Great communities have great schools. High Point Schools Partnership creates impactful connections between our schools and the wider community to ensure students and their families are supported and can reach their full potential in High Point schools.
Part of High Point Schools Partnerships’ mission is to improve the image of our schools through storytelling. Who better to tell the stories of High Point’s schools than the people experiencing it first-hand? In this series of articles, we will highlight our 2023 High Point Extraordinary Educators as we dive deeper into what keeps them motivated in the face of constant challenges.
2023 Extraordinary Educator: Montrez Shaw
PE and Health teacher at Allen Jay Preparatory Academy
Principal Kevin Wheat explains why Mr. Shaw is EXTRAORDINARY:
Coach Shaw is a valued member of the Allen Jay Prep staff. He simply does it all. He teaches a morning literacy class to help scholars build their fluency and comprehension skills. Coach Shaw teaches physical education classes daily and helps younger teachers who are just entering the profession. He coordinates all athletic events for AJ Prep, schedules and drives the buses to the games, coaches multiple sports, mows and lines the fields, and does it all with an exceptional attitude. He is loved by all at AJP and is very deserving of this recognition.
HPSP Interviewed Mr. Shaw:
How long have you been at your school and what makes you committed to working with High Point students?
This is my sixth year working at Allen Jay Prep. Being a product of high point public schools myself fuels me to remain committed to working with the youth of High Point students as I vividly remember the impact my teachers and coaches had on me.
What’s your most memorable moment as an educator?
Attending Ron Clark Academy to begin my first year of teaching was very memorable. I really didn’t know what to expect coming into education. I knew I had a good rapport with kids, and I knew I enjoyed being involved in sports. We took a trip to Atlanta to visit the school of Ron Clark, and it provided me with a solid foundation that launched my teaching career.
What inspired you to become an educator?
The combination of rapport with kids, and passion for sports lead to the profession. I accepted an intern position with the Parks and Recreation while in college and those experiences led me to inquire about getting inside a classroom.
What’s your teaching/leadership style?
My teaching style empowers the students. Students will know different commands from me, the teacher, to direct them while also allowing them leadership roles throughout the class, so take ownership and are held accountable.
What’s the best part about every day?
The best part of everyday is the morning rally. Administration provides a leadership lesson each morning focusing on a specific topic. It’s the first thing we do each morning after arrival, and this jump starts my day and always leaves me with a positive outlook on the day.
Do you have a classroom motto or philosophy you abide by? Why?
‘Be Better Than You Were Yesterday’ This is my motto because it focuses on self and it promotes growth.
What would you like your students to remember about being in your class?
I would like my students to remember from my class that it takes everyone to win. Every player on a team has a specific part, we all must play our part to win.
