Teaching a ‘natural’ fit for Snyder

Attending school is a burden for some students.

That was never the case for Rachel Snyder.

“I’ve always loved learning,” said Snyder, who is in her 20th year of teaching in the West Holmes Local School District. “School was never something that I dreaded because I enjoyed the challenge of learning new things. Becoming a teacher just seemed like the natural next step. I could continue learning while hopefully inspiring others to love learning just as much.”

Snyder isn’t originally from Holmes County, so she’s still blown away by the support the school district receives.

“I wasn’t born and raised in Holmes County, so even after 20 years here, I am still amazed at the true Knight pride spirit that is rooted throughout our district and community,” she said. “The camaraderie amongst our staff at WHMS in particular is something unique and special, and it really helps us all work together to help our students.”

Snyder’s favorite teaching memory is getting to teach her children.

“They’ve grown up coming to school with me over the summer and on weekends, so to actually have the chance to be their science teacher is something that I’ll always cherish,” she said.

Building relationships with her students is the most rewarding part of her job.

“I enjoy hearing their stories and being that person who cares to sit and listen when they need to talk,” Snyder said. “It has also been such a joy to follow some of them into adulthood and watch the amazing things they accomplish.”

The time spent outside of normal work hours is the most challenging part of her job.

“I have found that to do this job with excellence requires spending time outside of contract hours, so the challenge is to balance the extra time that’s needed with the time that I want and need to spend with my family,” Snyder said.

When Snyder was a student, she participated in Flag Corps, Winter Guard, chamber choir, show choir, National Honor Society and FCA. She enjoys photography, spending time with her family and supporting her kids in their activities when she’s not in the classroom teaching.

“Teacher Spotlight” is a feature on a teacher in the East Holmes or West Holmes school districts.