Meet Our New Principal: Ms. Shelby

by Thea Sawyer

This year at James John School we have a new principal. Her name is Ms.Sheby.

I was very lucky to get an interveiw with her because she is very busy.

Here is what she said . . . .

 What was your favorite subject in school?
   "Reading.  I won a reading contest in 2nd grade and the prize was a book,".

Was homework to easy for you?
   "Easy for reading and writing but math was a little chalenging,".

What was the job you had before?
  "I was a teacher for a teacher for Kindergarten and 4th grade."

For how long? 
  "For thirteen years."

What was it you dreamed of becoming a child?
  "I always wanted to be a teacher.  My older sister taught me how to read."

Whose steps did you want to follow in?
  "My 8th grade teacher who I had for Language Arts and Social Studies."

Why was that?
  "He opened my eyes to the injustices in the world and the importance of working for the equity of everyone."

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

  "I was inspired by the poor performance of my eldest son's teachers.  I knew that all kids deserve better."

What do you like best about your job in school?

  "I like collaborating with the staff and working with kids."

Have you ever considered a profession in High School or Junior High or even College?

  "Yes, I have thought of  working at a college or  in a middle school."

Was college challenging or easy?

  "It was very interesting and challenging at the same time."

What classes did you take in college?

  "I took classes on Education Law, Finance, Evaluation, Leadership, tons of courses."

Did you drop out of any school?
 "No, but I transferred from University of Oregon to Portland State and Lewis & Clark College."

Were you a good artist in school?
  "I was okay, but I loved the (art) classes."

What are some of your hobbies?

  "I like reading, spending time with my family and dog, camping, gardening, sewing.  My first sewing project was an apron for my mother that I made in Home Ec."

Did you grow up in Oregon?

  "Yes.  I'm a fifth generation Oregonian, which means my family goes a longs ways back. My Great- Great-Great Grandparents lived here.