Shelby Cole, M.Ed. NBCT

WCPSS Teacher of the Year Finalist

scole6@wcpss.net

Hi there! I’m Shelby Cole, author of A Mindful Maestra. I was born and raised in North Carolina, raised by my grandparents on a farm (more about that later), and have always wanted to be a teacher. I played school just like many other aspiring teachers growing up, although I didn’t know what I wanted to teach yet. In middle school, I took my first Spanish class and it was decided for me; I would teach language. I started my journey of learning Spanish and have worked, struggled, failed, and pursued my goal of being bilingual. 25+ years later, I am still on that journey and inspire others to start their own journey of learning another language.

I began teaching in 2007 after graduating from NC State University (go Pack!) and have been at it ever since. I am at the same school that took a chance on me back then; I have found a circle and community at Fuquay-Varina High School that I don’t want to leave. My teaching career has had high points and low points, just like everyone else in this demanding yet fulfilling job. I’ve been everything at some point: struggling teacher, successful teacher, mentor, coach, department chair, club advisor. I’ve had many opportunities to grow as an educator and a leader, although I’ve also heard it called “glutton for punishment” and have felt this at times. I taught Spanish for fifteen years, levels 1-4, and spent the last two years teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). Why the change? I’ll share later. However, I can tell you that for now, I’m not looking back :) I am looking forward to my third year teaching ESL and being in charge of my program.  

This blog is in thanks to my friend and colleague, Lisa Bartels. She began presenting at conferences several years ago, invited me along, and now has her own collection of products and professional development at Explore! Curriculum. I appreciate her allowing me to write this blog and publish it, and I hope you come back and visit. Follow me on Instagram @maestrac6 or email me at scole6@wcpss.net.