Shelley Silvas
Position: District EL Specialist
School: Harrison County School District
School District: Harrison County School District
City, State: Gulfport, MS
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Shelley Silvas was nominated anonymously.
Passionate, impactful, and effective—Ms. Silvas embodies these three traits in everything she does. She is a passionate advocate for all students, especially those challenged to learn a new language in childhood or adolescence. These students were brought to America with their families and most often do not speak any English. The students are scared and reticent to speak any language. Ms. Silvas assures them of their safety and immediately discusses their academic future. She is the window through which many families see a bright future.
Ms. Silvas thoughtfully plans and implements activities and trainings for students, teachers, and parents that significantly impact student learning. From "Photo Talk Fridays" to ACT Boot Camps, she ensures that English Learner (EL) students are given the best strategies to succeed. Ms. Silvas doesn't stop there because she knows that to make an impact on students, you also have to consider their teachers and parents. Ms. Silvas helps schools hold successful EL Parent Nights and helps families feel welcome in Harrison County's schools. By ensuring parents feel welcome at school, she provides a positive environment to work with the EL families, which helps ensure student success. She fosters relationships with these families to ensure the language barrier is mitigated.
Ms. Silvas advocates not only for the EL families and students but also for their teachers. She plans thoughtful professional development and training sessions for teachers. Ms. Silvas provides non-stop support in the form of model teaching, co-teaching, and lesson planning for the general education teachers. In the English Learner community, she actively advocates for all families. Ms. Silvas presents at state and national conferences for schools and districts to share best practices for EL student instruction and teacher support. She has blazed a trail for the success of EL students through ongoing training for students, teachers, and parents surrounding second language acquisition. With high moral and ethical standards regarding local, state, and federal law, she is a leader for change and high academic standards for all students.
"She is a LifeChanger for students and families new to this country and to education. She is a friendly face, thoughtful partner, and advocate for the needs of all families. Several times, families have called schools and our district office to tell us how she has changed their lives for the better just by explaining a simple process or procedure that was foreign to them. Families routinely attend her parent and cultural heritage nights because they know she will provide them with sound information. Her dedication and support for this population are not bound by 'work hours.' She and her family are always available to the EL families and our teachers, often working long hours to ensure that all students and teachers are supported. I consider her a lifesaver; I hope you will also consider her for the LifeChanger Award. I can think of no other fitting title for her," said the nominator.
I had the honor of working with Mrs. Silvas in FMSD. I witnessed, firsthand, her build the EL program and provide so much information to support the district. Mrs. Silvas is not only an incredible EL director but also a true inspiration to both her students and fellow educators. Her passion for supporting multilingual learners shines through in everything she does, whether it’s hosting events to celebrate Hispanic heritage, empowering students to reach their full potential, or encouraging teachers to grow in their own EL practices. Her dedication and leadership make a lasting impact!
I had the privilege of working alongside her as an EL assistant teacher at Biloxi High School, where I witnessed firsthand her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to student success.
Ms. Silvas is more than just an outstanding educator—she is a mentor, advocate, and role model. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Her passion for education and her ability to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment make a lasting impact on both students and colleagues.
Her exceptional leadership and dedication set her apart, making her truly deserving of this award.
Mrs. Silvas Thanks to her many of us who were her students, including myself, learned English I am so grateful to her for taking the time and dedication to prepare us for the future If anyone deserves to win that prize, it's her. Thank you so much for everything Mrs Silvas.
“Mrs. Silvas is truly the best of the best! Having worked alongside her for many years, I have seen firsthand her intelligence, kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to excellence. She has been a trailblazer for the EL Department on the Gulf Coast, setting the standard for others to follow. Her impact is immeasurable, and she is beyond deserving of this award!”
I worked with Mrs. Silvas at Forest High School, where she showed me so many amazing strategies to becoming an EL teacher. It was my first year teaching English to English Language Learners in a class specifically for them. As someone who
Does not speak Spanish I was intimate by the class. However she gave me the tools and confidence to be a teacher who could get her class where they needed to be. Mrs. Silvas’s is a woman I admire and strive to be! She speaks with such kindness, understanding, and knowledge. She truly has a heart for helping and guiding students and teachers to be the best version of themselves. She is beyond measure worthy of this title.
I had the pleasure to meet Ms. Silvas when I was 14 years old at Pascagoula High School. It was one of the hardest moments of my life. I moved to Pascagoula from Dominican Republic knowing no English at all, plus I wasn’t getting any support at home. I remembered she took the time to put me on classes where she knew there was someone that knew both Spanish and English. One day my bilingual friend missed school so I was by myself in a classroom where nobody spoke my lenguaje. I remember laying my head on my desk and started crying, I felt so stupid cause I was unable to complete my assignments. I was used to being the best student at Dominican Republic. In addition to that, when I came back home from school with a project asking for help and homework supplies, I was told that I requesting way too much, but I knew that I had Ms. Silvas to help me with a smile in her face and I don’t think she even knew what I was going through and it didn’t matter to her, cause she was always there to help no matter what. She let me used her classroom computer and supplies and also helped me with homework and doble checked my assignments. To me she will always be more than a teacher, she is an angel. She help me so much and I will always be thankful for her.
I was able to successfully graduate from high school at the 70’s best of I believe 300 students and passed English 3 and 4 with an A. Every time someone asks I will say she was the reason why I graduated from high school. Thank you so much ??
Throughout my school years I’ve encountered multiple EL teachers. Unfortunately, not many have had the passion and the dedication that Mrs. Silvas has. I’ve never seen a teacher care so much about her students. She always made sure they were heading on the right path and is always giving words of wisdom and encouragement. She is always trying to improve herself in so many ways so that her students can understand their work better. It’s a privilege to have met such a wonderful human being.
Mrs.silvas is a wonderful teacher, she’s the teacher that always tries to improve more and more even though, she already is great teacher, she always help out our class( 2020 Biloxi ) and made sure that we passed all state test, that everybody had good grades, that everyone wasn’t doing something that could affect you in your future and always help out students who are barely speaking English some don’t even speak but ones they have mrs.silvas that kid or student gone learn… she always made sure EL learners had a open opportunity for the future.
There’s no a word to describe a great person like Ms Silvas
Ms Silvas is a amazing person
She is a woman who will help you no matter the circumstances
Ms Silvas is that person who will be there
You’re the best Ms Silvas
I’m so grateful with you
All your EL students love you
Like how I said I hard to describe an amazing person like you but we want to you to keep in your mind that we love you and we wish you the best on every step that you take
You’re the best Ms Silvas
I do not know anyone that deserves this award more than Shelley Silvas. She is an amazing EL teacher who advocates for her students and their families. I was lucky to see her in action for several years when we taught together.
She is the best teacher I had in Biloxi high school she help me a lot trough the high school years one of the best persons I know
Shelly is an amazing woman who works hard to help anyone in need. She has been a supportive co-worker and a great friend for many years! I can’t think of anyone who deserves this more than Shelly!
Mrs. Silvas was my ESL teacher my very first year in Mississippi. Moving to a new place with a completely different culture, language, and people was an overwhelming and difficult experience, but Mrs. Silvas’s support helped me be more confident and feel comfortable in this new place. I enjoyed my experience at PHS because Mrs. Silvas worked hard at building a community at school for us students who came from other countries to not feel as much of an outsider. Her efforts also helped other students learn about our cultures and countries as well. Thank you Mrs. Silvas for believing in me and encouraging me to strive for success!
There are few people as dedicated, compassionate, and impactful as Shelley. As an EL specialist, she not only changes the lives of her students but also empowers teachers and parents within the EL community. She goes above and beyond every single day, ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and supported. Her unwavering commitment and passion make a lasting difference, and her kindness and guidance uplift everyone around her. She is truly deserving of the Life Changer of the Year award, as she embodies everything this honor represents!"
Mrs. Silvas is the epitome of this award. I had the honor of working with her for 2 years. She advocated for our EL population and inspired us all. We were so thankful for her influence in our district & she has changed the lives of so many.
I am honored to write on behalf of Shelley Silvas for her outstanding contributions as an EL Director, particularly in her unwavering support of English Learners (ELs) and their families in our Mississippi public school district. As a principal, I had the privilege of working alongside Shelley, witnessing firsthand her dedication to equitable education and community engagement.
Shelley played a critical role in supporting the 46% Hispanic student population at my middle school. She provided immediate, hands-on assistance to ensure EL students received the academic and linguistic support they needed to thrive. Her ability to implement responsive strategies made a tangible impact on student success, teacher preparedness, and family engagement.
One of her most significant contributions was her leadership in organizing a Hispanic Heritage Festival, which became a cornerstone event for our community. The festival saw an overwhelming turnout, celebrating Hispanic culture while fostering unity among students, families, and staff. Her commitment to inclusivity and cultural appreciation extended beyond the event, as she continuously worked to build meaningful relationships with families, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs were met.
Shelley’s dedication to the EL community, her proactive support for schools, and her ability to bring people together make her a truly deserving nominee. Her work has left a lasting impact on the district, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for this recognition.
Mrs. Silva was part of my life during my school years, I was a quiet girl and it was difficult for me to interact with people. Mrs. Silva made me learn to have personality and trust in myself, She managed to help me understand English in a comprehensive and passive way, She is the best teacher I ever had and today I am grateful for everything she taught me because it has helped me improve my English professionally, She changed my life.
Although I do not have experience with Mrs. Silvas as a teacher in the classroom, I had the privilege of watching her coach my daughter during her high school softball and travel ball career. She not only worked with the entire team but took the time to work one-on-one with my daughter to improve her technique, which significantly boosted her performance and confidence. Coach Silvas consistently encouraged my daughter, helping her stay motivated even when she faced challenges. This support has made a huge difference in perseverance then and extended into her adulthood. She helped my daughter develop strong teamwork and leadership skills, which have positively influenced her interactions both on and off the field. Coach Silvas took the time to understand my daughter's strengths and weaknesses, providing personalized feedback that has helped her grow not just as an athlete, but as an individual. Coach Silvas has always recognized and celebrated my daughter's achievements, no matter how small. Lastly, Coach Silvas has always served as a mentor, offering guidance and advice that extended beyond the sport, helping my daughter navigate various aspects of her life with greater confidence. We all keep in touch to this day as Mrs. Silvas has been and continues to be a very instrumental part of our lives!
What a great teacher! If anyone deserves this award it is her!
My name is Judith Brown, I meet Mrs.Silvas when I stared high school she was a blessing to my life. Mrs. Silvas is the most caring,loving,and helpful person I have meet! Whenever I needed help she always found a way to help me with anything I needed. She is beautiful inside and out! I love her!
Shelley is the absolute epitome of a Life Changer when it comes to serving the students and their families and supporting other educators. If I had to describe her work ethic using one word, it would be passionate! She pours her heart and soul into her work day in and day out. Even though she has many years of experience, she constantly does research to ensure that she stays abreast of best practices for her field of work. Shelley is well-known across the state for her contribution to providing English-Learner (EL) services, and with an increasing rate of EL students in our Mississippi schools, her expertise will be beneficial for many years to come. Thank you, Shelley Silvas, for making a difference in the lives of our students and families.
My name is Alvaro Echevarria and this is how Ms. Silva profoundly impacted my life and launched me into a better future.
I first met Ms. Silva when I was in 7th grade at Colmer Middle School in Pascagoula Mississippi, year 2007. That was my first school year in the United States and boy did I encounter challenges ??. When I first started 7th grade, I did not know how to speak most of the English language nor did I know how to write it, much less, understand my classes (which were all in English). However, with the assistance of Ms. Silva & her ESL program I slowly started to become more fluent with the English language. As time went on and I continued to take her ESL program I started to gain more confidence and started achieving better grades in class. That led to my 8th grade school year, at which point, I was able to have the confidence to socialize and make friends with folks who only spoke English. By the time I graduated 8th grade, I was confident enough to hold a full conversation in English and understand all of my classes. All thanks to Ms. Silva ESL program.
Once I moved on to Pascagoula High School, to my surprise, Ms. Silva also took over the high school ESL program. By that time I really did not feel the need of her assistance. However, because of the great impact she made in me, I would occasionally pass by her classroom if I had a question or a problem understanding an assignment or wanted to confirm some information. All throughout high school, Ms. Silva was there for me every step of the way until my graduation. And although I graduated high school with a low GPA, 2.85, she managed to instilled in me all of the necessary tools that made me the men I am today.
Immediately after high school, I joined the US Army and served for 6 years at the rank of Sergeant, leading troops to two successful deployments. While serving in the US Army, I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Public administration and Management. After completing my masters degree I joined the US Secret Service, where I worked as a Uniformed Division officer for 4 years. From there, I became a US Secret Service Special Agent, where I currently serve and have been serving for the last 4 years. Since joining the US Secret Service, Ive traveled foreign and domestic and I’ve been able to speak to the President, Vice President, Former Presidents, Former Vice Presidents, Kings and Queens, Prime Ministers and other world leaders ALL IN ENGLISH. Aside from my professional career, I have talked to serial entrepreneurs, major corporation owners to include building my real estate business and own/manage an investment rental portfolio of 10+ million dollars. ALL WHILE SPEAKING IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.
Funny enough, today I know three languages: Spanish (my native language), English and Portuguese.
I say all of that because I recognize that my achievements and accomplishments today are all a reflection of the work and dedication she had with me when I was her student and continues to have with her ESL program/students. Also to note how ONE TEACHER can make a big impact on a kids life. Funny enough, on a kid who at one point, struggled to even understand/speak/write in English (like me) and now talks to the President of the United States. That’s Ms. Silva Superpower and I will always be grateful for her and her work ethic in helping others learn the English language.
Thank you Ms. Silva! You deserve $10,000 and much more ??
Stay safe.
Mrs. Silvas is the best teacher I’ve ever had during my high school years in Pascagoula high. She was always dedicated with her work and willing to help everyone that came in her classroom. She has the best sense of humor and the most caring teacher, I will always be grateful for all her teachings and advice on life. I am very privileged to have meet her, she deserves many things in her life. (:
To some she is Mrs. Silvas but to me she was Coach Silvas. Not only was she a great leader but always been an awesome role model. We developed such an unbreakable bond. No matter what i was going through rather if it was on the softball field, in the classroom or at home she was always that listening ear for me. Coach Silvas i cherish all of our memories we have made together and super proud of your many accomplishments!
- Khadijah Henson
C/O 2012
Definitely one of the most genuine person and best teacher there is !
Miss Silva is an excellent person with a lot of ability to treat people and students very grateful for everything she does for the district
I was privileged enough to work with Mrs. Silvas for two years. She was the EL director in my district, it was my first year as an EL teacher and she was the best director I could have EVER asked for! She is so knowledgeable, effective, and driven! She instilled a passion in me I didn’t know was there and a drive to learn more about the EL population I was serving, and to make sure others understood how to meet the needs of these students! The nominator said it perfectly, she is passionate, impactful, and effective! The students, parents, and myself knew we were all in good hands with Mrs. Silvas! She had our backs, and would fight for those kids and parents until the end! She is truly the best!
