Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
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Shannon Russell

Shannon Russell

Palm Coast,FL

Summary

Award-winning educator recognized for instructional excellence, curriculum leadership, and a commitment to student achievement, including the title of Indian Trails Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2026. Expertise includes ESE (K-12 Exceptional Student Education), Elementary Education, and Physical Education/Health, supported by multiple Florida certifications. A pioneer in creating and directing Unified Special Olympics and inclusive adapted physical education programs, significantly enhancing ESE student participation and fostering a positive school culture. Proven ability to design and implement differentiated, data-driven curriculum and behavior management strategies while building strong collaborative relationships with students, families, and colleagues to ensure comprehensive student growth.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Physical Education and Health Wellness Teacher

Flagler County Schools-Indian Trails Middle School
2021 - Current
  • Named 2025 Teacher of the Year for excellence in teaching, student engagement, and inclusive programming.
  • Spearheaded and directs the Unified Special Olympics Adapted Physical Education program, providing meaningful inclusion opportunities for ESE students.
  • Designed and implemented innovative, differentiated Physical Education and Health lessons that promoted lifelong fitness, wellness, and healthy habits for all learners.
  • Assessed student progress through performance evaluations and fitness assessments, using data to guide instructional methods and show measurable skill improvement.
  • Collaborated with colleagues on cross-curricular wellness programs, provided CPR certifications, and school wide initiatives.

Extracurricular Roles:

  • Volleyball Coach, Basketball Coach/Referee, Archery Club Advisor, Best Buddies Advisor, Special Olympics Advisor, CPR Trainer, Member of the PBIS Team, Member of FCEA Teachers Union, Department Lead for Physical Education, Department Lead for Health and Wellness, Run AM and PM car riders, Coach at Palm Coast Little League.

3rd Grade Elementary Teacher

Flagler County Schools-Wadsworth Elementary School
2020 - 2021
  • Fostered positive classroom environment to encourage student participation and collaboration.
  • Assessed student progress through formal and informal evaluations, adjusting instruction as needed.
  • Developed and executed engaging, standards aligned lessons for a diverse elementary class, driving academic growth across all core subjects.
  • Monitored and assessed student progress using data driven strategies, maintaining accurate records and communicating regularly with parents.

Student Teacher

Flagler County Schools-Belle Teerre Elementary School and Indian Trails Middle School
2019 - 2019
  • Implemented classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
  • Developed lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards and student needs.
  • Collaborated with mentor teachers to refine teaching techniques and instructional methods.

Paraprofessional

Flagler County Schools-Indian Trails Middle School
2016 - 2019
  • Monitored student progress and communicated findings to educators.
  • Provided behavioral support and strategies to promote positive interactions..
  • Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
  • Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.

Preschool Teacher

Naugatuck Head Start
01.2010 - 01.2014
  • Co-taught classroom with typical and special education students
  • Planned daily curriculum, administered medication as needed, implemented behavior management skills, and recorded anecdotal notes of students
  • Trained in promoting social and emotional competence by The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL)

Education

Bachelors of Special Education - Exceptional Student Education K-12, Elementary Education K-6

Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
04.2020

Associates Degree Liberal Arts - Early Childhood Education

Naugatuck Valley Community College
Waterbury, CT
05-2004

Skills

  • Classroom management
  • Student engagement
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Lesson planning

Accomplishments

  • Indian Trails Middle School Teacher of the Year Recipient (2025)
  • Naugatuck, Connecticut Hall of Fame Recipient (2017)
  • Naugatuck High School All-State Volleyball (2002)
  • Naugatuck High School Female Athlete of the Year (2002)

Certification

  • FL SPED Exceptional Student Education K-12 Anticipated May, 2020 DOE processing
  • FL Elementary K-6 DOE processing
  • FL Professional Educators test 2019
  • FTCE Reading Endorsement K-12 Scheduled 5/30/2020
  • FTCE Physical Education K-12 Scheduled 6/6/2020

Timeline

Preschool Teacher

Naugatuck Head Start
01.2010 - 01.2014

Bachelors of Special Education - Exceptional Student Education K-12, Elementary Education K-6

Western Governors University

Associates Degree Liberal Arts - Early Childhood Education

Naugatuck Valley Community College

Physical Education and Health Wellness Teacher

Flagler County Schools-Indian Trails Middle School
2021 - Current

3rd Grade Elementary Teacher

Flagler County Schools-Wadsworth Elementary School
2020 - 2021

Student Teacher

Flagler County Schools-Belle Teerre Elementary School and Indian Trails Middle School
2019 - 2019

Paraprofessional

Flagler County Schools-Indian Trails Middle School
2016 - 2019