TERESA SNIDER-BORING '98

"They say that some people are born leaders, and that certainly seems to be true of Teresa Snider-Boring. After graduating from college and teaching for only seven years, Snider-Boring became principal of McArthur-Swan Elementary School in Ohio, where she heads up a staff of 53 and a student body of 510.

Snider-Boring received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Rio Grande in 1993 where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. In 1998 she completed her Master in the Art of Teaching degree from Marygrove College with a GPA of 4.0 and was recognized for having the Most Outstanding Master's Portfolio. She completed a master's in administration in June of 2002 from Ohio University, where she also earned a 4.0.

Her awards include the University of Rio Grande Outstanding Economics Educator award, the 2000 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics FLAMES award, and the 2000 Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics Outstanding Classroom Teacher award. She also received the 2001 University of Rio Grande Atwood Achievement Alumni Award.

"I am most proud of these awards because I feel it is so important to affect change in education," Snider-Boring said. "The Marygrove award is very special to me, too, because it validates my commitment to education.

"My experience at Marygrove was wonderful," she continued. "The collegial study groups were very worthwhile and the program was very thorough. When I attended Ohio University to pursue my master's, I became a natural leader among my peers because of the strong background in educational theory that I received at Marygrove," she said.

Snider-Boring has written and received 13 classroom grants and is also active in her community. She belongs to the Vinton County Lions Club, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators, Business and Professional Women, and Delta Kappa Gamma.

"We believe in character education at McArthur Elementary, and Ms. Snider-Boring encourages her staff and students to work together, to make good choices, and to promote a positive learning environment," said Michele Royster, who nominated Snider-Boring.

There is no doubt that Teresa Snider-Boring is accomplished. One look at her resume reveals three degrees and countless awards. But, in addition to her career success, Snider-Boring has a well-rounded personal life, too.

In spite of the daily challenges she faces running an elementary school, which is housed in two separate buildings, Snider-Boring still finds time to take care of the horses on her farm and work in her family's long-established pizzeria. In addition to the prestigious awards she has won in her career, she won first place in the Mid-America Pizza Show with an authentic Greek pizza of her own design. This earned her a chance to represent the United States in the World Pizza Show in Italy.

Snider-Boring believes that everyone should continue a quest for learning. "I'm not sure who said it, but I've always believed the maxim 'Fortune favors the prepared mind,'" she said.

"I think it's important to follow through on the commitment you make toward education because the rewards are worth it," Snider-Boring said.

"It's important to contribute to society and be a catalyst for positive change. Priority to outstanding education is essential to the future of our children."