Todd Shadbourne
Position: Fourth Grade Teacher
School: Foulks Ranch Elementary School
School District: Elk Grove Unified School District
City, State: Elk Grove, CA
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Todd Shadbourne was nominated by Kimberly Beltran, the parent of a student.
Mr. Shadbourne's love for teaching is evident in his desire to be actively engaged with his students. He doesn't simply stand at the front of the classroom teaching a subject; he makes learning fun. Mr. Shadbourne holds a class playdate at the San Francisco Exploratorium, where kids and their families join him on the ferry ride out to the City to spend the day learning at the facility. He spends time with several groups at once learning how things work with the kids.
Mr. Shadbourne also has a movie night, where his students watch the movie version of a book they've read in class together. They even re-enact scenes from the film. Students dress up as the characters and even eat some of the same foods the characters had in the book. His students see it as a fun way to relate to what was happening in the book.
An avid runner, Mr. Shadbourne also heads up his school's running club. For 8 weeks, participants run approximately 2 miles every Tues and Thursday, working up to and culminating at 26 miles. They finish by participating in the Kids' Marafun Run at the California International Marathon. He spends time running this program at no cost to the kids or school, as he wants as many students as possible to participate without any financial strain holding them back. He purchases medals out of his own pocket for over 100 kids running in the club. This is his contribution to helping students stay fit and healthy.
"Todd has also shown genuine remorse when his students don't perform well on a project, and truly tries to tackle the issue so that they can improve their chances of understanding the subject matter," Beltran said. "He is very transparent with parents and invites parents to reach out all the time. He is very cognizant of each student's ability level and tailors homework/projects to those levels. Overall, Todd does the unconventional to get his students pumped up about what they're learning. And despite how many years he's been teaching, he is still eager and excited to help them grow and see them become successful."
hes so so awseome i love mr shadbourne and he gave me a pencil so that is a yes in my book, know what mean! ;)
Mr. Shadbourne is definitely a great teacher. He has done a wonderful job helping my child overcome obstacles she thought were impossible. He didn't give up on a shy kid who last year was afraid to go to school, but now looks forward to going to class and enjoys doing her homework. It's a noticeable night and day change once she started his class. I credit him for this positive changes in her life, due to his interaction with his students and his teaching style.
Both of my daughters have benefited hugely from Todd Shadbourne's infectious enthusiasm, creativity, and personalized attention as a teacher. He is simply one of the best teachers I have ever encountered -- and I've been a teacher for more than twenty years. Plus he just radiates kindness.
Todd has taught two of my children and is such a wonderful example of how to see each child as an individual and still manage a large group. He is kind, enthusiastic, loving, fun and holds the students attention throughout the day. He plans field trips that are engaging, he constantly goes above and beyond to demonstrate his commitment to his students. He even came to my son's Pinewood Derby race for Scouts to watch and support him. He truly is generous with his time and energy and makes each child feel special and seen. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and aims to ensure that his students are learning and progressing academically. Todd Shadbourne is truly an exemplary teacher.
He is the best!!! My kids loved him, he instilled a love of running for my daughter and is such a fabulous teacher and example!!
I vote for Todd Shadbourne! Both my boys had Todd for a teacher almost 20 years ago. I ran into him the other day and he still asked about them by name. He was and is a fabulous teacher!
I could not think of a person more deserving for this award. He truly has the biggest heart and loves to help others. His passion for making a difference on the youth in his community is something that is inspiring and very admirable. I had the privilege to be coached by Todd and will forever be thankful for that. I will never forget the day he rushed me to multiple urgent cares and the hospital at an out of town soccer tournament that my parents weren’t at. He stayed with me the entire time. Todd is such a light in the world we live in today and I can only hope to be half the person that he is??
Me Shadbourne is every bit as he’s described and more. One of THE most positive people I have ever met. And tireless in his passion for helping others—especially students.
Mr. Shadbourne was our children's Running Club coach and then my son's 2nd grade teacher ("the more you practice, the better you get!")
My son is about to graduate from college and is a professional triathlete. On visits home, Todd has helped him train by driving him out to open water and kayaking along side him for pacing and safety. Mr. S. is one of those kind, big hearted, inspirational human beings that instills confidence and courage in many. I can't think of a more deserving recipient of this award.
Todd Shadbourne is, hands down, one of the finest educators I have had the honor of knowing as a parent and colleague. I lost count of how many amazing books my daughter read with his class last year. He is enthusiastic, compassionate, professional, and beyond dedicated. He truly embodies the teaching mantra of focusing on WHAT IS BEST FOR KIDS. You can’t place the impact he has on kids on a spreadsheet because it is immeasurable. He is truly evidence that kids of all abilities can thrive in today’s high stakes classrooms provided there is a teacher there that teaches from the heart and to the heart.
Todd taught my son for 4th grade.. he is an amazing teacher and connects well with all of his students. My son enjoyed going to school and learned a lot in the welcoming environment Todd created in the classroom.
My daughter was lucky enough to have Todd coach her in soccer for over 7 years. He is a great coach and a great person. It wasn’t just about soccer though. He emphasized fitness and friendship as well. He encouraged the girls to run beyond practice. He also hosted many team nights at his house. When I asked my daughter what adults she could turn to if her father and I weren’t available, Coach Todd was at the top of the list. So cheers to ‘Coach Todd’ on a well deserved nomination. He is definitely a life changer.
I have had the honor and privilege to share time with Mr. Shadbourne and listen to his passion to connect deeper with his students. He allows himself to be inquisitive enough to ask the questions needed for a child to grow and have a great educational experience. When he talks about being in the presence of the students, you have the feeling that he is placing himself in every shoe with wonder and excitement just like a child. I feel like children appreciate and are in much need of the reciprocation from adults. Teachers, parents, and adults alike often miss opportunities to entertain the childlike wonder and innocence with children. We stop growing and learning from different perspectives. This is what makes Mr. Shadbourne a great influence and a true life changer with our next generations.
Todd is an amazing teacher! He gives so much of himself to his students. His compassion does not end when the final bell rings. He goes above and beyond every day. His love of teaching makes students want to learn.
