Shelby Curtiss
Teaching Role
Exploratory Teacher K-5
Health and Physical Education
Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathmatics
Art
School District
Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools
Shelby’s journey has led her to a dynamic K–5 role, teaching health, PE, STEM, and art while impacting every student in her school.
What initially inspired you to become a teacher and why did you join Talent Together?
In my undergraduate years, I originally started in mechanical engineering before switching into education during my second year. I quickly found a passion for seeing the world through students’ eyes—their excitement, creativity, and curiosity made the work incredibly meaningful. After earning my certification and beginning my teaching career, I wanted to further expand my certification areas, which led me to join Talent Together. Through the program, I was able to continue my education while gaining additional certifications and valuable experiences. I’ve always believed that no student should feel left out or misunderstood, and that belief drives me to be a consistent adult students can rely on, especially during times when their home lives are not always stable.
Since completing your additional certification with Talent Together, how has your role as an educator or your career responsibilities evolved?
Since completing my masters degree with Talent Together, I am able to teach more specific areas in education. This allowed me to broaden my scope and be able to move around in the district if needed. I love seeing how different levels of education work and problem-solve. I enjoy seeing how learning progresses across grade levels, especially how mathematical concepts build and connect over time.
I also became involved in the National Society of Leadership and Success through Devenport University. It has allowed me to network and connect with many different individuals.
What grade level and subject are you teaching? About how many students are you working with?
Currently, I teach kindergarten through fifth-grade health and physical education, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and art. I work with every student in the school, totaling one hundred fifty-four students.
What are some of your favorite instructional activities or routines you’ve been using?
I use many different instructional activities, and they vary depending on what I am teaching. In physical education, I love using “I do, we do, you do,” which is especially effective when teaching new skills in sports. In art, we use hands-on learning, and the time students have to be creative with various materials leads to great results. In STEM, I enjoy using think-pair-share, often in the form of building challenges. It is amazing to see what students come up with and apply from what they have learned from any given topic.
Having sensory bins and calming corners in each of my spaces has also positively impacted students emotionally. They feel more seen and heard and are able to transition back into learning more effectively than when these supports were not available.
What advice would you give to Teacher Candidates who are just entering the program?
Do not be afraid to ask questions. Stay in open communication with the people on your team, especially your professors. I have gained so much more by being actively involved than by simply showing up to class to get it done. The Talent Together program offers valuable insight and ideas. It is an amazing program, and everyone is wonderful to work with.