Interview with the 2023 Texas Teacher of the Year, Shelley Jeoffroy
This month, we're excited to celebrate Shelley Jeoffroy, the 2022-23 Texas Teacher of the Year, presented by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). Shelley's focus on building positive and meaningful relationships with her students and their families has enabled her to make a big difference in many students' lives academically, emotionally, and socially.
She is currently a fifth-grade math teacher at Otis Brown Elementary School in Irving ISD but has taught students in other places, including Kenya, Peru, Mexico, and Morocco. She has served 17 years in education and has completed a Capturing Kids’ Hearts® 1 Training.
We were fortunate to spend some time with Shelley to better understand her heart for students and what she's doing to make a significant impact in education.
Q: What do you do to cultivate connectedness with your students?
A: I find ways — big and small — to get to know my kids and their families. I keep notes to remember their interests, especially at the beginning of the year. I build on that knowledge and ask kids about their lives as often as I can throughout the day. Through these efforts, they feel seen and valued.
Q: How do you deepen connections with your students' families?
A: With parents, I strive to communicate as often and as positively as possible. I often text parents celebrations if a student does a great job in class or if I notice their child extends an act of kindness. I brag about my students as much as possible. If/when we have behavior or academic issues to address, I have already established myself as a cheerleader and champion for that child. I convey a sense of teamwork with the family.
Q: If you could share one piece of advice to encourage other teachers to help them cultivate a positive culture in their classroom, what would that be?
A: The relationships you build with your students and their families are THE most powerful part of what you do. Content and pedagogy are constantly evolving and being challenged. Human social-emotional needs are consistent across cultures. When kids and families know you are genuinely invested in their success and truly care about them, this establishes a collaborative relationship where students will trust you as you support them toward higher academic standards.
Q: What brings you the most joy in your work?
A: I love when I see a child grow in confidence and self-esteem. Students often say they 'hate math,’ but really, they don't feel successful in math. It is very rewarding to work with them and help them transform and reframe those beliefs. I help students understand that learning to overcome limiting beliefs opens unlimited possibilities.
Q: Who inspired you to become a teacher?
A: I love to travel and enjoy learning about other cultures and unique places in the world. In my younger years as I began exploring, I wanted the most authentic experiences I could have, which meant really diving into the day-to-day living of a place. I was fascinated with the educational practices and policies of other countries. I also began to realize the direct connections between the educational practices of a nation and how that could transform individuals and impact the whole society. To that end, global education struck a chord with me ... and ignited my sense of purpose. I realized more and more the power it held to improve individual lives, families, and the world.
Celebrating Teachers Who Are Making a Difference
At Capturing Kids’ Hearts, our goal is to equip, empower, and inspire leaders and teachers as they continually develop a positive school culture and increase (student) performance. We believe in the power of connectedness to do that and want to celebrate teachers like Shelley, who are focused on creating safe and welcoming environments for students.
Did you know...98% of people believe a good teacher can change the course of a student's life? Through experiential training, expert coaching, a character curriculum for students, and personalized support, Capturing Kids' Hearts® equips professionals in K-12 education to implement transformational processes focused on social-emotional wellbeing, relationship-driven campus culture, and student connectedness.
