Artia Shorter – Lindsey Elementary School

Artia Shorter was named the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year for Lindsey Elementary School. Shorter was born in Newark, New Jersey but shortly after moved to Irwinton, Georgia where she was raised. Shorter’s education includes her associate’s degree gained through Middle Georgia College where she attended in 2011. From there, in 2013, she transferred to Fort Valley State University where she attained her bachelor’s in early childhood and special education and continues to study for her master’s. After teaching one year of kindergarten in Bibb County, Shorter transferred her services to Lindsey Elementary School where she is currently teaching her fifth year and enjoying every minute.

Why teaching and what brought you into this field?

“I became a teacher because I truly believe that all students can learn, regardless of the dilemmas they face. My goal as an educator is to help my students prepare for life by gaining essential skills that are needed to succeed both in the classroom and the world.”

Any inspiration from past teachers

“In the third grade, I was inspired by my teacher; Mrs. Herndon. She worked hard to provide engaging lessons and to make everything relatable. If a student struggled in the classroom, she would immediately pull them [aside] to provide additional support. In her classroom, we felt safe and loved. I knew at an early age I wanted to be an educator, and to provide a safe and nurturing environment for my students.”

“As an educator, the teachers at Lindsey Elementary inspire me every day. Every day they come in and work with the students. They all share ideas with one another and are support for one another. My leadership team provides any additional support that the teachers need. There has never been a time that I wanted a book or an additional resource for my own educational progress that my principal didn’t personally provide for me.”

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

“I enjoy the look on my students’ faces when they realize they have mastered one of their learning targets. It’s an amazing feeling to help my students understand they can achieve anything with hard work and dedication. Teaching is so rewarding and gives me a sense that I am making the world a better place one student at a time. In the words of Rita Pierson, “Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists they become the best that they can possibly be.”

What is the most challenging part of teaching?

“For every challenge there is always a solution. I see the challenge and I’m like, ok, there is a solution. I don’t dwell in the challenge. There are many challenges that teachers face in the field of teaching. For example, we have to face balancing new learning needs of students, their academic and behavior goals, and their social goals. We have to teach the whole child. Even though teaching can have its challenges, it is very rewarding and there is always a solution to the challenge.”

Advice to students

“My message to my students has always been the same. I’ve always told them to believe in themselves and to know that they can accomplish anything that they put their mind to. I always encourage them to set goals, because goals are so important in life.”

“I just feel like it is so important that they understand that now because even when they get older they will still set goals in life.”

Do you have advice for parents?

“I would just encourage parents to continue to motivate their child and to instill efficacy into their kids so that they know they can do anything they want to do and they can accomplish those things by setting those goals.”

“I want to also encourage parents to take part in their child’s learning process by asking questions and reading with them at least 30 minutes a night. Listen to them, ask them what they learned, and ask them specific questions about their day. Look at their work when they come home and be engaged in the process. I really feel like that is important.”