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: Shanna Dowd
Ninth Grade Earth Environmental Science Teacher at T. Wingate Andrews High School
Dr. Marcus Gause, former Andrews principal, describes why he selected Mrs. Dowd:
Mrs. Dowd is a phenomenal, one of a kind teacher at Andrews High School. She builds and maintains respectful relationships with students and empowers them to be successful in school, life and the community. She is a true asset to the Andrews family and consistently provides encouragement, structure and accountability.
Mrs. Dowd exemplifies “extraordinary” by going the extra mile and providing an inclusive classroom for students while maintaining high expectations for all. She models her values within and outside of the classroom while ensuring that she is always growing and strengthening her educational practices to reach her students.
Mrs. Dowd is a true example of Andrews High School’s motto “BELIEVE”. In every step of the way she has believed even when she didn’t see it, she still BELIEVED! Mrs. Dowd embodies “Extra-ordinary”.
HPSP’s Interview with Mrs. Dowd:
How long have you been at your school and what makes you committed to working with High Point students?
I transferred to Andrews in August 2021. I am committed to working with High Point students because I, myself, am a former High Point student – I graduated from Andrews in 1990 and believe that I have returned for a purpose. I love our school’s culture and climate which includes the belief that all of our students deserve as much effort we can humanly provide to ensure they receive a quality education and our nurtured so they can become the best people they can possibly be.
What’s your most memorable moment as an educator?
My most memorable moment as an educator is ongoing – I am thrilled to run into former students who remember me and sometimes can even recall activities/labs we did in class years later. Every single time I come across a former student it is conformation for me that I have been in the right profession at the right place and right time for a reason.
What inspired you to become an educator?
I never aspired to be a teacher – the profession found me. I believe divine intervention led me to the classroom and has kept me there for 23 years. When I stop and think about other professions I could have possibly entered, none of them speak to me like teaching. It is a hard job and we often don’t see the fruits of our labor for many years, but when those fruits finally arrive the intrinsic reward is beyond any other job I could imagine.
What’s your teaching/leadership style?
My teaching style is very maternal – I treat my students how I would hope my own biological children are/were treated in school. I try to strike a balance between a highly structured environment and flexibility as needed.
What’s the best part about every day?
Interacting with my students – they keep me on my toes to find ways to challenge not only them but myself as well.
Do you have a classroom motto or philosophy you abide by? Why?
The philosophy I abide by in my classroom is the same as the one my family and I live by at home – Teamwork Makes the Dream Work. I want my students to understand that we are all in this learning process together and success is achieved when we all do our part and have each other’s backs.
What would you like your students to remember about being in your class?
I would hope that all of my students remember that I gave them my best every day because they deserve it.
Is there any other information you would like us to share with the community?
I am honored to be recognized as an extraordinary educator. I work for a wonderful and supportive administrative staff and colleagues. We hold each other accountable and function like a family to get our job done. Therefore, being extraordinary is not difficult in my school’s environment.
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.
