Change often comes when it is least expected. This rings true recently for me in a change of positions here at the Oklahoma State Department of Education. For the past three years, I have had the pleasure of serving the elementary teachers in our great state as the Director of Elementary Mathematics, but that time has come to a close as I transition into the world of Gifted and Talented education. My time as Director of Elementary Mathematics was filled with amazing collaborations and connections with teachers across the state that I will always cherish and continue to relish as I serve in a little different capacity. But never fear because the role of Elementary Mathematics Director is being passed on to someone who is stepping up to the plate to carry elementary mathematics forward with great passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the work ahead.
It’s a wonderful thing when someone’s passion perfectly aligns with their profession, and when it comes to elementary mathematics Shannon Ashong is living out her passion. Shannon has been in education for 12 years. Her teaching career started in Norfolk, Virginia teaching various elementary grades for 8 years. She then traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to teach 4th and 5th grade. Along the way, her experiences with mathematics through her own extended learning opportunities instilled a love of learning within her that continually drives her to educate and empower teachers and students. Shannon arrived in Oklahoma 2 years ago where she served Oklahoma City Public Schools as their Elementary Math Curriculum Coordinator. She has an amazing husband and 2 fabulous dogs at home.
Shannon is no stranger to Oklahoma Mathematics as she was a writer on the second phase of the OKMath Curriculum Frameworks project and has served on multiple other committees for the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Shannon’s mantra of “Are we doing what is best for students?” guides every decision she makes. Her eagerness to educate a well-rounded elementary student will prove to be the exact ingredients for successful leadership that OKMath needs. Shannon also loves to travel so this bodes well as she crisscrosses Oklahoma supporting you!
When you get a chance, drop her a welcome note to say Hi!
