Born in Mitchell, South Dakota on November 22, 1964, I joined a family of 6 children. I attended Whittier Elementary, Mitchell Junior High (now known as the Middle School), then graduated from Mitchell Senior High School.

          After high school, I attended the University of South Dakota obtaining a degree in elementary education with an emphasis in early childhood.  My first teaching position was at Eugene Field Elementary  teaching first grade.  After finishing my first year, I moved upstairs to teach third grade for two years.

          Upon marrying my husband, we moved to Grand Island, Nebraska for three years during which time I taught at Head Start.  I also had two of my three children, both daughters, while living in Nebraska.

          Family brought us back home. Here I had my third child, a son.

          After substitute teaching for three years, I got a call about an open position in the Mitchell School District.  Have I ever thought about teaching art?  Yes, but....   well, I took the position, something I was excited about, and started that day.  After teaching art for the past few years, and taking some really wonderful classes, I find myself hooked.  I now hold an full endorsement in art education and am looking at obtaining my masters degree in the arts.   

    Take care.... and enjoy my web sight.

M. Shannon