Administrator Spotlight - Shantele Raper

Spotlight

Shantele Raper, Director of Curriculum and Special Projects, at the Osceola School District admits, “The most challenging part of my job is the same as the most interesting: there is always something new to learn. I don’t think we ever master any one area before something new comes around.”

Looking back over the last year, one that’s changed how most professions operate, Shantele Raper, Director of Curriculum and Special Projects in the Osceloa School District, thinks 2020 isn’t something administrators can’t handle.

“The year of 2020 has definitely made us rethink our practices,” she states. “As I think about our instructional practices as we move into a new year, there are opportunities for us to make positive changes for our students. Technology advances are evident and coming faster than normal, but I have no doubt that teachers can embrace these changes to support student learning.”

Early on, one of her first career choices was in the transportation industry, in which she worked while she attended college part time. Had Shantele followed her next career choice, she would have been handling the pandemic in the area of business technology. However, she began to realize that education may be a better place to find work/life balance.

“After completing a bachelors degree in business administration, I realized a change of career towards education was better suited for my family life and my desire to help others,” she recalls. “I continued to pursue a masters in business education and began teaching at Osceola School District where I remain today.”

Eventually, she transitioned in to teaching by becoming a Career and Technical Educator. “I am very thankful for all of my previous work experience, as it has served as a great foundation for all of my jobs in education,” she said.

Throughout her time in education, Shantele has served as the president of the Arkansas Association of Career and Technical Administrators (AACTEA) and the Arkansas Career Guidance Association. Currently, she is both the president of Arkansas Association of Federal Coordinators (AAFC) and the NE Region Director of AACTEA.

After such an accomplished career, Shantele hopes her colleagues remember how important she thought it was to tell people how they’d influenced your life.

“The people I admire the most are those who are genuinely concerned about others and their well being,” she explains. “My mother passed away over 20 years ago, and people still have stories how she would do anything to help them. For me, that is enough.”

In addition to her position with the Osceola School District, Shantele co-owns the company Knowledge Works, which offers certification for Career Service Providers.

What would you tell someone who was thinking about a similar career?

There are so many possibilities with a career in education. A lifetime in the classroom can also open many supplemental opportunities. There are many other venues in education you could explore, all of which ultimately support our teachers and students. It doesn’t always have to be face-to-face.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Never go to your administrator with a problem without offering your help for a solution.

How would your co-workers describe you?

This was a great opportunity to ask my colleagues how they would describe me. They pretty much all said that I am dedicated to supporting the district by helping the administrators, teachers, and students. I liked that they felt like I was a good resource for all of them. They know if they ask me to help them, I will do my best.

What have you done that you are the most proud of?

In my professional life, I am most proud of my National Board of Professional Teaching certification. I completed this certification starting my third year of teaching. I learned so much during the process. I am most proud of a perfect score in Student Accomplishments for National Boards.

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”

I have a few European tours on my Bucket List. Barcelona and the French Riviera look like the perfect trip. I would love to visit London and Paris, too. We have a new grandbaby, so Disney World may have to replace my dream trip!”

What are goals you’re working toward?

Being a good Nana to my little baby Lucas is on the forefront right now. I still have a dream of publishing a novel. I have a little story to tell and several chapters ready. I keep the idea of finishing a doctoral degree in the back of my mind, but I find my goal of creating a good work and home balance is where I am in my life right now.