Shaynne Witherspoon

Tell us why you became a teacher

My name is Shaynne Denise Witherspoon, and I am a reflection of the students I teach. Once labeled “at risk,” I come from a generation where a high school diploma was often enough to get by. Fortunately, I had teachers who recognized my curiosity and nurtured it, guiding me through my academic journey. Through their support, I was introduced to Toledo EXCEL—a pioneering scholarship program for minority students—which opened the door to higher education which my first degree was education.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Throughout the years, I have had the pleasure of working alongside of educators that taught me, but the most memorable was the year I had to teach four different subjects in the same year, yet celebrate my very own graduation after earning a MDiv. with my students. At the time, I worked at an all boys school that focused on college preparatory skills, so my real-life experiences were being lived out in front of my students and they were extremely inquisitive.

What would you do with the $25,000?

To be completely honest, not only would the $25,000 put me in a better financial position, I would also be able to plan for next year without worrying about supplies for my students, and yes, I would take myself on a much needed trip because I haven't had one in a few years.