Teacher Spotlight: Lakeview’s Ronni Sniegowski.

Teacher Spotlight: Lakeview’s Ronni Sniegowski.

By Kate Krieger-Watkins, Staff Writer.

Teacher Spotlight is a presentation of Shelby State Bank, with offices in Ludington, Pentwater, Shelby, Hart, Hesperia, Manistee, Montague, Whitehall, North Muskegon, and Fruitport. 

LUDINGTON – Starting her ninth year in the classroom, Ludington Area School District Lakeview Elementary kindergarten teacher, Ronni Sniegowski said she couldn’t imagine herself anywhere else.

A graduate from Ludington High School, Sniegowski was lucky enough to come back home after earning her degree to start working.

“I moved back home right out of college getting hired at the West Shore ESD to teach preschool,” she said. “After one year of teaching preschool, I was blessed to be offered a job in the public system. I find K-2 education to be very important for many reasons but most important we are setting these students up for success for years to come. I am building their foundation and instilling their love to read and learn. For many students kindergarten is their first full day experience.”

Helping students experience their sometimes first school experience really makes Sniegowski excited. She said there are so many things that happen during the kindergarten year that can be so important for her student’s futures. From learning to read basic words and phrases, to watching her students develop into their own little learners, all of it is very important at that early age.

“There are so many things that make the job rewarding, but there is nothing like hearing a child read for the first time and the pride and joy they find in that moment,” she said. “Field trips are a favorite as so many students are experiencing firsts in the community for the first time. To be able to help them experience Ludington is very fun.”

From a young age, Sniegowski knew she wanted to go into education, but not as much as an influence from a family member, but more from her own experiences.

“I have always loved working with kids,” she said. “In high school and college, I spent many hours a week babysitting and tutoring kids in the community. The education field was a great fit for me, where I could work with students and help them to learn and grow.”

Sniegowski stated that for anyone looking into the field of education, they should really investigate those feelings further and to go into a school and volunteer or get their hands dirty working with children in other environments. She said if they feel very strongly about it, maybe it’s the right career for them.

“Follow your heart,” she said. “Teaching is work, but teaching is rewarding.”

Getting to see her students everyday is what drives Sniegowski to become a better educator, but she also credits the families she gets to work with and the staff members.

“I work with an amazing team who truly makes work fun, they are more than coworkers they are truly friends,” she said. “They always go the extra mile if I have a sick kiddo at home and need help or are there for a good laugh when it’s been a rough day. We collaborate and work together which makes work fun and helps our students also.”

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