My grandparents, Albert and Catherine Myers, were first-generation immigrants from Germany and Italy. They came to Ohio to pursue better opportunities and a better living. Their optimism and hard work was passed along to my father, and he and my uncle started a family butcher shop. They still operate that shop in Huron, Ohio. As I was growing up, I assisted my father there and worked on a neighboring farm.
This experience gave me a sense of optimism, dedication, and a sense of hard work that provided me with a strong foundation for future success. I worked hard through my school years, graduated high school with academic honors, and won an Outstanding of the Day (first place) at the Ohio State Fair in Lawn and Garden Power Equipment. I was also named volunteer of the month for service to my high school in helping them set up their computers and network.
My high school academic success earned me a scholarship to the University of Toledo, which brought me to the city I have called home for 13 years. While at the University of Toledo, I made friends with many foreign students on campus, and this prompted me to study abroad for one year. I decided to study in China and, in preparation for my trip, I studied Mandarin Chinese at the Toledo Public School's International Studies Center in downtown Toledo. In China, I spent a year primarily learning the language and assisting a few local schools by teaching conversational English a few nights a week. I also extensively toured the country, and met and married my wife, Xiaoyu Zhu, while I was there.
Once I came back to Toledo, I finished my degree in Secondary Social Studies and became a certified teacher. My experiences at Oregon Clay High School led me to immediately pursue and earn a Master’s degree in Education Technology.
I graduated from the University of Toledo in the 21st century. My job searching landed me a job at the former Center for the Improvement of Early Reading Achievement (CIERA) at the University of Michigan School of Education. I am now a Webmaster for the University of Michigan School of Education and I do technology consulting for the Reading First evaluation project at the University of Michigan. My current job is mostly technology related, but I want to stay involved in education, which is why I am running for the school board today. My experience with the district is on multiple levels. I taught, took classes, and tutored students in the Toledo Public Schools.
My experience will allow me to help you make the Toledo Public Schools the best district in the area. Working with you and the staff in the district will begin to create the dynamics of something great. I cannot win alone. I need your help. On November 6, please vote for Christopher Myers for Toledo Public School Board and tell your friends to do so, too. Please consider donating to my campaign because your help will ensure that I get my word out.
