Laker life: Graduates marry, return to school as teachers

Mark Birdsall AssistAnt Editor

David and Kerri Snider always had a lot in common.

They both attended and graduated from Laker Schools, hanging out in the same friend group. They both attended Spring Arbor University. After college, they both worked at the same outdoor education camp, teaching kids about nature and things like leadership. Kerri had a background in science, and David discovered he loved working with kids and helping them grow, something he also got to do in his work as a youth minister.

They would eventually marry and both return to Huron County. Kerri found she had a love for education while working as a paraprofessional at a rural school, and David decided the best way he could make an impact working with children was as an educator.

So it should come as no surprise the couple would eventually return to Laker to serve as teachers, with Kerri teaching science at the high-school level and Da- vid teaching sixth-grade reading and ninth-grade English classes. They have found a home at Laker and a place that will allow them to grow professionally and as individuals.

The couple recently sat down for an interview with the Tribune to talk about what it means to them to return to their former school and work with kids who are just like they were when they were students.

Kerri said her favorite thing about teaching is sharing her love for science with her students.

“I really enjoy finding ways to teach students in a way that they can relate to and understand,” she said. “I think one of our goals is to help them know their worth and

The Huron Intermediate School District is a regional, educational agency that serves students, families, and communities in Huron County

Huron Learning Center their abilities and to help them grow in that.”

David found that sports was one of the places he could be most effective in mentoring kids and helping them grow and mature. Originally, he started coaching football at Laker. Now he serves as the JV coach in addition to his main role as a teacher, and he finds his work very satisfying.

“What I really love about teaching — similar to what Kerri said — is the relational aspect of helping kids to understand not only (their lessons) but also hopefully just be good human beings and citizens of our community,” David said.

He added that his goals and Kerri’s goals are to give back to the community that gave so much to them, asking themselves how they can help students to grow to be not just great in English or science but also how to be great adults, great co-workers, great bosses and great parents as they get older.

Like David, Kerri also works with students outside of the classroom in her role with the Science Olympiad. She helps coach the Division B team, made up of mostly middle school students, sharing her passion for science while showing kids just how much they, too, can achieve with hard work and perseverance.

The couple, who have young twin daughters, has some advice for parents who may be considering Laker Schools for their children. Sure, Laker has great facilities and athletic programs, but it’s the learning environment that sets Laker apart from the rest.

“I’ve noticed that so many of the teachers have embraced the idea that students don’t care what you know until they know that you care about them,” David said.

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