An Irmo teacher is one of 60 teachers to receive a national award for the 2021-2022 school year.

Leslie Snyder, an English teacher at Dutch Fork Middle School, was surprised with a Milken Educator Award and a check for $25,000 in front of a school assembly Wednesday, according to press releases from the Milken Educator Awards and Lexington-Richland School District 5.

The award is likened to an Oscars-level honor in education.

The Milken release states that Snyder for “her work encouraging student-led learning “through ‘passion projects,’ serving as a teacher mentor and school leader, and pushing her students to reach their full potential through a variety of educational opportunities. The result? Strong, confident learners in her classroom.“

Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop and S.C. State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman were on hand to present Snyder with the award.

"Lesley's belief in her students shows itself in everything she does. Because of this, she consistently graduates middle school students who are confident and ready to succeed in high school and beyond," Bishop is quoted. "Her creative instruction and passion for diverse educational experiences are models for others to follow, and for that, we are pleased to honor her as a Milken Educator today." 

The district release notes that Snyder has taught English for 10 years, six in the district. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in education administration, but from the University of South Carolina.

Per the Milken website, the award is presented to educators in the middle of their career “for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish.”

"Lesley Snyder is a fabulous educator who pours her heart into her students each day at Dutch Fork Middle School," Spearman is quoted. "She is truly deserving of this honor and will stand as a shining example for educators across South Carolina. Thank you to the Milken Family Foundation for recognizing Lesley with this prestigious award."