Horizon 2025 - Flipbook - Page 42
STAFF Q&As CONTINUED
What do you like about your job?
I like to challenge my students in a
positive way. I want them to know
that they are more than capable of
overcoming any obstacles in their
path. In addition, I enjoy finding and
integrating ways to relate to my
students through a different language.
What do you like about
working at Shelton?
I like how intelligent, empathetic and
collaborative the teachers are here.
This creates a sense of support and
community. In addition, I enjoy not
having to meal prep lunch every day.
What is one of your favorite memories
about working at Shelton?
One of my favorite memories was
attending this year’s Hero Ceremony. I
never thought I would have such a deep
impact on a student, and this was a very
special moment for me.
Which of your Shelton colleagues
do you admire?
I admire Carol Davies and Kathy
Morrison. Both are supportive and
kind-hearted and their expertise in the
classroom is unmatched. They inspire
me to be a better teacher and they are
also a fun crew to work with!
What’s a fun fact about you?
In college, I got to play against the
Women’s National Team of Haiti in a
preseason soccer game.
Shelton Primary Teacher Tobin
Womble Enjoys Forming Bonds
With Students
How long have you
worked at Shelton?
This is my second year
teaching at Shelton.
What is your job?
I am a Primary teacher, first and second
grades.
What are your qualifications?
I graduated from Abilene Christian
University with a Bachelor of Science
in Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary,
a specialization in Reading and an
endorsement in Early Childhood
40
NOVEMBER 2025
THE HORIZON
Education. I started my career in
education teaching second grade in
2002 and have been involved in various
aspects of education ever since — as
a second-grade classroom teacher, a
Special Education teacher for grades
K-5 and an Educational Diagnostician.
I obtained my Master in Special
Education at Texas Woman’s University.
Prior to coming to Shelton, I spent seven
years assessing for dyslexia and helping
make recommendations to Section 504
and ARD Committees to implement
accommodations for students with
dyslexia.
What do you like about your job?
My favorite thing is forming
relationships with the students and
their families. Watching the students
grow in confidence as they experience
successes is such a rewarding feeling.
What do you like about
working at Shelton?
Shelton is the most incredible place
to work because everyone is truly
working together to do what is best
for our students. The students are at
the forefront of everything we do and
teachers are given the resources and
support to provide each child with the
individualized attention that will best
help them reach their full potential. The
student-teacher ratio is unparalleled.
I am grateful to get to be a part of a
school environment that encourages
and enriches students, that sees
potential rather than problems, that
focuses on each child’s creativity rather
than his disability.
What is one of your favorite memories
about working at Shelton?
Each year, the Lower School gathers in
September for International Peace Day,
joining Montessori students from around
the globe to “Light a Candle for Peace.”
It’s a beautiful song that is rich in
meaning and it is so impactful to hear a
chorus of children singing out together
as they sign the lyrics. This year, my son
Benjamin was near the center of the
circle with his Early Childhood class and
we found ourselves facing one another
for the song. We locked eyes and sang
to each other. I held back tears while
my 4-year-old sang and signed along,
“Light a candle for me, light a candle for
SHELTON SCHOOL
you, that our wish for world peace will
one day come true.” It’s a memory I will
cherish forever.
Which of your Shelton colleagues
do you admire?
One thing that really stood out to me
when I attended new hire orientation
last year was the fact that our Executive
Director, Suzanne Stell, was present at
all of our sessions. Her commitment to
our mission became evident to me as I
listened to her passionately engage on
topics concerning our students as she
interacted with the new hires, making a
clear effort to learn our names and make
us feel welcomed and valued.
Middle School Teacher
Tina Graves Marks 20
Years at Shelton and
37 Years in Education
What is your job?
I am a Middle School teacher. This year
I have the sixth- and seventh-grade
Applied Reading and English blocks as
well as eighth-grade SEE. I am also a
seventh-grade adviser.
What are your qualifications?
I have a Bachelor of Science in
Communication Studies with a minor in
English from Northwestern University
and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education
from the University of North Texas.
What do you like about your job?
The number of dedicated, amazing
teachers at Shelton is astounding! The
smaller class size is a gift. I’m able to
spend time working one-on-one with
students. It’s impossible to hide in the
back row and get lost — because often
there is no back row.
What do you like about working
at Shelton?
I appreciate the level of trust we are
given in planning our instruction. While
there is a framework and content that
must be addressed in English, we are
given the freedom to assess how to
best meet our students where they are
and help them move forward. We are
not required to be in lockstep or on the
same page at the same moment
