Teaching is a career that allows you to make an impact on future generations of society. It can also be a rewarding career that allows you experiences that most people do not get to enjoy. Shannon Peters says that working with her students and seeing them grow is something that she really loves.
“I love building relationships with students and trying to ignite a creative passion in them,” she said. “Human beings have an innate need to create, to express themselves, and to share their unique perspectives. Being an art teacher allows me to provide those opportunities for young people when they don’t always feel like they have enough influence to make an impact on the world around them yet.”
Peters teaches Art III, Painting I, and Painting II at Stillwater High School. She is in her seventh year at Stillwater, but before there she taught at T.R. Miller High School in Brewton, Alabama. She says that her love of art allows her to enjoy the experience of being a teacher.
“I love art, and I really enjoy being around teenagers,” she said. “They are so funny and full of life. Being a high school art teacher is a wonderful opportunity to share my love of art with young people, laugh a lot, and hopefully be a positive influence on the next generation.”
Throughout her teaching career, Shannon has received guidance from other teachers. And while they were all helpful, she has some that has stuck with her.
“The best advice I’ve ever received about teaching is to admit when you don’t know something, don’t take yourself too seriously, and apologize when needed,” she recalled. “Students tend to respond really well to teachers who show them that they are human too.”
When she is not teaching in the classroom, Shannon enjoys doing a number of other things.
“I enjoy spending time with my family,” she said. “My partner, Robert, and I have three children; Riley, Sarah, and Katie. I also enjoy reading, decorating cakes, painting, and binge watching Grey’s Anatomy.”
