Shannon Kay Ellis

Teaching for 24 years has taught me that I still have so much to learn! A recent transplant from Dallas, Texas, I am thrilled to be the new Academic Intervention teacher at CPMS. Whereas classroom teachers are the head 'coaches' in their fields, my job is to act as a 'special teams' assistant focusing on specific needs until the student is on level again.

I graduated from the magnet school system in Dallas before studying International Political Science at Texas Tech & then Education at the University of Texas at Arlington. I love to learn, but I could never settle on a focused topic for grad school, so I just kept training for different certifications in Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Technology, Gifted, Special Education & Early Childhood. I have taught at all levels: elementary, middle, and high school. I was certified to teach 8 subjects in Texas (and was lucky to try each at least once) and last taught English 1 in a TAG middle school before moving here.

I have 3 kids who are all in college (2 undergrads at ASU & Texas A&M and one graduate in Chicago). Being a single mom of 3 was challenging and thrilling, though our many cross-country road trips have given me such great adventures. Through them, I have enjoyed rowing, fishing, hiking, camping, drawing, painting, roller skating, and traveling. I can't wait until next summer when we will all travel internationally for the first time together.

For now, I feel blessed to have this great opportunity to connect with students who have temporary challenges to their reading superpowers.