Special to Iredell Free News

Mooresville Intermediate School teacher Becky Snyder is one of 46 educators nationwide who will receive the prestigious California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence at the NEA Foundation’s virtual 2021 Salute to Excellence in Education Gala on February 12. The gala will begin at 8 p.m. and will be livestreamed at www.neafoundation.org.

Snyder teaches academically and intellectually gifted math, science, and social studies. A member of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), she has been an educator for 22 years.

The awardees are nominated for their dedication to the profession, community, engagement, professional development, attention to diversity, and advocacy for fellow educators. Each year, the Salute to Excellence Education Gala celebrates the best in public education from around the country. Snyder is the state winner and will compete at the Gala for the national title, where if selected, she could receive $25,000.

“The fact that I was even considered for this award is very humbling,” Snyder said. “I know so many amazing educators in my school and across the country. For me to be named the national NEA Teaching Award winner would be amazing and a dream come true!”

The NEA Foundation and the National Education Association jointly present the awards. The NEA Foundation is a national philanthropic organization that invests in educators’ leadership, shared learning and collaboration, supports partnerships and initiatives that strengthen public education, and promotes improvements in public education policy and practice.

About NCAE

NCAE is the state’s largest education advocacy organization for public school employees and represents active, retired, and student members.