HOPKINS, S.C. — No matter what day it is, you can always count on Malika Snipe at Hopkins Elementary School in Richland School District One to put a smile on any child's face.
"Ms. Snipe is definitely helping them become lifelong learners," said parent LeeAnn Soloman. "Kids who want to learn and want to be in the school setting."
Ms. Snipe's 3K students are learning life-long skills. Parents like LeeAnn and La'Averia Barnes are noticing positive changes with their daughters.
"She's like, 'I'm brave. I'm going to persevere. 'I'm going to do this.' Not only was she just teaching her the fundamentals, but she was also teaching her life skills," Barnes said.
"Coming to a school where there's other kids and other ages, the transition was so easy. Ms. Snipe was definitely the major piece in that. Making sure the kids are learning a lot but are also comfortable and feel loved and cared for," Soloman said.
Born in Charleston, Ms. Snipe always wanted to be a teacher. She graduated from Columbia College. For the past 27 years, Ms. Snipe has only taught elementary school-aged children.
"I came here and started working in Richland One. I've been teaching most of my career in kindergarten. I've taught kindergarten, first grade, second grade, but I really love kindergarten," Snipe said. "Every time I come to work, I'm hoping to be that kind of teacher that inspires kids and that they really love coming to school."
"I could just go to work and be at peace knowing that she was with teachers that loved her, cared about her and she just loved school," Barnes said.
"I just come to school, and just do what I do. It's unexpected. It's very humbling to know that I am making a difference like that. I just want to come and I want to love on the kids. So, to the fact that it impresses the parents to that point, I'm speechless," Snipe said.
If you know a teacher like Ms. Snipe who deserves to be recognized for their hard work in the classroom you can nominate them by emailing us at tow@WLTX.COM. Tell us what that educator is doing every day to go above and beyond in the classroom.