Schools

Meet St. Annies Teacher Mary Snyder

This St. Annie's preschool teacher started teaching 32 years ago and still loves her job.

Marple Newtown Patch is featuring great teachers in the Marple Newtown area who deserve some spotlight. Teachers give a lot to their students, schools and studies and we'd like to recognize them and say a simple, thank you, for all that they do. After 32 years of teaching, St. Annies preschool teacher Mary Snyder is still loving it. This year marks her 16th year with the school.

Name: Mary A. Snyder

School: 

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Grade/Subject(s): Preschool/Pre-K

Years in the Industry: Happily teaching for 32 years.

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Teaching History:  I began teaching at St. Callistus School in West Philadelphia, teaching 5th and 6th grade ILA, PE and Religion. Several years ago I attended the 25th reunion of my first class and it was so wonderful to see them and hear all of the stories they remembered from their time with me.  After teaching 5th and 6th grade for three years it was on to 2nd grade–I learned so much from those students. Preparing the students for their sacraments was a special time each year. After seven wonderful years in 2nd  grade I retired in 1982 to start my family and I am blessed to have three wonderful daughters, Christina, Melissa and Julia. 

When my youngest daughter turned 3 in 1992 I began the second half of my teaching career in pre-kindergarten at First United Methodist Church in Media with a wonderful staff and my daughter was in my class and met many friends! After three years in Media I then taught at Covenant United Methodist Church in Springfield with a kind and caring staff and many wonderful students and families. 

In 1997 to the present I have been teaching at St. Anastasia School in Newtown Square. From the moment I joined the faculty, I knew I was in the presence of dedicated and caring teachers and staff. I began teaching half-day kindergarten Monday through Friday mornings, pre-kindergarten on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons and preschool Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. 

Kathy Reno, my grade partner, taught me a lot. It was a challenge but I loved it and I was blessed to have the help of my wonderful aide and very good friend Margaret Troiano. I was able to teach some of my students in all three grade levels. One of my little students thought I was the only teacher in our school!

What do you like most about your job? 

While at St. Anastasia, I have be blessed to teach so many wonderful children from devoted families. It is a community where the love of God and love of family go hand in hand. While teaching at St.Annie's, I have been able to teach my grandson Cody and my great nephew Ryan in preschool and pre-K.  Our only issue was what to call me! We managed just fine. In September 2012, I will begin my 16th year at St. Anastasia, my grade partners, co-workers, principals and priests make coming to school a pleasure each day. We don't just work together, we care about each other. To all my co-workers, families, students and my family thank you, I am blessed.

Why did you become a teacher? 

"Pick a job you love and you will never work a day in your life."  I read that quote while at St. Joseph's University studying to become a teacher and realized that is just what I had done and it still holds true today! Being a Catholic school teacher and sharing God's love with our young students is a job you can love.

What do you like best about your current school (projects, programs or activities that your school is a part of): 

In 2004 we dedicated the new wing and  of our beautiful school.  I retired from kindergarten and was able to continue to teach pre-K and preschool in the new wing. We offer both full day and half day programs for our 3- and 4-year-old students. I am proud to say we have happy students and happy parents. Our children feel loved and safe in our program. The reason for that is the team I teach with Kristen Kennedy, Alice Herron, and Margaret Troiano.


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