A Spark of Energy

Each member brings their unique experiences and perspectives, and one of our many standouts is Lower School teacher Shelby Chamberlin. When I think of Shelby, I always envision her in terms of a color. Specifically the color yellow--a bright and energetic hue that perfectly embodies her personality--unfailingly comes to mind. If you are fortunate enough to be a part of Shelby’s world, you probably agree with what a fitting representation this depicts of her bright, sunny and energetic personality. 

Unsurprisingly, she approaches her teaching with a passion for learning and a deep compassion for her students. Shelby's ability to infuse joy and positivity into her classroom creates a nurturing environment for her students to thrive. Shelby has quickly become an invaluable member of the Springer school community. In this blog post, we'll delve into her go-to classroom strategies, how she got into the field of education, what inspires her, and her advice for new teachers and parents.

Shelby's go-to strategy in the classroom is to create a positive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported. She believes that building relationships with her students is key to their success, both academically and emotionally. By creating a safe and welcoming space, Shelby encourages her students to take risks and push themselves to achieve their goals. She also incorporates a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and abilities, ensuring that all students feel engaged and challenged.

Shelby's love for teaching and working with children began at a young age. She shared that her aunt was a speech pathologist, and Shelby was always fascinated by the work she did. However, it wasn't until her aunt's passing that Shelby knew without a doubt that she wanted to be a teacher. Seeing the impact her aunt had on her students' lives and the love and gratitude shown by their parents was a defining moment for Shelby. She knew that she wanted to make a similar impact and be a leader in her own right.

What inspires Shelby to come in every day is her students. Their infectious energy and enthusiasm for learning never fail to put a smile on her face. She describes them as the joy of day, and the inside jokes and camaraderie they share create a sense of family within the classroom. Shelby is also inspired by her grandfather, who instilled in her the value of hard work from a young age. As a minister and substitute teacher, he was an excellent role model for Shelby and taught her the importance of giving back to the community.

For new teachers, Shelby's advice is to be patient and flexible.

Teaching is a challenging profession, and there will be times when things don't go according to plan. However, by being patient and adaptable, teachers can find creative solutions to problems and ensure that their students receive the support they need. Shelby also encourages new teachers to build relationships with their students, colleagues, and parents. By creating a supportive network, teachers can work together to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.