Thomas Schnalzer, who has been an educator for 25 years, is the principal of Jose Barrios Elementary School in Silver City. At Jose Barrios Elementary School, Mr. Schnalzer has replaced programs in which students are grouped by ability with programs that promote inclusion. He has been responsible for developing fine arts education, and his involvement in youth soccer, little league and youth gymnastics is longstanding. Mr. Schnalzer has also been attentive to ways of making the school a place that benefits the whole family. At "Jose Barrios," he says, "we have many programs that specifically deal with self-esteem." He has implemented Parent Days on which parents attend the classes normally attended by their children. Several workshops on "parenting" have been instituted at the school, which also invites social agencies to operate from its premises.
1970 Western New Mexico University, B.A.
