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Shelly Sanchez Terrell is an international speaker, teacher trainer, elearning specialist, and the author of The 30 Goals Challenge for Teachers and Learning to Go. She has trained teachers and taught learners in over 20 countries as an invited guest expert. She has also been recognized by the ELTon Awards, The New York Times, NPR, and Microsoft’s Heroes for Education as a leader in the movement of teacher driven professional development. Recently, she was named Woman of the Year by Star Jone’s National Association of Professional Women, awarded a Bammy Award as a founder of #Edchat, and named as one of the Big 10: Most Influential People Transforming EdTech by Tech & Learning (2015). In 2015, she founded Edspeakers to help spread diverse voices at education conferences worldwide.
SHOW NOTES
i am ME. Statements
i am caring. i am ambitious. i am innovative.
GETTING TO KNOW SHELLY
What is one thing that makes you unique as a leader in education?
I am constantly challenging people to take risks.
When and why did you decide to be a leader in education?
My sister and I stepped up to teach the children’s church. We were able to help over one hundred children have a place to come and feel good.
What about teaching today gives you the greatest fulfillment?
The educators, students and parents that reach out to me and share their thoughts.
SIMPLE CONNECTIONS
Please share with us a simple connection where you feel you made a long-lasting, powerful impact on a student.
I had a mentor who taught me how to teach one particular student who suffered with ADHD and other issues. Since I was with him for four years, I had awhile to figure out what he needed to be successful.
PERSONALIZED LEARNING JOURNEY
What is it about Personalized Learning Pedagogy you believe will have the greatest impact on education as we know it today?
The great thing about personalized learning is it’s about relationships, connections and the individual.
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
Tell us about a challenging situation that could have resulted in a bad outcome, but because you persisted — and perhaps made tough decisions, the now painful memory serves as a great lesson?
One of my students threw a chair at me, which actually turned out to be somewhat my fault. Because of my actions, I decided not to send him to the principal’s office. Instead I had a deep conversation with the student to figure out why he did what he did.
SECRETS TO SUCCESS
What one strategy would you suggest teachers in personalized learning environments apply everyday that would result in powerful outcomes?
Let go of the control. Balance what you take personally.
Imagine you are standing in front of a room full of educators — just like you when you started your personalized learning journey. They too have fears, worries and doubts as they struggle to find their footing. What are two to three key things they should focus on to ensure success?
Every learner has potential so you should focus on that potential. Take time to give back to yourself.
i am ME.
Can you share with the i am Me. audience one thing that makes you GREAT?
I have an incredible support system including my fellow educators and family.