Get to Know Silver Palms Elementary’s Principal Irina Shearer........... 46

Tucked away in the Pembroke Pines neighborhood of TownGate, is a gem of an elementary school run by an extraordinary Principal. Irina Shearer has been Principal of Silver Palms Elementary (SPE) for seven years and has created a positive, welcoming and productive learning environment through her leadership. Parents, teachers, administrators, students and community leaders rave about Principal Shearer. When you meet her, tour the school and see firsthand how much she loves what she does, you can’t help but rave about her, too!

With Ecuadorian and Russian ancestry, Shearer was born and raised in Broward County and went to Plantation High School, thoroughly enjoying the diversity of the area. She always knew she wanted to work with children and be impactful in their lives. Sportsmanship, fortitude and work ethic throughout her primary school years earned Shearer a swimming scholarship to University of Massachusetts Amherst. She competed for 4 years while getting her degree in Education, then came right back to our area to teach 4th grade at Oriole Elementary. She even coached swimming during this period. Shearer loved teaching in the classroom and connecting with her students to develop their potential. She was fortunate enough to have a strong mentor during the early part of her career who recognized her leadership and strengths, guiding her gradually into administration. “I knew I could make a larger impact on children’s education through administration, and I dove in,” said Shearer (no pun intended). Shearer went on to become the Assistant Principal at Morrow Elementary before eventually being named Principal at Northside Elementary, and then Silver Palms Elementary.

Along the way, Shearer met her husband who also was born and raised in Broward County, and they have raised two teenagers together: Anabela (age 17) and Mateo (age 15). She took an extended period (8 years) before accepting a Principal position so she could balance raising her children and her career. “I knew becoming a Principal would require much more of my focus and time. As eager as I was to take the next step, I chose and cherished the extra time and energy I needed for my children to grow and develop before I gave my full commitment,” she explained. Once she accepted the position, she was honored and delighted to have many of her teachers and coworkers follow her to Silver Palms Elementary. SPE’s Assistant Principal Shannon Schreidell said, “Mrs. Shearer is an inspirational leader who inspires greatness in those she leads. Her commitment to our students’ academic and social emotional success drives every decision she makes.”

As a principal, Shearer believes it is critical to remember what it is like to be in the classroom as a teacher with their challenges and struggles. “Continuous communication is the key to try to keep the additional load off of the teachers’ shoulders so they can perform effectively and succeed,” Shearer added. Many teachers go out of pocket to fund necessary supplies for their classrooms, but Shearer makes a concerted effort to fund classroom supplies through Scholastic Points. For those reasons and many others, SPE is blessed with a family of educators and administration that rarely choose to leave, minimizing turnover and maintaining continuity for the students and their families. “We are only as strong as those who support us,” Shearer said. With a strong team supporting her leadership, Shearer was able to establish a learning partnership with Walter C. Young Middle School (their feeder school) where SPE 5th graders learn 6th grade math. She also brought S.T.E.M., Debate and Robotics programs to SPE and continues to support the Dual Language program. As we all know, there has never been a more challenging time for schools, educators and learning. Shearer has enacted many programs to help children get back to “normal” and recover any learning loss that may have happened through the pandemic with the home-schooling requirements, as well as feed their developing independence skills. “We want to draw on the student’s strengths acquired during the time at home as well. We are encouraging independent learning along with in-person learning,” said Shearer. Three days a week before school, SPE has i-Ready Camp for 3rd – 5th Graders run by her Assistant Principal. The camp provides academic support. From December - April SPE will also have an after-school camp to focus on supporting students’ reading and math skills. Equally as important, Shearer has been highly effective at re-engaging the parents and the community with the school. SPE hosted a 5th grade Drive-In movie night which brought out over 100 parents with their children. They have had a Fall Festival Parade, Music Concerts, a Thanksgiving Feast, Polar Express and Reading Under the Stars Night (with flashlights). “She [Shearer] makes learning and leading fun! In a world that has been rocked with challenges and changes, she is a constant source of courage, caring, and kindness! We love and appreciate her immensely!” added Schreidell.

Kindness is the theme at SPE. Shearer and her staff have created a positive learning environment where everyone feels welcome and safe at school. Students are recognized with “kindness tickets” for random acts of kindness performed throughout the school day. Every beautifully decorated hallway and door reinforces the kindness message. There are students appointed as Kindness Ambassadors whose responsibilities include welcoming and introducing new students to their school, helping them assimilate and make friends quickly in their new environment. To spreading kindness outside of SPE, students hold fundraisers to help support the Harvest Drive (collecting food for the families in need), book drives for other schools in need, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. They also make time to bring cheer to our elderly with visits to nursing homes. “It’s our job to help students become a complete person, not only through teaching the core curriculum, but also by encouraging respect and kindness, and giving them the motivation to expect that of themselves and others,” Shearer stated.

As Principal Shearer’s own children are well on their way to flying from the home nest, she consistently has new children landing in the SPE nest, and she loves it! Walking the halls with her, going in and out of classrooms, she knows most of her 500+ students by name and they beam when they are recognized by her. “Mrs. Shearer is the best,” said Amelia, age 7. Shearer is very proud of her beautiful school adorned with murals of dolphin (the SPE mascot) and sea life, her devoted and hardworking administration, dedicated and effective teachers and enthusiastic and involved parents and PTA. “The community is incredibly supportive as well, from the Mayor to School Board Commissioners, and from our local Police to Fire Department, I love Pembroke Pines,” exclaimed Shearer.

It is apparent that Mrs. Shearer’s kindness and appreciation is reciprocated. SPE’s PTA President Grace Bonnelly said, “When Mrs. Shearer’s friendly face isn’t at the car line greeting students, she is working hard behind the scenes advocating for our children, teachers and staff. Mrs. Shearer wears numerous hats, often interacting with students, meeting with parents, communicating with the school district and community organizations ensuring that the school remains a safe place to grow and learn. Our awesome principal makes it a point to attend our PTA meetings and even joins us for family nights at local restaurants once a month. We are lucky to have her leading the way! She has created and cultivated a culture of kindness.”

When Mrs. Shearer has time off, she enjoys her family here and visits her sisters in Oregon. She loves the beach and enjoys her downtime to recharge. Silver Palms Elementary requires a tremendous amount time and energy to uphold its consistent A/B school grade from the Florida Department of Education, but she says it fills her heart to see her students excel academically and socially!

Silver Palms Elementary is located at 1209 NW 155th Avenue in Pembroke Pines. They can be reached at (754) 323-7450.