Emerson High School is excited to begin Teacher Appreciation Week. Art teacher, Jamie Snider, uses the love from her students to motivate her to continue doing what she loves every day. Snider has been at Emerson for three years and has no plans of leaving. She loves teaching all of the art subjects and grades here at Emerson.

“I teach all sorts of art classes including Art 1 Advanced, Art 2, Ceramics, and AP Sculptures. Each class usually has a mix of each grade scattered in,” Snider said.

Of all the subjects she could’ve taught, she chose the art department.

“Art was my major, but I also just enjoy ceramics and AP Sculpture because I like modeling and I’m a very hands-on person,” Snider said.

All grades are different and behave differently when tasked with assignments, problems, and issues. Although she enjoys all the classes, some grades have extra strengths.

“The ninth graders are probably most receptive to new ideas as a whole, but the twelfth grade is the most mature and responsible,” Snider said.

As a unique school, Emerson has a lot of strengths, which teachers and students mutually love.

“The best part is the culture of Emerson and its diversity, as well as the fact that it’s project-based and uses a lot of authenticity,” Snider said.

Teaching is a dream many kids have, but Snider hasn’t always pictured herself going into this department.

“I changed dreams a lot as a kid, although as an adult, I had some teaching roles since I was 18 years old when I worked in child facilities. I usually helped in management positions with managing goals. I overall love teaching people new things, art-related or not,” Snider said.

Teachers usually teach a lot of different students with various interests, strengths, and weaknesses. Some also don’t always end up learning grades they think they would.

“I have taught other grades; I taught middle school for 14 years and they are very fun and goofy as well as open to new ideas,” Snider said. “I moved to high school because I wanted more of a challenge and to see my students grow.”

Teacher Appreciation Week highlights the teachers’ strengths and achievements. Teachers win many awards but their achievements aren’t always based on a prize.

“My biggest achievement is seeing my students go to state, being proud of their art and achieving their goals,” Snider said.