My high school biology teacher had a garter snake and some axolotls as class pets. That was Churchill High School in Livonia, MI. We were permitted to handle the exceptionally tame garter during class. He would sit wrapped around peoples' hands. I don't think, in retrospect, that the teacher was particularly knowledgeable about the animal, though.

I think a ball python would make a much better class pet than any sort of rodent or rabbit. If the worst happens, and someone is bitten, the snake's bite is much less serious than a bite from a hamster would be, and much cleaner and less painful.

Some hand sanitizer nearby for those who handle the animal would be a sensible precaution. I would think that finding a ball python that is very outgoing and is a good eater would be a wise decision, rather than just acquiring one randomly.