Sometimes the most powerful lessons come from experience outside the classroom. For Dr. Snow, that lesson began with a personal struggle. 

“I enjoy the surprised looks when I tell my students that I once dropped out of high school and walked away from education for many years,” Dr. Snow recalls. “It wasn’t because I lacked ability, but because I was irresponsible and felt unsupported.” 

That early experience of struggling without guidance became a turning point. “That failure sparked a fire in me to help students,” Dr. Snow explains. Over time, he returned to education, earned four university degrees, and became a Doctor of Education. Today, he draws on that journey to inspire students, showing them that mistakes and setbacks are not always dead-ends—especially when they are met with hard work, reflection, and support. 

Building a Team in the Classroom 

For Dr. Snow, learning is more than content—it’s about community. “I do my best to make every student feel part of a team they can rely on for support,” he says. When students feel safe to ask questions, take risks, and make mistakes, they develop the confidence to tackle challenges both in and out of school. 

Research consistently shows that students thrive when they have strong support systems. Supportive environments: 

• Encourage resilience by allowing students to recover from setbacks. 
• Foster confidence and a willingness to take academic risks. 
• Help students develop social and emotional skills alongside academic growth. 
• Build a sense of community, where every learner knows they belong. 
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Dr. Snow’s approach is a powerful reminder that academic ability alone isn’t enough; students need guidance, encouragement, and someone in their corner. By combining empathy, experience, and high expectations, he creates a space where mistakes are seen as opportunities, and every student feels supported on their path to success. 

Through his own journey, Dr. Snow shows that setbacks don’t define a person—and that with the right support, any obstacle can become a stepping stone toward achievement.