My name is Shannon Moats. I live in Lakeland Florida. I have been married to my husband, Russell, for twenty three years. We have one daughter, Taylor, who is 19, and attends Florida Southern College, GO MOCS!! She is in school for education - and has a passion for ASD and Downs. I also have a furry baby, Jinxx, that is a five year old Great Dane. I graduated from Lakeland High School, and then received my teaching degree from Florida Southern College. I have since gotten my Masters and Autism Endorsement from University of Florida. Go gators!
I have been teaching for 22 years in the Polk County School system. Fifteen of those years have been at Dr. NE Roberts. Some of those years were teaching regular education kindergarten and first grade. About twelve years ago I decided to take on the challenge of teaching in the ESE world. I taught a few years in the ESE pre-k department, where I have varying disabilities within the room. I was intrigued by the children I had that were on the autism spectrum. That year my principal asked me to move to the primary age autistic class. Honestly I was scared. I am a very "hug-y" teacher. These children often do not respond to that kind of affection. After just a couple of weeks, I was hooked! What a challenge. Every day is different, and I needed that after so many years teaching. My true gift is teaching children with autism. I do not see them as disabled, but truly a puzzle to solve. I love that every child is different and I have to unlock their love for learning in new and adventurous ways. It make s every day fun and challenging! Mrs. Mason is the other teacher in our family! When we play good cop/ bad cop she is always the good cop. The children love her. We have been working together for over ten years. She has worked for the school system for 15 years, and has an autistic nephew, so she knows the ropes! Sandy is married with two grown children, Amy and Raymond, and three grandchildren. I am lucky to have such an awesome person as my "wingman." We are a strong team, and we have our system down pat. We run our classroom as a home, and a family. |