Mrs. Deborah Snyder

Why did you become a teacher?

I was always interested in being a teacher, even when I was a teenager. In college, I was encouraged to study business, so I did. I worked as a project director for a marketing firm for fourteen years before deciding that it was not for me. I decided to pursue my dream of teaching, and was hired at BSHS twenty one years ago (Sr. Maureen’s first hire).

Where did you go to school?

Muhlenberg (B.A., English & Communications)
Cabrini University (M.Ed.)
Rosemont College (M.A., Literature)

What ways do you incorporate real-world experience into your classroom?

Through studying American literature, we address the essential question, “How is society seen in literature?”. Even though many of the pieces we read are from the 18th and 19th centuries, the pieces are not stuck in time; they reveal timeless and universal themes of internal conflict, family, struggle, love, etc. We try to identify those themes and discuss how they are still present today, and how we experience them today.

What do you like most about teaching at BSHS?

The students are fun. My colleagues are great. I get to keep learning and updating my technique and instructional strategies to be more effective. 

Why would you recommend BSHS to a prospective student?

It is faith-based. Academically it is rigorous and prepares students well for success in college and beyond. 

{Our newest teacher, Dr. Repetto, recently  told Mrs. Snyder that “college was easy because of you. You taught me how to read literature and write an essay, which prepared me well for college. While my friends struggled, I found that part of college easy because I was so well prepared.”}

What do you enjoy doing while not in school?

Reading (mostly the classics). I am in a book club and participate in an online program through The Rosenbach Museum in Philadelphia. I also like to exercise. I volunteer with two organizations, serving on the board of the Junior League of Philadelphia and the American Association of University Women. 

What awards or accolades have received during your teaching career?

G.P.A. Awards at both Cabrini and Rosemont
Most Distinguished Graduate Thesis at Rosemont College