South Callaway teacher creates innovative lesson plans for students

Learning is getting a little easier for some students in mid-Missouri, thanks to the efforts of one South Callaway teacher.

Jeannie Snelleris spearheading innovative research that puts all the pieces together for learners--combining math, science and literacy in a single lesson plan. An eighth grade science teacher at South Callaway middle school, Sneller first began her research at the University of Missouri seven years ago.

Prior to this, she said her her teachings in the classroom focused heavily on vocabulary. However, Sneller noticed some students were struggling to apply what they had learned.

"Before my research, I did a lot of vocabulary. I did reading. I did guided notes," Sneller said. "When I would ask them questions about it later, I wanted them to think critically about it and they couldn't do it."

Now, Sneller's studies have shown creating a curriculum that teaches math, science and literacy at the same time allows students to tackle more complicated lessons.

"All of these different tools I'm using are scaffolding them up to understand more complex texts," Sneller said.

Sneller's research supports these findings, with pre and post test data showing students are more successful after learning under Sneller's new lesson plans. Additionally, the study shows the learning style is particularly effective for children with learning disabilities.

"Our special education students are growing at even bigger rates when we use these plans," Sneller said.

Sneller said she's brought these techniques to South Callaway, and has seen positive results in her own classroom.

"We are seeing huge gains in their ability to read complex texts," Sneller said. "I love seeing the looks on their faces when they finally understand something."

Additionally, Sneller said these skills are helping students on state-wide tests. She said the students now have the stamina to handle large reading passages on the MAP test, specifically those involving science.

"Pushing them to read these more complex texts has helped increase our map scores over the years," Sneller said.

Others in the district, like director of curriculum and instruction Mary VanOrden, said these teaching methods are more important than ever following Covid-19. For example, Sneller's class of eighth graders were all in just fourth grade when the pandemic hit.

"They were developing language skills and reading skills in very key areas," VanOrden said. "They have been catching up or making up time ever since."

VanOrden said Sneller is a key part of the district and makes a significant on students at South Callaway. Sneller's influence is spanning beyond mid-Missouri. Her research gained national attention, after being published in Education Week.

For Sneller, the real reward is helping students gain the skills and confidence they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond.

"I'm helping them to not be afraid to tackle those harder texts and let them know you can do it," Sneller said. "There is a purpose in what I'm doing and there is a lasting impact."

Funded by a grant from the National Institute of Health, Sneller has used her research to create free lesson plans all teachers can use. Plans are available on the University of Missouri's website.