Bronco Spotlight: Ashley Snow
Bachelor of Arts in secondary education, 2021
Social Studies Teacher at Sturgis High School
f you had a campus job or internship, how did they impact your career development?
Throughout my time at Western Michigan University, I had multiple opportunities to be in the classroom during pre-internships and student teaching experiences. I learned about classroom management, building relationships with students, and more. I’m grateful for these opportunities because they helped prepare me with the necessary skill set to be a successful teacher.
What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?
During my time the education program at Western, my pre-internships, student teaching experience, as well as the faculty helped prepare me for my career. Dr. Allison Hart-Young, Dr. Amy Bentz, and Dr. Summer Davis are three of the most influential people that inspired me as I was beginning to enter the education field and throughout my time in the program. They went above and beyond to push me to do better for myself and others.
What experiences impacted the choice of your career path?
My student teaching experience has had the most impact on my career. I was able to work with two mentor teachers that supported me from day one and gave me the confidence I needed to keep progressing. I am lucky to have them in my life. I was also shocked at how much my students taught me and how much I learned about myself while teaching during a global pandemic. My student teaching experience was very positive. The things I’ve learned are invaluable. I could not have asked for a better cooperating teachers or students. Go Wildcats!
What advice do you have for others pursuing a career similar to yours?
Go for it! Being a teacher is a life changing experience!