So Long Schneider: Beloved Teacher Departs

On May 10th, beloved Expos advisor and US History teacher, Mark Schneider, announced that he will not return to the School next year and will be starting a new job as Head of Admissions at Bentley. While we are all happy that Schneider has been given a new opportunity, many will miss him after he taught at the School for many years. 

Schneider has been teaching at the School for 16 years and has become a friend to many. Celeste Spear, a junior, shared gratitude for Schneider, saying, “I love all the stories he’s shared…he’ll be a teacher I remember for a long time. He cares about his students and works so hard, he’ll be missed for sure.” 

Kyong Pak, an Upper School History teacher, and the interim History Department Chair, elaborated on how kind Schneider has been as a colleague, “He’s always shown a lot of interest and empathy in the lives of his students and his colleagues… He’s also just a really generous colleague.” Pak also shared how much Schneider has shaped the History 10 curriculum, “He creates our course essential questions… I think those make sure that we are designing our course so it follows our social justice mission. So I’ll hold onto that.” Pak then continued, “One of my favorite memories of Mr. Schnieder is just seeing him in full Head Royce gear. You know with his tracksuits… his blood bleeds green and gold for sure.”

Andy Spear, an Upper School Drama, English, and Journalism teacher, thought back on the many years he has worked with Schnieder, “His integrity is just unquestionable and when you work from that position, it’s not that you’re demanding integrity from others, you’re expecting it from others. He leads by example.” Andy then reflected on some of his best memories with Schneider, “I do believe Mr. Schneider was the first person to wear the Tuffy suit… Mr. Schneider also led a Jackson 5 teacher lip-sync video that I was a part of. Let’s just say the man can dance.” 

Even though we will miss him, we all wish Schneider luck as he steps into a new community. Pak shared some parting wishes for Schneider, “Head Royce has been and always will be his home… But I think he’ll do amazing things at Bentley.” Spear concluded, “They’ll love him over there.”