MISD Teacher Named KLTY Teacher of the Month

She usually likes to stay behind the scenes, but Brooks Wester Middle School teacher Stephanie Shackelford was front and center to be recognized for a job well done by a local radio station.

Hundreds of students and staff gathered in Wester’s gym to honor Shackelford for receiving the 94.9 KLTY Teacher of the Month award. The award is given to deserving teachers who are nominated by the public. Coworker Julia Stephen said she wrote into KLTY after seeing how hard Shackelford worked to raise more than $10,000 for the campus’ Angel Tree program.

Radio host Frank Reed talking to Shackelford about her award.

“She really took the bull by the horns,” said Stephen, seventh grade science teacher. “She did the planning, and put in the hours, and the time, and the energy. She was just incredible to work with—very excited, motivating, and inspirational.”

Shackelford said she is in shock and humbled by such acknowledgement.

“I’m not used to having the attention on me, so this is all so new for me,” said Shackelford. “I hope students take away from this assembly that when you do good, something good eventually comes to you—even though you’re not doing it to get any sort of recognition for it.”

As the KLTY Teacher of the Month, the eighth grade English teacher received hundreds of dollars in gift cards, a complimentary facial treatment, and a plaque of recognition.

Buckets and TNT speaking to Wester Middle school students.

At the award ceremony, the audience received an additional treat by having two members of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters speak to them about the importance of having good character. Afterwards, Buckets and TNT brought members from the crowd down to the court to teach some of their basketball skills.

The students left the presentation learning about cooperation, healthy mind and body, effort, enthusiasm, and responsibility (C.H.E.E.R.). The acronym is used to get the kids to care about school and each other to better prepare them for the challenges they may face as young adults.