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Award Renamed to Honor Educator
06/15/2019

ISTA recognized the dedication of Nathan G. Schnellenberger through award rename. 

Respected educator and esteemed Association member, Nathan G. Schnellenberger, passed away today. His passing comes two days after the Indiana State Teachers Association President Teresa Meredith announced the name change of ISTA’s Pacesetter Award to the Nathan G. Schnellenberger Pacesetter Award. 

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of former ISTA president, friend and mentor – Nate Schnellenberger,” said Meredith. “It is an honor to shepherd the Pacesetter Award name change. Nate was an exceptional leader whose commitment to ISTA and public education will continue to be reflected in future Nathan G. Schnellenberger Pacesetter awardees.” 

The Nathan G. Schnellenberger Pacesetter Award is a distinct honor to those ISTA members who receive it. It recognizes current outstanding examples of courage, commitment, innovation and dedication in advancing the status of public education in Indiana. 

Schnellenberger was a classroom teacher at Forest Park Junior-Senior High School in Ferdinand, where he taught science, physical education and drivers’ education. Prior to that he taught at Orleans Junior-Senior High School in Orleans. He touched the lives of thousands of students. 

Schnelleberger concluded his service to ISTA serving as the board member for ISTA-Retired – his second time serving on the board. He was elected twice as ISTA treasurer, and he served two years as a National Education Association Board of Directors member. He served two terms as ISTA president leading the organization through a challenging time with unwavering resolve. 

He is survived by his wife Beth, also a teacher, and two children Emily Reed and her husband Scott and Ryan Schnellenberger and his wife Tara. He also has three grandchildren Cade Payton Reed and June Beth and Asa Gene Schnellenberger.