Shawna Whitfield
Position: Sixth Grade Teacher
School: Ocean View Elementary School
School District: Lucia Mar Unified School District
City, State: Arroyo Grande, CA
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Shawna Whitfield was nominated by a parent, Danya Nunley.
"Lucia Mar Unified School District's vision is to engage, challenge, and inspire as we put our kids first. I feel the weight of that tremendous responsibility, and yet, am empowered by our site's application of that vision. I am the product of leadership that inspires me as a person, challenges me as a professional, and engages my own innovative strengths. In turn, I invest that positivity in my students." – Shawna Whitfield
In a very short time with Nunley's daughter, Mrs. Whitfield demonstrated her depth of caring, her ability to observe and understand the individual students in her class, and her ability to cater to their unique needs. In her class, Nunley's daughter was not only challenged academically, but to become the best version of herself as a citizen and a scholar.
"She was so excited about school, she wouldn't even allow us to pull her out for appointments, or even for treats!" Nunley recalled. "She couldn't possibly miss 'Genius Hour' or any of the other stimulating programs Mrs. Whitfield had implemented in the classroom. You can’t imagine the feeling of seeing our daughter transform before our eyes in such a positive manner."
With Mrs. Whitfield’s influence, Nunley's daughter's self-esteem grew right alongside her love of learning.
"I cannot even begin to describe how exceptional Mrs. Whitfield is as a person, teacher, and role model. From the very first time I heard her speak at my daughter's “Back to School” night, I knew we were lucky enough to find that “once in a lifetime” teacher who would turn our daughter around and set her on the right path at a very crucial stage in her development, as she was approaching the difficult teen years. Mrs. Whitfield is so intelligent and articulate, it is inspirational."
Mrs. Whitfield began teaching fifteen years ago, but spent nine years out of the classroom raising her kids. During that time, she continued to seek professional development opportunities, and even served on the board for the Central Coast Autism Spectrum Center with a host of highly-esteemed community members and professionals. Through this work, she developed a deep and personal compassion for exceptional students and their parents.
Mrs. Whitfield is extremely perceptive and excels at catering to the individual needs of her students. She respects their differences and finds ways to make her classroom equitable and to teach the kids to value their own strengths and develop their weaknesses. When students feel valued, they learn to value each other, and this is reflected in the positive way her students interact with each other. This ethic and passion was reflected in her Master’s research, where she investigated the connection between emotional intelligence and students' academic growth. She pursued this exploration because she believes that if she can help students better understand themselves, they'll be more confident as they face life's hurdles in and out of the classroom.
From a parent perspective, she is responsive, thorough, compassionate and accessible. Mrs. Whitfield strives to capitalize on the community, district, school, and familial resources. Reaching out and listening to parents is clearly a top priority. She builds trust to gather insight and to better serve the child.
Mrs. Whitfield completed her MA in Educational Leadership and Administration from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) while holding down a full time job and being a mom. Not only did she manage it, she graduated with academic distinction and is often invited back to Cal Poly to speak to the teacher credentialing program. Mrs. Whitfield says she likes to push the boundaries of her professional comfort zone. For example, she collaborated with a fellow colleague to craft and deliver a 60-minute presentation to educators at the 2016 California STEM Symposium titled, "Argue! Evaluate! Investigate! Using Google Classroom to Activate the Mind."
"Mrs. Whitfield is defined by her ability to think outside the box, to engage in problem solving, and to collaborate well with her colleagues," said Ocean View Elementary School principal Sarah Butler. "In her current roles at Ocean View, she has utilized her strong teaching and planning skills to support adult and student learning. Ms. Whitfield works collaboratively with me and our entire site Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) to plan and present quality professional development during our Late Start Mondays."
Mrs. Whitfield has used her knowledge of the Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, and 21st Century Skills to guide site teachers in planning detailed project-based/cross-curricular units. She is passionate about leading professional development, participating in district meetings, and communicating with her colleagues. She was her school's Teacher of the Year in 2016, which is an immense honor attributable to her many strengths in education. Additionally, Mrs. Whitfield has taken advantage of Lucia Mar's many leadership opportunities at the district level, such as joining the Technology Committee, the ELA Committee, the Sustainability Committee, and the Aspiring Administrator program.
"Mrs. Whitfield truly exemplifies what it means to be a LifeChanger," said Nunley. "She is so clearly driven by an altruistic desire to positively impact young lives, and it shows in everything she does."
This teacher will truly be one of the greats. She has accomplished many things not one would even dream of committing, anyone who say need like dop.
I couldn’t agree more with this nomination of Shawna. She truly embodies everything a teacher and a leader should be. My daughter grew leaps and bounds while in her class. She found her strength thanks to Shawna in all areas. Shawna challenges the children in thinking and in problem solving in every area they need to develop. Oceanviw is truly blessed to have teachers like Shawna and many others loving and growing our children.
Proud to know you Shawna!!!! Congratulations! Your kids are so lucky to have you as their teacher.
Mrs. Whitfield is one of the most creative and dedicated teachers my children have had. My eldest son had her for both 5th and 6th grade. She made learning so fun and challenging through group projects and class discussions. She held my son to a high standard even when she knew it would be a stretch — this helped him mature in his responsibility for his learning and organization. She’s the perfect teacher to prepare kids for the big junior high jump. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient!
My incredible other half (well in teaching that is). Everyday making a difference in the lives of our students and going above and beyond to make every single one feel like they truly matter. I am incredibly blessed to be able to collaborate and teach with Shawna - and to call her my friend.
If I didn’t come here and write a comment, my sixth grader would be so disappointed. I may still hear from her that I didn’t say enough. We feel like she’s been a great fit for our daughter and can see major growth this year. I have been happy with her teaching style and I can tell my daughter does, too. What was said about her for her nomination is all true and I couldn’t say it any better!
Shawna Whitfield is an amazing person and educator. She has made tremendous contributions to our community through her work with the Central Coast Autism Spectrum Center and as a teacher in Lucia Mar. It has been a joy to watch her journey. I am a big fan of Shawna. She is 100% classy, dedicated, inspirational and deserving of recognition.
Shawna is an inspiration both inside and outside of the classroom. My children did not attend the school that she works with but she has spent time with them for years. She has taken the time to chat with them and learn all the things that make them tick. She truly is a life changer.
It only takes a short time in her classroom to see Shawna Whitfield's individualized, deeply caring, and student-oriented approach, of which so many have written about here. Her school leadership experiences are easier to quantify but highly impressive. Recognizing Mrs. Whitfield's achievements also recognizes Ocean View Elementary School and the Lucia Mar Unified School District, which encourages and supports teachers like Mrs. Whitfield to be exceptional. Her influence extends far beyond the four walls of the classroom, not the least in the lives of students who have been lucky enough to have her.
Shawna Whitfield is a dear friend of our whole family. Her son is one of my Grandson's best friends. She is a kind, compassionate and understanding individual who has everyone's best interest at heart. She has been very instrumental in helping in so many people's lives including my youngest daughter Dana. She truly is a LifeChanger and more than deserves this honor.
Shawna! You do it all, pie in the face, crossing duty, earth day, and still have time to raise your 2 beautiful kids and attend their activities! You rock and deserve this!
I've know Mrs. Shawna Whitfield since she was in 6th grade. As her student counselor at church, my life was impacted by her deep passion for life, her enthusiasm that added that extra spark to any situation and her compassion to be a great friend & leader to those around her. When someone like Shawna passes through your life, you never forget the smiles that she brought your way. It warms my heart to see her carry this into her teaching, which not only affects the students she currently has, but their lives are touched forever. There's an anonymous saying, "A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops". Shawna has touched my heart forever and how blessed are the kids whose lives have been touched by her as well.
Shawna was collaborative, inspirational, and extremely supportive to me and all other members of the ELAP cohort at Cal Poly. Her passion for teaching was apparent throughout the program and I feel we are all are better educators having had the opportunity to work and learn side by side with Shawna. She is extremely deserving of this award and acknowledgement.
My son had the honor of having Shawna for his 5th grade teacher. By the time he got to her class, I had 9 years of experience with good, bad and inadequate elementary school teachers. Shawna was a breath of fresh air. I was thrilled to see her engage, encourage and interact with her students on such a high level. She taught my son with respect and challenged him to be his best. Shawna brought to the class, and Ocean View, a new level of teaching. We are so glad to have had Shawna be an influence in our son's education. She is a great nominee and our vote for #lcoy.
My son adores Mrs. Whitfield to this day. She challenged him academically, and then helped him to be the best version of himself. Now he is in Advanced Language Arts in 7th Grade, and he says he already knows most of what they are learning because Mrs. Whitfield already taught it in 6th grade.
Mrs. Whitfield was a partner teacher of my son's 6th grade class but before that was a substitute at the elementary school; my younger son would always come home talking about what a great day he had whenever Mrs. Whitfield was in his classroom. During the time my older son was in the 6th grade I was always so impressed by how Mrs. Whitfield remembered special things about all her students (even though there were over 50 of them between the two classes) and tried to find ways to help each child succeed in their passions. Between genius hour, science activities, and the level of self-determination she encouraged in her kids I was always impressed. We've been lucky to know Mrs. Whitfield and it's a pleasure to see how she brightens every kids' day and brings out the best in them. She is truly a teacher every kid will grow up and remember as one of their favorites.
Mrs. Whitfield (Shawna) has always had an impressive balance of both intelligence and compassion. I’ve known her for more than 25 years and it has been incredible to watch her childhood attributes transform into skills that really make a difference in children’s lives. Couldn’t think of a better and more deserving nominee for this distinction!
Mrs. Whitfield is a treasure. I still remember our parent-teacher conference, and Mrs. Whitfield said she would cherish her time with my daughter. It touched my heart. Mrs. Whitfield knows how to get the best out of students as well. My daughter was used to getting high marks, but Mrs. Whitfield knew that was not enough, and at the same parent-teacher conference, she told me "I still have things I can teach her." I love that Mrs. Whitfield never gave up or let my daughter think "good enough" was all there was. Now my reluctant writer has so many writing skills that she teaches our youngest! Mrs. Whitfield makes learning fun, and she makes sure to get the students delving further for insights into history, language, social issues, and being the best they can be. She is very worthy of this award. Thank you for considering her!
I saw her teach and was so impressed by her skill in motivating students. She must spend hours thinking about her lesson plans. She has a great sense of humor which helps her build rapport. She changes lives by finding the strengths of her students and building that up
One of a kind! Changed our lives along the way and came to fruition when Emma graduated from Oceanview. We all cried!
Well deserved as she makes learning fun for all! She is well respected and admired by peers and students due to a strong work ethic, love for a great laugh, and making lessons that connect and build on the love for learning. She's a great mom too!!!
Mrs. Whitfield is an awesome teacher! I've known her since 2nd or 3rd grade and she is super nice! She was a truly exceptional teacher during rotations in Winter and Spring. She helps us get ready for middle school by teaching Mrs. Sully's class about Romans for our social studies unit and Landforms for our science unit. I miss her and the other amazing 6th grade teachers at OV. I think that she should be the LifeChanger of the year because she is the most helpful to all of the 6th graders at OV.
(You will love her someday future 6th graders!)
Shawna Whitfield is an amazing woman I met her when I was 11 years old at our local community church. She was my young group leader. She is so supportive and truly cares about every single person that enters in her path way. Thank you for being an inspirational leader in my life at a young age.
I first met Shawna when she volunteered to help with the WALK for Autism. From that first year, she grew and became one of our parent mentors, lectured at Cal Poly along side me and other parents to teachers-in-training in the special education credential program, became a valued board member and eventually served as board President. Shawna has changed lives always for the better with her level head, big heart, and kind nature. She is intuitive and creative, and will stop at nothing to ensure that those she cares about are not only ABLE to reach their potential, but to exceed it. It was an honor to have her by my side for so many years, and the Central Coast Autism Spectrum Center would not be the organization that it is today without her presence and contributions.
I have had the privilege of knowing Shawna Whitfield since college and have personally witnessed her whole-hearted dedication to everything she approaches in life - swimming, teaching, family, friends, and faith just to name a few. I can say without a doubt she has changed my life for the better and I could not be more fortunate for this.
It is difficult for me to put into words why I believe Shawna Whitfield is so fitting for this award. I have known Shawna for almost ten years. She values education, but also understands that we all learn differently, and curves her teaching style to ensure that all learners are being taught. She honors children's voices which communicates to students that they are important. She is always willing to learn new things, and continuing her education, communicating to her students that learning is a life long journey.
She is so fitting for this award, and I am honored to know her.
Shawna has been one of my closest friends for the last 9 years. Our kids have grown up together. I have watched her transition from stay at home mom to working mom and going to school to complete her masters. She somehow does all of this with grace and keeps a clean house. She deserves every award out there! Although I’m 46, I tell her I want to be like her when I grow up! I love you friend!
My son was lucky enough to have Mrs. Whitfield twice. She’s kind, intelligent and dedicated. She made an effort to really understand and motivate each student on a personal level. She also incorporated innovative, hands on activities through the curriculum which made learning science and other areas fun!
LifeChanger would be a true statement. During my first year working at Ocean View I had the honor of supporting students in Shawna Winters Whitfield's class. Little did I know that I would become the student. I learned to listen more, allowed students to challenge my knowledge, promote innovative thinking, and encourage independence. She is an inspiring mother and friend and truly deserves this honor.
Mrs. Whitfield truly is an exceptional teacher and the title of a Life-Changer is perfect for the role she has in each and every one of her students lives!
So proud of our Ocean View staff.
Shawna Whitfield was my son’s 6th grade teacher. As a classroom volunteer, I witnessed first hand the attributes that make Mrs. Whitfield a deserving recipient of this award.
She recognizes the Individuality, strengths, and unique gifts of each student. Her actions and intent in everything she controls and represents in the classroom takes into consideration the individuality and potential in every student. As a result, she creates this perfect culture of inspired learning. (And she’s funny, so it’s fun, too)
My son was blessed to be in her classroom, and I was honored to witness her LifeChanger talents.
Thanks Shawna!
Clearly she is a life changer ???
Shawna is amazing in everything she does for students! We are super proud of her accomplishments at OV, within LMUSD, and in education as a whole. Truly, this is a well earned nomination. Shawna is and will always be a life changer!
Shawna is an amazing teacher, who strives to give her best every day. As a grade level colleague she consistently (unknowingly and knowingly) pushes me as an educator to work beyond my comfort zone, and inspires me to continually refine every lesson I teach. I am confident she has the same effect on her students. <3 #LCOY
Mrs. Whitfield is undoubtedly the best candidate for this award????
I couldn't agree more! My daughter was lucky enough to have Mrs. Whitfield twice. Emma grew and blossomed and learned to challenge herself with Mrs. Whitfield's direction and encouragement. She helps her students raise the bar for themselves, rather than raising it for them (if that makes sense) boosting their self confidence and inspiring them to do their very best.
Mrs. Whitfield has taught my older daughter who is now an 8th grader and she is currently teaching my 6th grade daughter. She prepared my older daughter for junior high and really helped her confidence academically and socially. My younger daughter comes home all the time saying Mrs. Whitfield is my favorite teacher! I love genius hour! She comes home daily telling me all the exciting things she has learned. She has created a project that she is presenting to other classrooms. This has really helped her confidence and presentation abilities.
We love Mrs Whitfield!
