This week's Staff Spotlight goes to Ms. Shaw, 3rd grade teacher!
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I’ve always loved working with children and watching those little “lightbulb moments” happen. Even as a kid, I played school with my friends and stuffed animals—I even had a chalkboard on my bedroom wall. I knew early on that I wanted to help kids feel confident and capable. Teaching has always felt like the perfect fit.
2. What’s your favorite part of working with students?
The relationships. Kids will make you laugh, surprise you, and challenge you all in the same day—and I love that. It’s never boring! Seeing students grow, learn, and become more independent is incredibly rewarding.
3. If you weren’t in education, what do you think you’d be doing?
If I hadn’t gone into education, I’m sure I would’ve ended up in a career filled with technology and math—that’s where my interests pull me. But as a fun retirement dream, I’ve always thought opening a skating rink/arcade for kids would be so much fun. We had Skate Time growing up, and I think kids today would love something like that again.
4. Do you have any professional goals you’re working on this year?
Yes! This year I’m working on strengthening my math, science, and grammar instruction for both of my classes. I’m also focusing on building vocabulary and encouraging stronger student discourse so my students can confidently explain their thinking.
5. What’s one thing you love most about our school community?
I love all of ACS. We’ve grown so much over the last 13 years, and I truly can’t imagine being anywhere else. It’s such a happy place—you’ll see smiling teachers and students all day long. Our MVES family supports one another and always puts kids first.
6. Is there a particular moment in the school year you look forward to each year?
I love field trips and watching students discover new things “in the wild”. Learning just hits differently outside the classroom! I also treasure the Parade of Graduates—seeing former students, getting hugs, and taking pictures with them is incredibly special. Once my student, always my student.
7. Do you have any hobbies or hidden talents?
I don’t feel like I have any big “official” hobbies, but I love creating things—cute classroom resources, printable checklists, and anything that lets me be creative. I also enjoy decorating, doing small home projects, relaxing on my porch, and spending time with my pets. I just love making spaces feel cozy and fun.
8. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
One of my cats was actually featured on America’s Funniest Home Videos! She had a video where she “disappeared” into the couch. I even got a phone call and T-shirt from Hollywood! Every now and then I still spot her clip in random cat compilations, and it always makes me smile.
9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I’d choose somewhere tropical, warm, and peaceful. Give me sunshine, ocean waves, and no schedule at all, and I’m in my happy place. A cozy beach town or quiet island getaway would be a dream.
10. What’s a food you can never say no to?
A York Peppermint Patty and a Diet Coke—my perfect little pick-me-up! It always hits the spot.