LANSING — Jeff Snody of Sarah Banks Middle School was named this week’s Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education winner and received a $2,000 check from Acting Lottery Commissioner Joe Froehlich.
Snody was recognized in part for the impact he has on students, according to a portion of a nomination letter read during the award presentation. The letter said Snody “is the kind of teacher who changes lives” and that he supports students, builds their confidence and makes school a better place for everyone.
Asked what he would tell people considering becoming educators, Snody said the daily rewards of the job make it worthwhile.
“Just for the reward you get every day, you know, the smiles, the ‘hi’s,’ the high fives, you know, just the connections that you make with the students,” Snody said. “Those emails that you get where it’s like, hey, Mr. Snody, you probably don’t remember me, but, you know, I’m in college and I’m going into education because of what you did.”
Snody said seeing students excited makes the job fulfilling.
“It makes you feel good,” Snody said. “You know, you see them excited and it makes your job easier.”
The Excellence in Education Awards are sponsored by the Michigan Lottery, which has provided more than $29 billion to public education since 1972.