Teachers inspire their students in many ways, and for Shannon Dickey-Bridgman, her decision to pursue a career in education was fueled by her fifth grade teacher who served as her mentor and fostered a positive learning environment and sense of belonging. Being raised by a hard-working single mom only furthered her commitment to give back and inspire future generations of leaders through education. As the first student to get to school and the last to leave, she had more time to spend with her teachers building strong, meaningful relationships. She even had the opportunity to experience firsthand the responsibilities of teachers once students leave for the day. From helping build bulletin boards to preparing the next day’s lessons, Dickey-Bridgman was offered a glimpse into the world of teaching at an early age.
Dickey-Bridgman joined the USchool community ten years ago as a teacher assistant and later transitioned to the role of a Lower School teacher. In her current position teaching junior kindergarten, she serves as a role model to some of our youngest students in our Preschool, encouraging new experiences in a safe and secure environment where they can reach important developmental and academic milestones. Dickey-Bridgman plays an integral role in building children’s success in their first years of school – leading to positive student outcomes. She designs engaging, hands-on lessons that captivate students’ attention, motivate them to participate and learn, and incorporate their passions.
From the moment Dickey-Bridgman first stepped foot inside USchool and got a glimpse into all the professional and educational opportunities available, she immediately knew that USchool was where both her and her daughter needed to be. She has countless fond memories since becoming a part of our community and has created positive connections along the way. She especially cherishes times when her former students visit after graduating or keep in touch by sending her letters. Outside of the classroom, Dickey-Bridgman enjoys being with her family, going to church, riding horses with her daughter, reading, and boating.
Get to know Shannon Dickey-Bridgman:
Describe your teaching style.
I do my best to be an effective teacher by trying to meet the needs of all my students. It is important for me even teaching early childhood that students are actively involved in class and during lessons. I will always do my best to make sure my students feel safe and secure in my class to express themselves and learn.
So far in your career, what do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Each year that comes and goes, I watch a new set of children grow academically. My favorite part of being a teacher is watching the transformation in each student. My greatest achievement is being able to adapt, learn, and successfully apply my ongoing learning knowledge to help students be successful.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love being a part of a community that is so diverse, family oriented, and has the same goal of student success in mind. I enjoy being a part of a team of exceptional educators that help children grow through education and build positive student relationships.
How has being a teacher changed or impacted your life?
Becoming a teacher made me a better learner. I always wanted to know the best ways to teach every subject to be the most effective I can be so that students know they have the ability to learn. Through books, blogs, social media, and professional development, I have learned many impactful teaching strategies and applied them to my own learning. It not only made me a better teacher, but also a better mom. Through various perspectives, I could see and understand what my daughter was experiencing being a student at any age or grade level. Being a teacher helped me have passion, empathy, understanding, and be nurturing through her experiences.
What makes USchool students unique?
There is something to be said about the students here at USchool. Year after year, I have watched our students exude compassion and a love for learning more than any other school I have seen. Students are positive, helpful, cooperative, and friendly. I have worked with many different ages through being a teacher, working at camp, and a mom – USchool students stand out.