Allamakee Community Education Association series introduces new educators for 2022-2023 school year

Jaydon Snitker ...
Jaydon Snitker ...
Shaylie Hammel ...
Shaylie Hammel ...

The Allamakee Community School District added 13 new teachers to its staff at the start of the 2022-2023 school year. Over the next few weeks, the Allamakee Community Education Association, in cooperation with The Standard, is going to introduce these new additions through an article series. This week’s installment in the series will feature Jaydon Snitker and Shaylie Hammel.

- Jaydon Snitker -
Jaydon Snitker is a grades seven and eight teacher. A native of Waterville, Snitker moved to Waukon last May where she prepared for her first full-time teaching job. “I love creating bonds with my students and I want to make learning fun and exciting for them,” she shared. “I am teaching such a fun group.” Snitker teaches grade seven English and grade eight Language Arts at Waukon Middle School. She is applying her University of Northern Iowa teaching degree and minor in literacy with her students each day. “I love being able to show my creative and goofy side while I am teaching,” she reflected. Outside of school, Snitker loves the area, including kayaking, ATV rides, and her family. As a Waukon alumnus, she points out that she is familiar with the community and the school. With six weeks of school already complete, Snitker optimistically anticipates the months ahead. “I am looking forward to the rest of the year with these students and seeing what they have to teach me.”

- Shaylie Hammel -
Another Allamakee Community School District graduate has returned to the district as an educator in the middle school. Shaylie (Stortz) Hammel is teaching Geography and United States History to seventh and eighth grade students. After teaching the previous four years in high schools, Hammel is looking forward to working with younger students. “I am enjoying getting to know the new students and I am very excited to see where the year will go,” she said. “I had great memories here and the pride of this school and town has always been something special to me. This school and town hold a special place in my heart and I am excited to come back here and hopefully instill that in some of my students.” Hammel appreciates the challenge of working with early teens. “I believe that all students should have access to education and to learn about the world,” she explained. “I teach to create those opportunities for all students to help better themselves.” Outside of school, Hammel enjoys reading, crocheting, and being on the farm. She is happy to be back in the area. “Ever since I made the decision to become a teacher, I have always wanted to come back to my alma mater,” she shared.