Shelley Gibson teaches Special Education students ranging from 9th-12th grade in all subjects at Catoosa High School. Gibson first began teaching in the fall of 1990. Gibson had always known that she wanted to be a teacher and has been making an impact on students’ lives ever since. She had the mindset to teach and desire to learn from an early age.
“When I was in kindergarten, I would come home, line up my stuffed animals and my younger brother and teach them what I had learned that day,” Gibson said. “It wasn’t until I attended a Boy Scout Expo with my dad that I knew I wanted to teach special education. We stopped at a booth with all special needs scouts. I was in awe watching them work together to complete a task. I knew at that moment I wanted to teach special education.”
Today Gibson is in her 26th year with Catoosa public schools and loves her job, students, and the community. Beyond the classroom Gibson also assists with the Special Olympics program.
“These athletes work and train hard for their events,” Gibson said. “Special Olympics also gives me the opportunity to bring others into the group and promote inclusion. I am grateful for the support shown to my team by the district and community.”
As a teacher Gibson is constantly learning and working new activities and teaching methods into her classroom. Gibson said she enjoys incorporating hands-on activities for science and math programs. The most important skill that Gibson tries to teach her students is functional life skills.
“Some students come into my class without basic skills like changing the trash or mopping the floor. I want them to graduate and be able to make a difference in their communities and show they have abilities that some people suggest they do not,” Gibson said.
Shelley Gibson is an exemplary teacher who brings passion to the classroom and truly cares about her students and making an impact on their lives. When she isn’t making a difference in the classroom she can probably be found relaxing with friends and family.
“I love spending time with my family, especially my grandson, Gavin,” Gibson said. “I love doing family history, watching football, and going to concerts and cruises in my Challenger with my husband!”
