SIS welcomes new headmaster

Saipan International School administrative staff Mili Saiki shakes hands with the school’s new headmaster Ron Snyder. (Contributed Photo)

Saipan International School is excited to welcome Ron Snyder as its new headmaster. He has extensive international and multicultural experience, having lived and worked in Germany, Egypt, Pakistan, Venezuela, rural Alaska, Slovakia, Ukraine, Malta, and most recently Ethiopia. He was also a teacher here on Saipan at Tanapag Elementary School from 1996 to 2000.

Snyder, or Mr. Ron as he was known to his Tanapag students, has held many different positions in his 25 years in education. He has been a teacher in every grade from second grade to graduate school, a technology coordinator, a high school principal, an instructional coach, a curriculum coordinator, the director of a global virtual school and now, headmaster at SIS. He believes in a student-centered approach to learning and is excited to put his skills to work at SIS in building a vibrant curriculum and an exciting place to learn. One of his first tasks will be to implement at merit scholarship program at SIS, aimed at attracting new families of high achieving students in the areas of academics, athletics and activities.

Snyder is committed to building a community of learners that includes students, teachers and parents. He will be offering graduate classes to his staff as well as to the broader community on Saipan. By putting the student first and building the community around their successes, Snyder hopes to achieve great things at SIS for students, teachers, and parents alike.

Snyder holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History, a Master’s Degree in International Teaching, a Master’s Degree in Education Technology, a Certificate of Educational Leadership, and is currently finishing his Doctor of Education from the University of Bath, England, focusing on factors influencing student motivation and persistence. His studies have concentrated heavily on best practices in curriculum and instructional design, including virtual instruction.

Snyder will be joined by his family as he settles into his new role. His daughter Anika will be entering SIS in the 9th grade and his niece, Isabel will be entering 11th grade. His wife, Kim, will be teaching at the elementary level this year as well. They are all looking forward to getting reacquainted with old friends and family on the island and to making many new ones.

SIS launches Merit Scholarship Program

SIS is also happy to announce the start of its Merit Scholarship program for new families during the 2016-17 school year. SIS will be offering up to 20 competitive scholarships to new students in grades 2-9 based on proven excellence in academics, athletics, and/or activities such as music, art or drama. Each scholarship provides students with a 40 percent discount in tuition fees. Finalists must undergo an entrance exam that includes Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.

Please call the SIS office at 288-9660 for more details or visit the campus in As Lito.