positive vibes as soon as they walk through the door,” said Schliem. “You don’t always know the morning they have experienced at home, and I know I could be their first smile of the day. The best feeling about my job is walking around the school, and throughout town, and hearing the excitement of the kids saying, ‘Hi Coach Ryan’.”
Whether he is teaching at school, or assistant coaching the high school boys & girls soccer teams, Schliem always makes sure he’s able to ‘bring the hype’. He understands the many challenges facing students in today’s environment and always wants to make sure they’re having fun while learning and playing.
“My job gives me the freedom to help students take a release from the seriousness of learning,” said Schliem. “One-on-one, I get to build a trusting relationship and help establish boundaries in a safe space. I do an ‘energy break’ by taking them to the gym to play tag, or run around and burn off energy that is not always suitable for a classroom setting. We then talk through the situation and calm down before returning to the classroom.”
“Ryan meets with specific students daily to build on their social and emotional processing skills so that these students see more success in a classroom setting,” said Schliem’s first nominator, Taylor Brown. “Ryan deeply cares about the community he works in and works hard to set all students he comes in contact with - whether elementary level, coaching level, or even visiting team level - up for success as they navigate each day.”
“His patience, consistency, and empathy really come to light while he’s working with students,” said Schliem’s second nominator, Jill Filer. “They can feel and see his belief in them and know that he will be by their side until they are ready for whatever comes next. He is a true relationship builder - with both our elementary students and our high school athletes - and relationships are vital to ensure our students' success.”
“Ryan’s role and impact at Harrisonville Elementary School, and the surrounding community, is remarkable,” said Christina Lively, Blue KC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “His positive attitude and unwavering commitment to helping students reach their full potential is inspiring and well-deserving of this recognition. His strong character shines a bright light for those he interacts with and impacts on a daily basis. Congratulations Ryan!”
Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.bluekc.com/NominateSportingSamaritans.
