Educator of the Week: Shawna Northrop

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — Shawna Northrop is a 4th grade math teacher at Denmark elementary school in Madison county.
She shares how at a very young age she was inspired to pursue education.

“I have always wanted to be a teacher, my kindergarten teacher was wonderful. She was like 4 foot 11 but she had a heart of gold. And then my 5th grade teacher was just awesome. It was the first time I have had a male, and he was just wonderful with the kids, you could tell he really cared and that just really just set with me and knew I wanted to do that for the rest of my life,” shared Northrop.

Northrop has been teaching for 21 years.
She says the HOPE scholarship benefits students with more than just their finances. “I love that it helps students and they get money, but I also love the community part of it because doing the community service also helps the community so it helps in all different ways,” explained Northrop.

She also shares some unique ways she educates her students.

“I definitely want them to understand so I show them lots of examples. I model my thinking a whole lot for them. There are also students who can explain it also so I want them to explain it back to me. Because if they can explain it back to me, that means they understand it,” said Northrop.

She is now eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month Award. To vote for her or any other nominees, go to the Tennessee Education Lottery website.

To nominate an educator for our weekly award, email us at wbbj-educator@gray-media.com.

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