LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Shalonda Alexander

Position: Fourth Grade Reading/Language Arts Teacher
School: J. P. Starks Math, Science & Technology Vanguard
School District: Dallas ISD
City, State: Dallas, TX

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Music that Describes Shalonda


Shalonda Alexander was nominated by her colleague, Patsy Williams.

Ms. Alexander is the epitome of an excellent educator. She is inspiring, motivational and dedicated to the education of children.

Ms. Alexander is inspiring to watch with her students.  She sets high expectations and believes that each and every scholar in her classroom is capable of learning what she has prepared for them.  She spends every moment  totally committed to bell to bell instruction.

"I have watched her take the most challenging of students over the 10 years that I've worked with her and guide them to success in their academic endeavors," said Williams.

Ms. Alexander has the natural ability to not only motivate students, but her colleagues as well.  She is often seen encouraging other teachers and sharing best practices with them to ensure that their students are successful, too. She provides campus professional development sessions to help others improve their instructional abilities.

If you want to see an exemplary classroom, all you need to do is stop by her class. The students are engaged from the time they enter until the time they leave.  She often forgoes her planning period to assist students who need extra instructional time.  She will stay late in the evening if needed to work with students, too.  Whatever it takes, Ms. Alexander is willing to do it in order to ensure the best education possible for her students.

"Our campus is blessed to have such an educator as Ms. Shalonda Alexander," said her nominator.

Comments (47)

Charisma fulce Posted over a year ago

Heey ms.alexander thank you for trying to keep me on tract in school ty ily

Ruthiemauldin Posted over a year ago

Heey ms.alexander I was wondering if u can get in contact with me

Joi Alexander Posted over a year ago

Hi ms.alexander. I hope your new 4th graders are being good. If they are not, ill come up there acting like you when someone doesn't listen.

Zahria Williams Posted over a year ago

I miss you so much ms.Alexander you are the best reading teacher ever!! I’m in 9th grade now I hope you can reach out to me I would love to speak to you.

Heather Wilson Posted over a year ago

Ms. Alexander is a master teacher on our campus. She has such a positive rapport with her scholars, current and past. She is a model classroom in terms of classroom management, student engagement, and language arts instruction. She has presented various professional development opportunities with our staff, and is a knowledgeable content resource as well. I would definitely say that Ms. Alexander is one of the anchors that holds the school steady, with her commitment to excellence and reliability. She is a champion for her students, and I am blessed to have her as a colleague.

Jesse Mata Posted over a year ago

Ms. Alexander comes to work every day with the leadership and determination needed to be successful in the classroom. She leads by example and brings out the best from both her students and fellow teachers. She diligently works to ensure that her students are successful and have the necessary skills to be productive adults. I was fortunate to have started my career as an educator working alongside Ms. Alexander. I know that through her leadership I acquired skills that improved me as a teacher and a person. It is through her leadership and example, that have allowed me to become the teacher that I am today.

Crystal Scott Posted over a year ago

Ms. Alexander is one of the most genuine and selfless people that I know. I've never seen her without a smile and and offer to lend herself to any occasion. I have always admired her strength as an educator and leader in her field. I'm more than proud of her. I'm honored.

SMSgt Danny Thomas, USAF Posted over a year ago

I would like to congratulate my sister for her continuing service to her community as a teacher. She gives selflessly to her students for over 20 years. "Thank you for your service to the teaching profession and community."

Mary Zimmerman (Neighbor) Posted over a year ago

I have known Ms. Alexander for 13 years and she has been a very good neighbor to me. In the years I have known her she has always spoken passionately about her profession and her love for the children she serves. Ms. Alexander has extended her education to a Master's level on her own and she is a hard worker for all her children. I wish her all the best in all that she does to serve the children of J.P. Starks Elementary School.#LCOY

Darryl Cato dfd Posted over a year ago

Congrats on your nomination.

Sherrod Wyatt DFD Posted over a year ago

Congrats on your nomination. Keep changing lives.

Bryce Reed ( Dfd explorer ) Posted over a year ago

Congratulations on your nomination and being a great educator!

Derrick Shaw (DFD) Posted over a year ago

Thank you for your service in educating our children.

M. Pettway (DFD) Posted over a year ago

Congradulation on your nomination.

Kenneth Jones (Family Friend) Posted over a year ago

Very Lovely Young Lady That I Have Had The Privileged Of Knowing Over 20 Years! Her Love And Dedication To Her Profession Has Always Been Transparent And Not Only Do The Students Recognize It But Also Their Parents And Other Teachers!! She Is Truly A Blessing To All Those That Get To Know Her!!

Marilyn Alexander (Aunt) Posted over a year ago

I'm peacock proud of you baby! I love you and are proud of you!

Louis Aguinaga ( High School Classmate) Posted over a year ago

Shalonda and I went Adamson High Scool in the late 80's. Since then 28 years have passed without us ever crossing paths again. Two weeks ago on a Sunday morning at a retail store in Cedar Hill I stood in line impatiently to make a payment and I heard a voice behind me say " you have to practice your patience". As I turned I saw a lady with pretty eyes and a prettier smile..My first thought was who is this lady and why is she talking to me like she has known me for a long time.. Then as we started to converse we found out that we actually went to High School together and started to bring up names of people that went to school with us to make sure we were who we said we were.. :) We continued to talk and eventually we were smiling and I was hoping I would have to wait in line for another hour. Shalonda spoke of her profession and I could see how important and most of all how happy she was when she spoke of her students. You have to understand that here I was standing in front of someone who I had not seen in over 28 years but her words and smile were what being nice is all about. Shalonda showed me that she carries her career outside of the schools as well..A great teacher leads by example. I can't speak to her position at DISD but obviously to be nominated for this award and what I have read it is evident to what' I saw in 20 minutes when I spoke to her I can think of one word that comes to mind when I think if Shalonda. (Serendipity) - the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for, also : an instance of this. I went in that day to make a payment at the store. But I found an old classmate friend who showed me the beauty that still exists in our diverse world. Good luck Shalonda

Richard Bridgewater III Posted over a year ago

Ms. Alexander is an educator in every sense of the word. I’ve observed her servant leadership within our community and school district for most of my life (20+ years). The most admirable thing I’ve noticed over the years is her ability to sustain the energy and willingness to uplift our youth on a daily basis. She’s used the platform she’s earned to shine her bright light and natural ability to develop students. Her ability to reach our youth where they are and inspire them to learn is uncanny and second to none. It transcends time. In a society where educators aren’t as vested in the development of disinterested students has increased within the last decade and the disparity of student achievement continues to diminish in front of our eyes. I’m hopeful, however, that we still have teachers/administrators like Ms. Alexander who are choosing to be engaged and striving to invoke inspiration in our youth during such trying times. I was directly influenced by Ms. Alexander outside of the classroom as she taught me life skills that I use today as an adult, positively contributing to society. The “Life Changer of the Year” is definitely fitting as I presume she’s changed so many lives during her tenure as an educator. I’m proud to know her! Her direct influence will continue to live through me and those I encounter through the legacy she continuously builds. She ultimately decided to live for a cause that most complain about but have not offered solutions. She made the conscious choice to be a staple in our community within the educational system and I must say she’s made a difference, living a life of impact. I’d argue she’s a “Life Changer of a Lifetime” #LCOY

Brenda Jackson Posted over a year ago

Ms. Alexander has a dedicated and energetic spirit when it comes to educating her students. Every day she provides a lesson that is entertaining. Ms. Alexander motivates her students to learn new concepts in a fun and exciting way. She uses chants, hand signals, and mnemonic devices that ensure her students learn. She also believes all students can learn so, she maintains high expectations for all students, and she is committed to giving additional attention to struggling students when needed. As a special education teacher, I'm glad I have the opportunity to learn and grow with a teacher who has made a positive impact on students. #LCOY

Arial Kossie Posted over a year ago

Ms. Alexander loves her students like they're her own, and it shows every day. She has high expectations for all of her students, and they always rise to the occasion because of the mutual respect that is established from the beginning of the year. She provides encouragement and gives students and colleagues genuine and helpful feedback that pushes us all to be and do our best. Her classroom is a burst of energy that lights up our school. She is certainly a life changer at J. P. Starks! #LCOY

Arthur Donalson (Cafeteria Staff) Posted over a year ago

MS. Alexander is a very caring, and outspoken wonderful teacher. #LCOY

Vera Howell (Cafeteria staff) Posted over a year ago

Ms. Alexander a wonderful person, loving ,caring very dependable . Very helpful will give you the shirt off her back Love this Lady. #LCOY

Marcus Mack Posted over a year ago

I would like to make these comments of being a independent outside observer of Ms. Alexander in the classroom. I have never seen a individual that exhibit enthusiasm for teaching her students. Her unique classroom teaching, passion and professionalism is outstanding. Setting in her class had me total engage. Ms. Alexander is a hardworking educator. Just not at her school but a motivator outside the school grounds. Thumbs up for Ms. Alexader for being a Dynamic educator

MIKE CAMPBELL--FARMERS INSURANCE Posted over a year ago

I have been Ms. Alexander's insurance professional for over 20 years. I remember well meeting her and, as we got to know each other, realizing that Ms. Alexander was indeed a unique lady. A single mom going to college and working as a Teacher's Assistant in the DISD, it was obvious to me that she had great tenacity, determination, and a vision for a better life for her and her children through education. Ms. Alexander has demonstrated her "whatever it takes"-attitude throughout her adult life, and it makes me proud to read that she is the kind of educator that impresses that life approach onto her students. Her dedication to her family is unsurpassed and naturally carries over into her profession and relationships with her students. J.P. Starks and the DISD are fortunate to have such a dedicated professional who sets high expectations for her students. To be nominated and supported by her colleagues and students as Life Changer of the Year says so much about her worthiness of this distinction. However, if you ask Ms. Alexander, she'll tell you, "Just to be NOMINATED is such a high honor for me." As one of he student's wrote, you're "SIZZALIN BABY. GO AHEAD", Ms. Alexander!

Jade Hucks [student] Posted over a year ago

Ms.Alexander is a wonderful teacher. She teaches us reading,writing,and language arts. She explains things very good and detailed. Ms.Alexander is nice,but she is also strict.That is a good thing because that's how she keeps her class in order.She pushes us not in mean way,but to make us try are best. Without her I wouldn't be who I am today.Thank you Ms.Alexander for everything you have done.

Justice Ishola (student) Posted over a year ago

Ms.Alexander is a wonderful teacher. She teaches us things her way and I like it that way because she makes it fun to learn.Ms.Alexander helps us with everything. My favorite thing that she has taught is compound sentence.I love how she does it , and I hope she keep doing what she do!

Ximena Hernadez (student) Posted over a year ago

I think Ms.Alexander is a amazing,fun,and nice teacher.She is an awesome teacher. I think she's the best teacher out of the Dallasisd schools. I know that no body can teach like her .

Deon'ee Rouse (student) Posted over a year ago

MS. Alexander is a great teacher . She teaches us how to make 4 square feed organizer,compound predicates, and compound sentences . MS. Alexander helps us with our mistakes . I am lucky to have MS. Alexander.

Tytiana Pullen Posted over a year ago

Ms. Alexander you're the best teacher ever. You taught me compound sentences, compound predicates and subjects and predicates. I love you alot and you've helped me alot!

Xavier Davis (student) Posted over a year ago

Ms.Alexander is a great teacher,and she is why I am in the fifth grade.Also, she is strict on us because she wants us to do right,not because she is mean.She is also loving and caring and FANTASTIC.Even if she's gone,I will always remember her in my thoughts and in my heart.That is why I LOVE Ms.Alexander.

Zarayah Brown ( student ) Posted over a year ago

Mrs.Alexander is smart, and she is an awesome teacher. She teaches us very well , and she make sure we understand the process. She's taught us awesome things, and teaches us very clearly. She also works with us , and doesn't rush us. She lets us take our time and get it through. I love her working with me. Also she is the reason why we passed the STAAR test. Also, she is strict on us because she wants us to do right, but she's not mean. And she very talented. I love her and she loves me.She is FANTASTIC. I will love her with all my heart , until I die.

Keyanna Smith (student) Posted over a year ago

I know Ms.Alexander is a great teacher. She helps me when I need it like when she taught us how to create a compound sentence and how to turn it into a sentence with a compound predicate. Ms.Alexander is a beautiful,kind,and a caring hart person. I think that at everyone should vote for her because she's the best! Shalonda Alexander, that's my teacher!

Alison Garcia [student] Posted over a year ago

Mrs.Alexander is a great teacher, and I am very honored to be writing this comment. She teaches us reading with a passion to teach and with strategies that help us answer reading questions with ease.My favorite reading skill is vocabulary, because it's one to know. She taught us a chant to help us with this skill and it goes something like this ''look at everything around the strange word'' to find context clues to help you figure out the meaning of the strange word. It's one thing I know like the back part of my hand.She also teaches us language arts and writing. We use the FEED strategy. She taught us to create an expository piece of writing to explain which means to tell why. If I had to describe her with one word it would be amazing! #LCOY

colin harris(student) Posted over a year ago

I think that you can do it because you are one of the smartest and sweetest people that I've met. You are very caring about our opportunities to become smart and passionate people. If my siblings came to this school,they would have loved you. You inspire us to work as hard as we can with 212 degrees of effort. You would be the perfect nominee for the Life Changer Award.

Ayleen Herrera (student) Posted over a year ago

When I first entered fourth grade I was nervous. But when Ms.Alexander was here I felt better. she taught us Revising and Editing, Inferencing, and MCCPE. She makes learning fun, and she makes me happy!

Taniyah Taylor [student] Posted over a year ago

Hello, My name is Taniyah Taylor and which was taught in 4B . Ms.Alexander,last year you taught me something.It was my dream. I fight for it. You told me to never give up!You are my role model.You taught me how to be a lady and how they act .Thanks for everything. A superhero is strong and you are my superhero is strong and you are my superhero . Writing was a struggle,but you helped me get pass.

Alina Cruz(student) Posted over a year ago

Hello, My name is Alina Cruz. I was a student in 4A which is taught by Ms.Alexander. She was a wonderful teacher I had ever had before. I am now in 5th grade all thanks for her help. She encourage me, she taught me to write more. I really love her i fell like she is my own mom, that is how much i love her.

caileiwilliams(student) Posted over a year ago

Ms.A is the best teacher in the world I love her she is the most fun teacher she has all of these fun phrases when we do a good job like, "Y'ALL SIZZALIN BABY, GO HEAD BABY!" and she is so beutfull and she allwase smell so good mmmmm like a flowers

Moriah Brewer (student) Posted over a year ago

Ms.Alexander is a teacher who knows whats best for you.If you are or were in her class you now what she always says ''Make It happen''.In Ms.Alexander's class is always on point!She may get on you,but she loves you no matter what!We all LOVE Ms.Alexander!!!All of her students are STARS and SCHOLARS!!!!!!#LCOY

Moxie Mcgee (Student) Posted over a year ago

I was a student in Ms.Alexander. She is a wonderful teacher,she knows her stuff,and she taught me to be the wonderful student I am today.Ms.Alexander is like a mother to me.she turns your frown upside down into a smile .Thanks to her I past my STARR test with missing 1 question .She makes sure you're happy,and ok. Ms,Alexander is an inspiration to me,and she is and leader.#LCOY

Stephanie Simon Posted over a year ago

It is my pleasure to support Ms. Alexander. I have known her well over 20 years and have had the opportunity of teaming with her at two different grade levels. She is a kind-spirited person, full of energy and drive, dedicated, determined, and committed to the pursuit of excellence. She loves to educate students and is always on her feet giving her best and more to ensure her students achieve and exceed the expectations set before them. She knows her craft and is diligent in perfecting it. Her motto is "WHATEVER IT TAKES"........and she does just that! Not only does she teach, but she reaches students where they are, nurtures them, and encourages them to always give their best. Her leadership skills are one of a kind. You can at any time find Ms. Alexander being a help to those around her and does it with great joy. Thanks for being at the helm and impacting student lives in so many positive ways, prepared for life beyond the classroom. You are truly a "LIFE CHANGER"!

Tracey Savage Posted over a year ago

I'm very honor to have this opportunity to support Ms. Shalonda Alexander as a nominee for the "LIFE CHANGEER" of the Year Award. Ms. Alexander is a very energetic, fun, loving and caring person not only to her students but to her colleagues. She's a great team player as stated from another colleague about her dong the job of "two teachers" and doing it "SUPERB". In doing these challenges she continue with a smile and expecting the best and nothing less from her students. She gives 212 degrees effort in preparing her students for "College and Career Readiness". A great role model in and out of the classroom. I've seen the great impact that she has made on her students, changing them to believe in themselves and to become great "FUTURE LEADERS" of tomorrow. She is truly a great asset to J.P. Starks Math, Science, & Technology Vanguard and the community. "DO IT" Ms. Alexander in 2019!

Ms. Brown Posted over a year ago

I have worked with Ms. Alexander for four years now. She is passionate to her profession, and it transfers over to her scholars that she teaches. For the past two years, she has been doing the job of two teachers because of staffing challenges. She sets high expectations for her scholars, and they all rise to the occasion. She is eager to share her ideas and strategies with her colleagues. Ms. Alexander is a tremendous asset to J.P. Starks Elementary!

Kimberly Wooten Posted over a year ago

It is my pleasure to support Ms. Shalonda Alexander as a nominee for the Life Changer of the Year Award. Ms. Alexander is very passionate about educating our scholars at J. P. Starks Math, Science & Technology Vanguard. Ms. Alexander teaches and models her academic and social expectations which such clarity that her students are able to manage their own learning in her absence. I had the opportunity to cover Ms. Alexander's class while she attend a professional development meeting this semester. Her students were able to complete their assignments using the skills and techniques that had been previously taught by their teacher. They were also teaching me "how Ms. Alexander teaches it." Classroom leaders were already in place to ensure that the daily routines and procedures were continued. It was a joy to see how her teaching had impacted those students. Her students took pride in managing their learning and owning their own success. Ms. Alexander sets high standards for her students as she is preparing them with academic, social and leadership skills for their future. She is truly a Life Changer!

Elizabeth Torres Posted over a year ago

Ms. Alexander is a great colleague and inspiration. Ms. Alexander truly cares about her students and school Community. During my first year of teaching Ms. Alexander was always willing to help and listen to my ever ending questions. Thank you Ms. Alexander for being a true inspiration. Ms. Torres

Betty Richmond Posted over a year ago

I have worked with Ms. Alexander for at least 23 years. I have seen her grow from a Teacher Assistant to a wonderful teacher. Ms. Alexander loves her students and want them to learn. Her compassion for her students as well as her colleagues are beyond words. Ms. Alexander will go over and beyond for her students, not just the ones in her class but for every student in this school. I am proud to know her as an educator and well as a friend.

Kathy L. Mumphrey Posted over a year ago

As a veteran educator, I have had the opportunity to work with, observe, and mentor numerous teachers in the profession. None have impressed me as much as Ms. Shalonda Alexander! Her level of energy to serve her students is remarkable! She is committed to giving 100% and beyond to her students from the time she arrives on campus until the school day closes. Her unique style of delivering instruction has a way of meeting the needs of every student in her classroom and includes strategies that will assist their learning on an elementary level and beyond. Her students look forward to entering her classroom daily as she teaches them to take ownership of their learning. Ms. Alexander is caring, considerate, and nurturing to not only her assigned students, but to students throughout the building. Students trust and respect her because of her sincere and candid nature. She is not only an encourager for these fragile young lives, but more importantly, she is an inspiration of hope, a positive motivating force, and definitely, a life-changer that will leave a mark of excellence on the profession of education and ALL children!