My full name is Angela Jo Schneider. Joseph was my grandfather's name on my mother's side. I was the first grandchild, so I got the name. I used to think it was strange, but now I like it. I've been teaching for over 20 years. I'll leave it at that. I've taught grades six through twelve and community college. At Lamar, I have the pleasure of being the ELL Coordinator as well as the Dual Credit Composition teacher. My official title is Coordinator of Academic Services. I graduated from Joplin High School a while ago, went to Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield for a Bachelor of Arts in English with minors in Creative Writing and Religious Studies. I had to work two jobs during college and I took classes during the summers as well.
After I graduated, I served three years in the Peace Corps teaching English in Namibia. Yes, I loved it. No, I didn't have running water or electricity. Yes, I lived in a mud and grass hut. When I returned to the United States, I lived and taught on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona and got my Masters degree in Secondary Education. I met my husband and we taught for two years on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. He was a science teacher right down the hall from me. I continued my education and earned my Reading Endorsement. We moved to Phoenix and taught in the Glendale Union High School district for nine years. During that time, I taught English at Glendale Community College as well and had two wonderful boys. I always wanted to return to Missouri, so we moved. We wanted to raise our boys in a small town. We now live half a mile from my mother and her husband.
Most of you know that my main job in Lamar is working with teachers and curriculum. This is a different job than what I ever imagined myself doing, but I love each and every moment I get to spend watching teachers practice their crafts. The teachers in Lamar are absolutely amazing and care so much about what they teach and the students they are teaching. I feel lucky to work here - it's better than where I ever could have imagined ending up.
I've jumped out of a plane, eaten bugs, been to the Grand Canyon, built a deck, traveled to nine countries, and raised a few animals. I've seen lions and hippos (and the rest of the African beasts) in the wild and am not a big fan of zoos anymore. I enjoy reading, hiking, art, and don't really like crowds. I love good food and new restaurants. My husband is a great cook. I've been tattooed (and regret it), ride motorcycles, and love the beach. I would rather spend my money on travel and experiences than material things.
Whether you found this page because you are looking for ELL resources or wanting to know more about Dual Credit Composition, I am excited you're here. Please click on the links to access materials and let me know if there is anything else I can add that would help you.