- December 25, 2025
Indian Trails Middle School Teacher of the Year Shannon Russell teaches physical education and health and wellness and coaches volleyball. She has been teaching in Florida since 2020. Prior to earning a Florida teaching certificate, she worked as a paraprofessional and also taught preschool for four years at a Head Start program in Connecticut.
Russell was an All-State volleyball player and three-sport athlete at Naugatuck High School in Connecticut and was inducted into her high school’s Hall of Fame as an athlete and a coach.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I decided in high school that I wanted to become a teacher. I was inspired by the incredible coaches I had, many of whom were also teachers, as well as a long line of family members who work in education. Their passion and dedication motivated me to follow the same path. I attended Naugatuck High School in Naugatuck, Connecticut, from 1999 to 2002, where I was an All-State volleyball player. I also competed in basketball and softball.
In 2017, I was inducted into the Naugatuck Hall of Fame for excellence in athletics and for giving back to the community through coaching middle school basketball and high school volleyball and softball. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Western Governors University, receiving dual certification in K-12 exceptional student education and elementary education (K-6). Since then, I have become certified in physical education and obtained a mini reading credential from the University of Florida. In the near future, I plan to complete my master’s degree in Adapted Physical Education.
How does the nomination make you feel?
I am incredibly honored and humbled to be considered for this award. Physical education and health wellness do not always receive the same recognition as core academic subjects. I feel privileged to help shine a spotlight on the value of physical education and health wellness. Being nominated means a great deal to me, both personally and professionally.
What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?
My favorite part of being a teacher is spending each day with my students. I truly love what I do, including teaching, coaching, connecting with kids, and working alongside my coworkers. I’m at school from 6:30 a.m. for car riders until about 4:30 p.m. coaching volleyball, and the reason I’m able to balance such long days with my home life is because I genuinely love what I do. My students and coworkers make every day worthwhile.
What is one thing you are taking away from this experience?
One thing I’m taking away is the reminder that what I do truly matters. I never expected my peers to view my work with the same level of respect often given to core subjects. I’m honored to feel seen both for what I do and for the students I teach. I’m grateful that physical education and health wellness are being recognized and valued.
Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you motivated?
Being a teacher can certainly be challenging at times, but what keeps me motivated are the kind words from my students and colleagues that I have kept throughout the years. During difficult moments, revisiting these messages lifts my spirits. I also remind myself that some students face very tough circumstances and need me to be there for them, even if I don’t feel my best that day.
What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students?
A memorable experience that shaped the way I approach teaching occurred when I was a senior in high school. It was 9/11, and my volleyball game was not canceled. No one really wanted to be there that night because of the day’s tragic events. We won, and I was interviewed by a reporter. The next day, when my coach showed me the article, I realized it wasn’t about volleyball or my stats; it was about me and my smile. The reporter, who also didn’t want to be there, was reminded that there were still positive things in the world. My friendliness and smile, even for a moment, helped him feel a bit of relief from the day’s sadness.
I carry that memory with me every day when I greet students and parents at car riders with waves, hugs and fist bumps. I hope to brighten their day, both parents and students, especially when things at home might be difficult. I also greet my students at my classroom door with fist bumps and hellos, striving to create a welcoming, comfortable environment. I believe greeting my students and starting their day with these small gestures help them feel seen, valued and ready to learn.
If there was one piece of wisdom you could share with students, what would it be?
I share this wisdom with my students every day: Kindness matters. I remind them that you are treated the way you treat others. Treating others the way you want to be treated is one of the “Big Three” values we teach daily at Indian Trails. I hold myself to the same standard. I believe practicing what I preach is a key reason why I have such strong and positive relationships with all of my students.
Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life?
I am a mother of four amazing, athletic children. When we’re not coaching or refereeing, my husband of 20 years, Regan, and I spend our time cheering on our boys as they play baseball and football. Some other activities I enjoy that help me recharge for school are shelling and gardening. On most weekends, I go shelling at the beach with my friend Michelle. Not only do we find amazing treasures, but we also help clean up the beaches as we explore. Being on the beach and breathing in the fresh air helps me feel rejuvenated and ready for the week ahead. I also love gardening and flowers. Landscaping and spending time in my gardens are some of my favorite ways to relax and recharge.
