Former ISTA President Dies
The former president of the Indiana State Teachers Association has died. Nate Schnellenberger began working with the ISTA in 1987 and was elected president in 2007, a role he held for six years. He was 68.
Schnellenberger was a classroom teacher at Forest Park Junior/Senior High School in Ferdinand where he taught science, physical education and drivers’ education. He also served as head coach of the JV and varsity boys’ basketball teams and also coached eighth grade girls’ basketball. He left the classroom in 2007 after being elected ISTA president.
After serving as president, Schnellenberger joined the 2016-2019 ISTA Board of Directors as a retired representative. He also served on the National Education Association Board of Directors from 2005-2007.
Schnellenberger’s death came just two days after the ISTA announced it was changing the name of its Pacesetter Award to the Nathan G. Schnellenberger Pacesetter Award.
"It is an honor to shepherd the Pacesetter Award name change," said current ISTA President Teresa Meredith. "Nate was an exceptional leader whose commitment to ISTA and public education will continue to be reflected in future Nathan G. Schnellenberger Pacesetter awardees."
A public celebration of Schnellenberger’s life will take place at a later date.