Barry Sneed, a second-grade teacher at Perry Elementary School in Perry, Ohio advises his students to "learn all you can today; learn all you can't as soon as you're ready." These words of advice capture his belief that knowledge is acquired in different ways and at an individual pace. In his twenty-seven year career he has taught first grade for nineteen years, fourth for one, and has currently taught second grade for seven years. The Individualized Spelling Lists that he developed for his students reflect his philosophy that students should be offered the opportunity to succeed at their own levels. By setting curriculum concepts to the tunes of popular songs in his Songs for Curriculum Subjects activity, Sneed helps students master material in an enjoyable and creative way. The Writer's Workshop he has adapted for his class includes a daily 30-minute free writing exercise, the compilation of a writing portfolio and evening readings that are enthusiastically awaited by both parents and students. Sneed is the author of the 1998 children's book, Max and Rascal in: The New Neighbors.
1993 Cleveland State University, B.A.
