Shantra’ Tucker was a public educator for 28 years, including 4 years as a JAG Specialist, before joining the JAG-Missouri team in 2022 as Regional Manager for JAG-Missouri. In her new role as Executive Director, she will support the JAG-Missouri Team, Specialists and programs throughout Missouri.
Under her leadership, the Bolivar JAG program earned the coveted “5 of 5” award in 2020, 2021, and 2022 in recognition of the program meeting the five national performance standards. During her time as a Specialist, Shantra presented on behalf of JAG-Missouri and assisted training new JAG-Missouri Specialists.
From 2007-18, Shantra served as a middle school teacher in the Bolivar School District. Her work earned her Bolivar Master Teacher recognition in 2012, the Daughters of the American Revolution American History Teacher of the Year Award in 2011, and the Southwest Missouri History Teacher of the Year Award in 2010.
From 1998-2007, Shantra taught middle school at her alma mater, Pleasant Hope. In 2007, she was named one of the Most Influential Women of the Year by the Bolivar Herald Free Press. She was an elementary teacher in Pleasant Hope from 1996-98, earning the 1996-97 Rookie of the Year award.
Prior to going into education, Tucker was co-manager of Gold ‘N Gems Fine Jewelry in Austin, Texas.
She earned her B.S. degree in education from Missouri State University.
Outside of work, Shantra enjoys hiking, time at home and bonfires with her husband Rusty, and their family: Alex, Kayla, and Theo; Britt and Devin.
Testimonials
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.
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.
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!
