Shannon Gaines, a dedicated educator at Durant High School, is not just shaping the future of her students but leaving an indelible mark on their lives.
At Durant High School, Shannon teaches juniors in U.S. History and seniors in U.S. Government, making history come alive for her students.
Before making Durant High School her professional home, Shannon embarked on her teaching journey through various schools, including Sallisaw Public Schools, Konawa Public Schools and Wewoka Public Schools. These diverse experiences have enriched her teaching skills and broadened her perspective.
When asked about her choice to become an educator, Shannon’s highlights that teaching was not her original plan: “I did not intend to become an educator; however, when I thought of the people outside my immediate family who had positively impacted my life, I realized that they were all teachers.”
As a student, Shannon was fortunate to be surrounded by many remarkable teachers. But one, in particular, played a significant role in her life. “My fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Johnson, holds a very special place in my heart because every morning she read, ‘Beautiful Bible Stories’ to the class and told us how special each of us was to her.”
What Shannon enjoys most about being an educator is the vibrant exchange of ideas among her students. “I love listening to my students discuss and exchange ideas on relevant topics,” she said. “They ask intelligent questions, request clarifications and consider other points of view.”
The best advice she’s received in her teaching career is both practical and profound: “Students are smart, and you shouldn’t try to fool them. If you don’t know the answer to something, tell them and then discover the answer together.”
Outside of the classroom, Shannon finds joy in spending time with friends and family. “My husband, Torrey, and I have been married for 28 years,” she said. “We have three children and one beautiful granddaughter.”
Being an educator, which Shannon describes as a blessing, has allowed her to impart knowledge, inspire curiosity, and make a lasting impact on the lives of her students at Durant High School.
