Susan M. Snyder Receives Andrew Young School 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award

ATLANTA  —  Susan M. Snyder, an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Georgia State University, has received the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (AYSPS) 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award.

The annual award celebrates a faculty member who has exhibited superior teaching during the last three years, as measured in student evaluations, course demand and faculty adoption of their unique teaching methods. Innovative in the classroom, committed to curriculum development and recognized as distinguished advisers, recipients of the award add immeasurable value to the school’s scholarly culture.

Before joining the Andrew Young School, Snyder was an assistant professor of social work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was recognized as the Most Outstanding and Most Innovative Faculty Member by the 2015 M.S.W. class. In 2017, she received the AYSPS Dean’s Early Career Award.

“Susan has consistently demonstrated an outstanding commitment to teaching excellence and student success at Georgia State,” said Professor Joon Choi, director of the School of Social Work. “Her passion for teaching, dedication to student success and contributions to educational innovation make her a standout. Her efforts have not only elevated the quality of education in our department, they have also served as a model for other faculty members.”

Snyder employs innovative teaching methods rooted in trauma-informed teaching that engage and inspire students, fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment. She meticulously designs her courses, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, which has been instrumental in preparing students for professional success as social workers.

Beyond the classroom, Snyder has been a mentor and adviser to several students, guiding them through academic challenges and helping them achieve their full potential.

“Susan’s attention and care for students, along with her approachability, create a supportive atmosphere that encourages intellectual curiosity and academic growth,” Choi said. “We see her dedication to their development evident in the many accolades and positive feedback we receive from our students and alumni.”

In addition to her teaching excellence, Snyder has contributed significantly to curriculum development for the proposed M.S.W. specialization, Mental Health and Wellbeing. She has also led an initiative aimed at developing and improving course content and integrating cutting-edge research into the curriculum, and incorporating new technologies to enhance the learning experience. All this while continuing to conduct research co-authored by faculty and students.

“Susan embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator,” Choi said. “I am confident she will continue to inspire and positively impact the lives of students for years to come.”