Throughout a child’s life, there are many adult influences who can heavily impact the way a child thinks and feels. One of the most prevalent of these influences is their school teacher. Their sole job is to teach kids not only how to read and do math but also how to navigate life.
Susan Shell is a kindergarten teacher at Marsh Elementary School in Michigan City. She has been teaching in the district for 15 years, starting at Niemann Elementary before going to teach at Marsh Elementary six years ago.
Shell grew up in Farmersburg, Indiana, and went to North Central High School. She then attended St. Mary-of-the-Woods for her undergraduate, and earned her master's degree at Ball State University.
Shell’s typical school day consists of teaching reading, writing, math, and STEM to her students as well as other special skills learning stations. Shell also has three children of her own whom she teaches in her classroom.
“I did ask if my kids could have breakfast in the classroom. I love that they’re able to do that because it builds more of a community feel,” Shell said.
Shell is also involved with many organizations within and outside of her school.
“I help at Platinum Gymnastics where my daughter goes. I volunteer and do work there. I'm on the leadership's teams at school. I write grants, and I've done Donors Choose and raised over $70,000 for my school and my classroom. I've also received the Thank America's Teachers grant from Farmers Insurance,” Shell said.
Shell is clearly devoted to helping her school and, more specifically, her students. She feels so strongly about her job because she knows how important her role is in a child’s life. Shell had a very difficult childhood, and this has really impacted the way she feels about teaching.
“Growing up, I could have been a statistic. My Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) score is very high,” Shell said. “I'm proof that it only takes one person to believe in you to really change things. School was my safe place growing up. I got something to eat. I had a thankful adult.”
“Being a teacher, we have to take care of the inside and the outside, and we have to be proactive, not reactive,” Shell added. “Starting with the smallest little people and making them be as amazing as they can and having them fall in love with learning helps them throughout life.”
Shell’s biggest inspiration is her aunt, who raised her as her own.
“She raised me like she was my mom, and she took care of me when she didn't have to,” Shell said.
Though she had a very difficult childhood, Shell was resilient and decided to make her own path in life. She was the first generation in her family to graduate from high school and college. Shell spends most of her time now with her three children, Emma, Liam, and Livia. Whether that be in the classroom, at home, or at gymnastics and soccer events for her kids, they definitely manage to keep her busy. She also loves traveling with her friends and family.
Shell’s story is definitely an inspiring one, and her greatest hope is that she can spread her passion and inspire others to change lives for the better alongside her.
“A bad moment isn't a bad day or a bad life,” Shell said. “It's okay to allow yourself to live in that moment, but you have to dust yourself off and get back up and try again.”