Spanish teacher Claire Schnappenberger returns to Jesuit for another year after taking some time away for family.
Schnappenberger had previously taught at Jesuit for 5 years before spending time abroad when she was married and had a child.
After achieving a masters degree in education, Schnappenberger became a teacher with multiple skills and has taught more than one kind of subject.
“I have taught Spanish and French and also IB English,” Schnappenberger said.
This is her twelfth year in education, previously traveling the world to teach at different schools in places such as Alaska, Shanghai, China, and a Spanish Immersion School in Anchorage.
Excited to be back at Jesuit, Schnappenberger spoke about what she enjoys most about the community here.
“There’s so many reasons that I came back to Jesuit, I missed it a lot,” Schnappenberger said. “I missed being in the classroom—the fact that we are able as teachers to focus on the formation of the individuals, in addition to academic excellence is the biggest pull for me.”
She enjoys and appreciates Campus Ministry, as she believes it is a great educational environment.
“I love the encounter,” Schnappenberger said.
Having a new-born baby at home, Schnappenberger works part time this year, in charge of three periods, as she wants to spend afternoons with her new-born.
The best advice Schnappenberger has ever received is consistency over intensity.
As she goes into this new year, Schnappenberger is hopeful and expresses her excitement about the future at Jesuit.
“I’m really excited to be back, over the moon excited to be back.”
TRANSCRIPT
How long have you been in teaching?
“This is my 12th year of teaching.”
How did you get into teaching?
“I went right into grad school after undergrad to get my master’s in education and I just started immediately right out of school.”
Where have you taught prior to Jesuit?
“My first year teaching was in Alaska, because there were no jobs in Oregon, so I taught a year at a Spanish Immersion school in Anchorage, and then taught for years in Shanghai, China. Then I came back and taught at Hillsboro high school and then taught Jesuit for five years.”
What classes will you teach this year?
“I’m just teaching Spanish III”
Have you taught other subjects besides Spanish?
“I have taught Spanish and French and also IB English.”
What excites you about teaching at Jesuit?
“Oh my gosh, how much time do you have? Because that’s the reason I came back. There’s so many reasons that I came back to Jesuit, I missed it a lot. I missed being in the classroom, Jesuit specifically, the fact that we are able as teachers to focus on the formation of the individual, in addition to academic excellence is probably the biggest pull for me to come back. I love the campus ministry program. I love the encounter.”
What is something the community should know about you?
“Probably that I’m part time, I teach three periods, so I’m never here in the afternoons because I go off to my baby.”
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“I think probably consistency over intensity is the best advice I’ve ever received”
Do you remember who gave you that advice?
“Ah, my CrossFit coach.”
