Born and raised in Double Springs, in rural Winston County, Alabama, the second of five children, Theresa Snoddy was the first person in her immediate family to attend and graduate from college. Her siblings followed and earned higher education degrees as well with two of her siblings graduating from the Capstone.  She followed that degree with a long and productive career as an educator committed to teaching in rural schools.

A graduate of Winston County High School, Theresa served as Vice-President of the Science Club, District President of the Future Teachers of America, Girls’ State representative, was in the band, and was on the staff of the the school newspaper, andyearbook. She was voted Most Intellectual, Outstanding FTA Senior, and Vice-President of her senior class. In 1968, Theresa graduated from WCHS as valedictorian.

Following graduation from WCHS, Theresa attended Walker College in Jasper. She earned an Associate in Science degree and was voted Phi Theta KappaSweetheart. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English and art education from TheUniversity of Alabama.

The summer following college, Theresa worked as payroll clerk at the garment corporation in Double Springs. That fall, she began her first year ofteaching at Addison Elementary in Addison teaching Title I reading.

After moving to Auburn, she was hired as an elementary English teacher at Huguley Elementary School in Lanett, Alabama, where she taught for twelve years. During the years at Huguley, Theresa and a colleague co-wrote an elementary handwriting program that was piloted in a nearby school, under the auspices of Auburn University, and they had an article published in the Alabama Reader. Additionally, while at Huguley, she supervised student teachers from Auburn University. During her time living in Auburn, Theresa earned her master’s degree in elementary education and began working on her education specialist degree.

In 1985, Theresa moved back to Double Springs. Her first year back, she taught English and Literature at Winston County High School served as a senior sponsor and sponsored the school play. After that year, Theresa was moved to Lynn School in Lynn, Alabama for three years, where she taught sixth grade. When Theresa moved back to teaching in Double Springs, she taught at Double Springs Elementary for ten years. During her years teaching elementary school, she wrote and received grants for art education and for a literary journal for the elementary school. 

Following her time teaching elementary school, Theresa taught English and Literature at Winston County High School. In 2002, Theresa earned National Board Certification, becoming the first teacher in the Winston County school system to do so. She has since helped other teachers working toward National Board Certification. Theresa was awarded the ALFA Winston County Teacher of the Year designation as well.

During her teaching career, at various times, Theresa sponsored all of the following: Scripps-Howard Spelling Bee, school newspaper, Scholar’s Bowl, elementary school literary journal, Junior Beta Club, Prince and Princess Contest,

freshman class, junior class, senior class, drama team, and prom. Additionally, the schools where Theresa taught are in rural areas and struggle to have adequate funding. Many times, Theresa spent her own money on supplies. This is especially extraordinary because for many years of her teaching career, she was a single mother on a teacher’s salary.

Theresa was also awarded as a Who’s Who Among America’s High School Teachers (multiple years); the ALFA Teacher of the Month; Winston County Secondary Teacher of the Year;  and also Winston County High School Alumnus of the Year.

Theresa retired in 2005, but continued to teach part-time at Winston County High School for four more years. She then taught GED classes in Double Springs through Wallace State Community College.

In retirement, Theresa gardens and spends time with her extended family. Theresa has been a member of the Department of Human Resources Quality Assurance Committee, she is a member of First Baptist Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, Dripping Springs Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, Alpha Chi Chapter of the Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers’ Sorority (where she has served many leadership roles, including

President), Double Springs Book Club, and Double Springs Study Club. She and and her husband J.D. also taught a parenting class at Freedom Hills in Haleyville, Alabama. Theresa was an art minor in college, and has had a life-long love of art and its importance for students. After retiring from teaching, Theresa worked very hard to help form the Winston County Arts Council, where she currently serves as Vice- Chairman of the Board. Additionally, she wrote and received a grant from the State Council on the Arts. She helped set up a pottery workshop and works every year on the Empty Bowls fundraiser, which also helps support Main Street Ministries. Her lifelong dream has been that the community might someday have art teachers in the schools and a gallery to sell the work of the incredibly talented people of Winston County. Thanks to Theresa’s hard work, the County is that much closer to thisdream being reality.

For a long time, Theresa has worked hard for students and community. She continues this hard work today. Theresa is a great example of the kind of educator who works for multiple decades, and through many avenues, to make the world a better place, especially for students.