Meaningful Engagement of Occupations for All
- Lauren Radwan, Waterville Primary School
“Mrs. Schnabel sets high goals for each of her students and has developed specific therapeutic programs and strategies to enable them to reach their full potential.”
-Lauren Radwan
It is with great pleasure that I recommend honoring Madeline Schnabel, a school-based Occupational Therapist at Waterville Primary in the Anthony Wayne Local School District, for the Jennings Foundation’s Teachers Honor Teachers program. Mrs. Schnabel serves students with a wide range of abilities in kindergarten through fourth grade. They include students who have fine motor deficits as well as those with multiple disabilities and autism, who require highly structured fine motor, sensory, and functional skill-based interventions.
Mrs. Schnabel defines both a leader and an outstanding educator. She is patient, kind, and intuitive to students' needs. She sets high goals for each of her students and has developed specific therapeutic programs and strategies to enable them to reach their full potential. These include a student-led snack cart, a functional life skills group, an agility course with the school therapy dog, and small group and individual therapy sessions. She works tirelessly and hard to overcome challenges.
Mrs. Schnabel is a school leader who is highly respected by students, staff, community members, and families. She visits her students’ classrooms to be sure they are provided rich learning opportunities and cultivates a range of partnerships to support their learning, progress, and growth. She is also an outstanding communicator. She takes the time to inform colleagues about student progress, consultation information, and data collection. She is always present at team meetings where she offers valuable input and feedback.
Mrs. Schnabel is truly one of the most passionate people I have ever worked with. She cares deeply about our school, staff, students, and community. In particular, she has embraced the students in my Multiple Disabilities classroom. She challenges and collaborates with staff, students, and families to improve the school climate and learning environment for all. She is creative and innovative and inspires others to maximize and expand their instructional practices. She pushes the bar for every single student in our school, whether they are high functioning or require the most restrictive support.
Whether she is leading a group of students during snack cart, engaging with our school therapy dog, or working with students on functional life skills, Mrs. Schnabel’s thoughtful approach to tasks that better herself and those around her defines her as an outstanding educator. I cannot think of a better person and educator/therapist to be recognized for her outstanding work!
Teachers Honor Teachers
The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation launched a new program last fall inviting teachers to recognize a colleague they know is doing exceptional work in the classroom.
In the above post, Lauren Radwan expresses her admiration for fellow teacher, Madeline Schnabel. Thank you to both educators for your dedication to students and for taking the time to showcase what it means to deliver challenging, innovative, and student-centered lessons that result in powerful and deep learning.
Through the Teachers Honor Teachers Program, The Foundation is seeking Ohio public school teachers to share great things about a teaching colleague in an Ohio public school that ensures deep learning for students. If we choose to post your story, we will award $500 toward that teacher's classroom for their great work and $500 toward your classroom for honoring their excellence. Apply here.