Shannon Fossett
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Experienced with developing and implementing engaging children's ministry programs. Utilizes strong leadership and organizational skills to ensure program success and positive community impact. Knowledge of fostering nurturing and educational environment while effectively collaborating with staff and volunteers.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Children's Ministry
Desert Cross Lutheran Church
06.2009 - Current
- Develop engaging curriculum tailored to children's spiritual growth and development.
- Collaborate with other church leaders to develop strategies for integrating children''s ministry into overall church vision and goals.
- Coordinate volunteer training sessions, enhancing team effectiveness and program delivery.
- Develop and lead parent education seminars on topics relevant to parenting and kids learning and faith.
- Implement creative outreach strategies, increasing community participation in ministry activities.
- Foster safe and welcoming environments for children during ministry events and services.
- Evaluate program effectiveness through feedback, refining activities for improved engagement.
- Lead a weekly class for parents and their children under the age of 5 with music, story, faith and art activities.
- Coordinate special events that promote fellowship and among families within the church community as well as service projects to help the community.
- Organize successful vacation Bible school programs annually that attract a growing number of attendees each year while maintaining high-quality learning experiences.
- Manage budget planning for children''s ministry, allocating resources responsibly to maximize program effectiveness.
- Oversee communication efforts between the Children''s Ministry team and parents or guardians, keeping them informed about upcoming events, opportunities, or concerns related to their child''s involvement in the ministry.
- Enhance children''s ministry programs by implementing innovative and engaging curriculum materials.
- Develop monthly faith playlists on our website for families to explore faith on the go.
School Board Member
Desert Sun Child Development Center
2008 - 2011
- Participated in strategic planning sessions to align school goals with community needs.
- Advocated for student interests by addressing concerns raised by parents and educators.
- Collaborated with community stakeholders to enhance educational policies and programs.
- Reviewed and approved budget proposals to ensure financial accountability within the district.
- Organized and helped lead the large fundraiser each year and other school projects and events.
- Supported implementation of innovative educational strategies to foster student success.
Presenter
Weekly Mom's Group for Mom's With Infants
2005 - 2009
- Developed and led a presentation on "Reading with your Baby" incorporating quality children's literature
- Presented Bi-yearly to a mom's group with children under the age of 1 to inform them of the research and benefits of reading with babies
Elementary Teacher, Early Childhood Certified
Kyrene School District, Mirada Elementary
1998 - 2004
- Taught first and second grade
- Organized and trained classroom volunteers
- Implemented a Multiage Program at our school for first/second grade
- Created and led teacher/staff development trainings and professional book study groups
- Designed and taught a ‘Magic of Multiage’ class for other teachers in the Kyrene school district
- Attended numerous yearly trainings and conferences to further my knowledge of child development and best teaching practices
- Wrote Educational Grants to obtain extra funding for classroom projects including a Wells Fargo Teacher’s Partner Program Grant for $500 for a Math and Literature Project
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment that encouraged student participation and collaboration.
- Utilized diverse instructional strategies to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.
- Monitored student progress through assessments, providing timely feedback and support.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to enhance student learning experiences and outcomes.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices for classroom management and instructional techniques.
- Implemented creative classroom management techniques to maintain an orderly and focused learning environment.
Education
Masters Degree - Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Education
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ01-2002
B.A. - Early Childhood Education
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ01-1998
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM01-1995
Skills
- Team work and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Effective time management
- Proficient in managing multiple tasks
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Teaching
Certification
- Arizona Standard Teaching Certificate, Early Childhood Endorsement
- Classified as a Highly Qualified Teacher in accordance with the Standards of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the AZ State Board of Education
Timeline
Director of Children's Ministry
Desert Cross Lutheran Church
06.2009 - Current
School Board Member
Desert Sun Child Development Center
2008 - 2011
Presenter
Weekly Mom's Group for Mom's With Infants
2005 - 2009
Elementary Teacher, Early Childhood Certified
Kyrene School District, Mirada Elementary
1998 - 2004
Masters Degree - Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Education
Arizona State University
B.A. - Early Childhood Education
Arizona State University
New Mexico State University