Brian Sneed, an automotive teacher at Cordova High School, has received national recognition with the 2024 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools prize for teaching excellence. He is one of 25 teachers in the U.S. chosen from over 900 applications, as reported by Action News 5. In addition to the honor, Sneed will receive $15,000 personally, along with $35,000 for Cordova's automotive program.
This funding will enhance the resources of a program that Sneed has led for nearly two decades. Student Zach Meier praised Sneed in a statement to Action News 5, noting, "He’s always gone above and beyond to make sure we have what we need to succeed and being able to give us real-world experience working on cars and being able to develop a trade that’s in dire need right now. So, it allows us to be more experienced in what we do and get real-world jobs."
Naudia Redfield, a senior at Cordova High, noted the inclusivity of Sneed's program, stating, "A lot of women get more involved in some mechanics, because it, I mean, it's not a hard thing for you to learn. And I feel like a lot of them are intimidated by it since it's a male industry," she told FOX13 Memphis. Her acknowledgment of Sneed's impact is reflected in the experiences of other students who are successfully stepping into roles at local businesses, demonstrating the career readiness provided by his program.
Bringing the community and future opportunities onto the school grounds, Sneed is hosting a career fair that aims to introduce his proteges to the technical industry, as reported by a statement obtained via FOX13 Memphis.
With the career fair scheduled in the Cordova High School parking lot, Sneed's vision extends beyond the classroom, helping students pursue viable career paths. The automotive program is also looking to upgrade equipment, including a car lift that one student noted, "It’s been failing a little bit on us." These improvements are essential for ensuring the program's continued success, as reported by WREG.
