Stephanie Snyder

Tell us why you became a teacher

When I was little my favorite day of the entire year was “bring your daughter to work day” Why was that? Because my mom was a teacher! She was a special education teacher and seeing what she did for a living sparked my passion! Now…many years later, I have followed in her footsteps. Teaching is what I have always dreamed of doing. I even got to teach with my mom for three years before she retired! I also had many teachers throughout my school year leave a lasting impact on me from a young age.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was seeing kids from my very first teaching job graduate high school. This was memorable for me because as a 7th grade inclusion teacher in a low poverty area, many of my students felt they had to conquer the world just to get by. Seeing those 7th graders grow into hardworking, kind, successful adults is something I will always remember. Although I am not longer at that district, I will never forget the students I had the pleasure of teaching.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were to win, I would put some of the money towards creating a coffee shop with my class. I teach in a self-contained classroom and I have discussed with my educational aides so many times how beneficial it would be for our students to run something like a coffee shop a few times a month from our classroom! We could work on social skills, math (money, measuring), daily living skills, and SO much more! This would be the perfect way to make it happen! (Within admin approval of course)