“I have learned that you must meet each student where they are,” shared Mandey Shiver, a second-grade teacher at Loxley Elementary. “Every child learns differently and it’s so important to teach the way they learn for them to be successful.”
Mrs. Shiver has been teaching for 12 years and has called Loxley Elementary home for the last seven.
“I choose to teach the younger kiddos because it’s important for me to set their foundation and a love of learning at an early age,” she said.
Originally from the great state of Texas, Mrs. Shiver graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Elementary Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. She plans to further her own education in the next few years by earning a Master’s Degree.
“My parents were both educators before they retired. My dad was a school administrator and my mom was a first-grade teacher for almost thirty years,” Mrs. Shiver shared. “I spent so much of my childhood after school and during the summers in my mom’s classroom, and because of that, I knew from an early age that I wanted to follow in her footsteps and become a teacher.”
Mrs. Shiver believes that relationship-building is the number one asset when it comes to teaching. She describes her classroom as one that changes throughout the day, allowing her to meet each child where they are.
“When your students know you have taken the time to let them know you love and care for them and are willing to help them out with whatever they need, they’re going to work their hardest for you,” Mrs. Shiver said. “Every child learns differently and it’s so important to teach the way they learn for them to be successful. I do a lot of small group lessons while the others are working on independent activities, but I also do a lot of cooperative learning strategies because it gives every child a chance to interact and learn from their peers.”
Mrs. Shiver won the WKRG Golden Apple Award in September 2023 and describes it as one of her favorite teaching moments.
“Being nominated as the Eastern Shore Parents Teacher of the Month is just as special as winning the Golden Apple because I was nominated by past and present students and their families,” exclaimed Mrs. Shiver. “I truly believe that having a positive relationship, not just with my students but their families as well, is a vital part of my students’ success every year!”
Mandey Shiver was born and raised in Texas and relocated to Baldwin County in 2010. She married her husband, Jason, in 2014 and they have a golden retriever named Bentley. During her downtime, Mandey loves spending time outdoors, traveling, dining out and going to the movies.
