Ace of Trades: Meet Shannon Shontz with Coshocton Board of DD
COSHOCTON – She has a special place in her heart for children, so it’s little wonder she is where she is.
“As a child I loved to swim, ride my bike, play with friends, and dance,” remembered Shannon Shontz. “I always wanted to be a teacher even at a young age as I would play school and pretend to be a teacher.”
Today, Shontz is the director of education at Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
“I supervise all the school staff,” she explained. “And each day I enjoy greeting each child as they come through the front door. Interacting with the students is my favorite part of the day.
“Throughout the day,” she added, “I spend time observing and interacting in the classrooms. I also complete all the Ohio Department of Education paperwork and have worked to help our school earn our 5 Star Step Up to Quality Rating.”
Shontz grew up in New Philadelphia, graduated from Tuscarawas Central Catholic in 1996, from Muskingum College (before it was University) in 2000 with a degree in elementary education 1-8, early childhood education and special education K-12. She then earned a master’s in early childhood special education from Middle Tennessee State University in 2002. In 2012 she added an educational leadership certification from Salem International University.
“I was a preschool teacher here at Hopewell School (2005-2011) before becoming the director of education,” she said. “Becoming the director was always my goal.”
Shontz became the director of education in August 2011.
“Shannon is a very dedicated and compassionate director,” assessed Tonya Fish, an occupational therapist and therapy services manager with Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
“No matter how busy she is, Shannon takes the time to talk to others,” Fish continued. “She’s quick to lend an ear and is diligent in finding ways to help her staff be their best. Shannon always wears a smile and has a positive attitude. She encourages teamwork and she’s willing to come alongside them to learn more.”
“I’m blessed with a wonderful staff that make up a great team,” Shontz responded.
“As a pre-teen I started babysitting and I loved helping families with their children,” she added. “Even if I wasn’t babysitting, I would go over and help my neighbor with her twin daughters. I’ve always loved babies and children.
“So I absolutely love what I do,” she noted. “The best part is interacting with all the students. I love watching them meet their goals and celebrating many small accomplishments leading up to their ultimate educational goals. It’s amazing the growth that takes place in just one school year.”
Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities is located at 23720 Airport Road. For more information, log on www.coshdd.org.
Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs – whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at ctnews@coshoctontribune.com.
This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Ace of Trades: Meet Shannon Shontz with Coshocton Board of DD
