Probstfield Teacher of the Year fulfills goal to teach early childhood
May 31, 2017
Shelly Hanson grew up knowing she wanted to become a teacher.
“No matter what anyone said, I was going to be a teacher. I entered college knowing my passion was early childhood,” said Hanson, an early childhood special education teacher for Moorhead Area Public Schools and this year’s Probstfield Teacher of the Year.
During college, Hanson worked with adults with disabilities and discovered her new passion. She added a special education degree to her portfolio, graduating from University of Mary with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, elementary education and special education. Hanson later returned to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood special education from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Hanson began her career teaching students ages 3-5 in a bilingual Head Start classroom in Denver. After moving to the Twin Cities, she became a co-teacher in a preK classroom for Kindercare before becoming a toddler teacher at People Serving People, a homeless shelter in Minneapolis.
In 2010 Hanson began substitute teaching for Moorhead Area Public Schools. She was hired in January 2011 as an Early Intervention Services paraprofessional before transitioning to JumpStart preschool teacher and Minnesota Reading Corps support. Hanson continued her education and was hired four years ago as an ECSE teacher with EIS, where she is a valued member of the team, said Ashley Nelson, Early Intervention Services lead teacher.
“Shelly came to Moorhead with a number of experiences in education,” Nelson said. “That background, combined with her passion for students and collaborative approach to teaming with others, are an example of how she is deserving of this recognition.”
Hanson believes it’s important to provide a safe and inviting environment for learning to take place and that teaching children social skills at a young age is necessary for them to succeed in life.
“I feel that in early childhood, trust is one of the first foundational skills that needs to be learned,” she said. “A safe environment must be provided to make a connection with students and families.”
Children learn through play and music, Hanson said. “You can teach science, social studies, literature, math, etc. through play and music,” she said.
According to Nelson, Hanson demonstrates awareness and understanding of due process requirements related to special education, while also keeping the focus of education on her students and families.
“Shelly has an understanding of development and an ability to look at the big picture when working with students who may demonstrate challenging behaviors,” Nelson said. “She is effective in communicating with students’ families and sharing examples of success and progress, as well as communicating to the team on trying alternative approaches to best meet student needs.”
Additionally, Hanson has provided training to staff on the implementation of the SEEDS of Emergent Literacy curriculum.
“In SEEDS training, who I am as a teacher becomes apparent,” she said. “I am very passionate during the training. SEEDS is all about being a sensitive teacher, while educating students, encouraging students and developing through doing.”
“Shelly is a lifelong learner, who has a willingness to step up to a challenge and do what is needed to support the students, families, and staff she is in contact with,” Nelson said.
Photo: Shelly Hanson, early childhood special education teacher and this year’s Probstfield Teacher of the Year, practices rhyming words with a preschool student.
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