Mrs. Shannon Davis, JAG specialist at Neelyville High School, was named the 2025-26 District Teacher of the Year by the Neelyville R-IV School District.
The Daily American Republic featured Mrs. Davis' classroom in a recent news feature. Here are some highlights from that news article:
This is Davis' third time being recognized as Building Teacher of the Year, and her first time being recognized as District Teacher of the Year.
"I was shocked because all of the other three ladies are wonderful teachers at their levels, and I felt they were all just as deserving of the award," Davis said.
After 32 years, Davis said she still finds excitement in her work. "It doesn't feel like work when you love what you do."
Davis believes every child has a voice, and their voice needs to be heard, which is why every day for years now, she has made it a point to do icebreakers in her classroom.
"Everyone gets to have a voice and feel the freedom to express themselves," she said.
More from this great article can be found using the PDF link below.
Testimonials
Born into a family where addiction was a generational struggle, Destany Massey faced her own battles with substance abuse and a life lacking direction. Determined to break free from the cycle of trauma and hardship, she sought a different path. That path led her to the JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates Missouri) program, a turning point she never saw coming. With the unwavering support of the program and her teacher, Destany found purpose, healing, and hope.
“JAG and my teacher literally saved my life,” she shares. Through resilience and determination, Destany overcame addiction, broke the chains of a painful past, and transformed her life into a story of success and the promise of a brighter future.
I felt hopeless because no matter what I did, I thought the future I wanted was too far out of reach. I wasn’t smart enough or rich enough to live the life I wanted. Because of this, at the age of 15, I exploded. Everything parents pray their child isn’t doing, I was, or I was trying to. In the midst of this self destruction, the greatest opportunity came up and shook my hand. I went from dropping out to picking up my cap and gown. JAG didn’t save my life, it taught me how to save my own.
JAG has been a life changer.
JAG pushes us out of our comfort zone. It has truly helped me find my voice. I have learned how to voice my opinions the right way – when to speak and when to listen. Without JAG I have no doubt I would still be living my old life. I wish I could have found my voice sooner, but the important thing now is: I have found it, and I will never let it go.
Before I joined JAG, I was lost. JAG provided assistance in pinpointing a career and making steps in order to pursue it. My JAG Specialist motivated me to make connections and to continue my education in the emergency response industry. JAG has changed my life!
