Will Snyder

Instructor
wsnyder@umext.umass.edu
(413) 545-3876

Role in CEP
Instructor, Engaging with the Community: An Introduction to Community Service Learning

Education
I am currently a student in the UMass School of Education, studying for a doctorate in science education
M.A.T., History and Geography Education, University of Chicago
B.A, History, Earlham College (Phi Beta Kappa)

Experience

My career thus far is characterized by a passion for experiential education: for designing and facilitating learning opportunities outside the classroom, and helping others to do the same.  Some recent examples:

Commonwealth College CSL Fellow and course instructor, 2006-present I worked with CEP, previously OCSL, to develop a course that introduced the fundamentals of Community Service Learning.  Now I teach it with a focus on community food security.

Commonwealth College capstone seminar instructor, 2005-2006
I coordinated the work of a group of UMass students as they did issue research -- on topics from land use to obesity -- that contributed to UMass Extension's five year plan.

UMass-Envirothon liaison, 1995-present
Each year I develop the research question and background resources that launch about 400 high school students in 60 Massachusetts communities on a year-long investigation of an environmental issue, and potential solutions, in their communities.  See http://www.maenvirothon.org/currentissue.htm.

Garden in Every School/GrowingMinds initiative liaison, 1999-2003
This project encouraged teachers to use school gardening projects for learning across the curriculum.

Earth Connection conference program leader, 1995-2002
For seven years (as long as the funding lasted!) I organized this annual conference for high school students and teachers at UMass.  We focused on experiential learning, community service, and the environment, and explored the resources that UMass could offer to help.  See the web site from the last year of the conference at http://www.umassk12.net/~econnect/

Community Involvement
I work for UMass Extension.  Our job is to help connect the resources of the University with the needs and interests of the people and communities of Massachusetts.  I work with people in community organizations, state agencies, and schools across the state, on education and environmental issues.  In recent years I have also served on the School Council of my local high school, and on my town's Energy Committee.

Interesting facts
I try to take the issue of climate change seriously in my personal life as well as my work.  I heat mostly with the sun and wood, try to support the local economy (especially agriculture), and use my bicycle and the bus for transportation as much as I can.

I've had some unusual jobs and work responsibilities that make for interesting stories.  Ask me about them:

Coordinator, 4-H Hatching Chicks in the Classroom project,
Middlesex County and Boston, 1986-91

Citizen lobbyist,  Alaska Environmental Lobby, spring 1984

New Games instructor, Thompson Island Outward Bound (Boston Harbor), 1988-91

Survey crew, Western Geophysical oil exploration project, Kandik River (eastern Alaska), winter 1984

Apple picking crew, Kent's Hill Orchard, Winthrop Maine, fall 1977

Instructor, Earlham College Wilderness Program (Uinta Mountains, Utah), summer 1975

Intern, Senior Seminar in Experiential Education, Colorado Springs Public Schools, 1979

Staff researcher, Illinois Governor's Task Force on Services to Troubled Adolescents, 1980

Student Conservation Association volunteer, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 1977-78

Reporter on recycling issues, Chicago Journal community newspaper, 1983

Assistant Director, Office of Career Counseling & Placement, University of Chicago, 1980-83

Volunteer, National Council to Repeal the Draft, 1970-71

Favorite quote
"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." ~ Helen Keller