Embedded Files
follow this link to read Mrs. Prowell's "Teacher Feature" interview in the Edina Buzz
Why did you become a teacher?
I love children and I really enjoy working with them. I'm also passionate about music and our individual and societal need for it in our lives. In fact, I'm so interested in how important music is for our human development that I'm writing my thesis about it! I believe that it is important to have high quality music experiences as well as enjoyable ones so I really try to teach music that has integrity. It is so exciting for me when all our efforts finally come together and I can see something click in my students' faces; it's that moment when they understand that they've just done something wonderful and beautiful that will be a part of them forever.
Where did you get your education?
I went to high school at St. Paul Academy and Summit School and graduated in 1993. In 1997 I graduated from St. Olaf College with a bachelor of Arts in K-12 vocal music. While at St. Olaf I was a member of the St. Olaf Choir for 3 years and had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand and Australia. Informally, I got an education in Orff Schulwerk, Choral Music and Administration while working at Camp Albemarle--a summer music camp affiliated with the American Boychoir School in Princeton, New Jersey. From 1995-2005 I held various positions including counselor, head counselor, Camp Director, Choir Director, and Orff Teacher. From 2002-2004, I attended workshops at the University of St. Thomas to get my certification in Orff Schulwerk. In 2011 I received my Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of St. Thomas. I also completed the Technology Cohort, a joint verture through Hamline University and Edina Public Schools, in 2014.
How long have you been teaching in Edina?
In 1998 I was hired to teach primary music at Countryside, Cornelia, and Concord. Then, in 1999, I was hired to teach full time at Countryside Elementary and I've been here ever since.
What do you do when you're not teaching?
I am a mom to my two wonderful children and a wife to an amazing, supportive husband who also happens to teach at Highlands Elementary. I love spending time with my family but when I have a moment of free time to myself I love to read and knit. I also play the piano, guitar, and occasionally the mountain dulcimer. In addition to all of this, I am a children's choir director at Christ Presbyterian Church.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I'm not too picky about my music. I have many different genre stations on Pandora including alternative rock, world music, vocal jazz and Romantic orchestral. The only music I'm not too fond of is heavy metal but, because Mr. Prowell really likes it, I'm learning to appreciate it.
Do you have a question for Mrs. Prowell?
Send her an email at: shandra.prowell@edinaschools.org
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