Shane Monroe teaches 5th grade at Wilburton Elementary in Bellevue. He is a member of Wilburton's Building Leadership, Racial Equity & Inclusion, and Building Safety Teams, advises 5th grade's S.O.A.R. club, supports high school student interns in Bellevue's Teaching Academy, and co-chairs the Wilburton Social Committee. Shane prides himself in being a powerful voice for equity, inclusion, and student-focused decision making within his building and district. Recently, Shane collaborated with group of peers to craft, promote, and implement an adaptable and inclusive curriculum for Black Lives Matter at School Week and partnered with his grade-level team to elevate and enhance their Bullying Prevention Unit, by crafting three additional interactive lessons designed to enhance student relationships, increase self-advocacy, and promote kindness through leadership. Prior to receiving his teaching certification, Shane worked as a substitute paraeducator within the Kelso School District. The flexibility of this position allowed Shane to engage in a variety of classroom settings, while working toward his education degree. As a paraeducator, Shane focused on empowering students to achieve and surpass their social and academic goals. From 2001-2008, Shane volunteered in classrooms and the library of elementary schools in his hometown of Longview, Washington. Supporting elementary students as they navigated learning obstacles and social skills that he had only recently mastered, inspired him to seek a career in education, and laid the foundations of Shane's desire to ensure Social Emotional Learning (SEL) remains the core of all student learning. As a gay male, Shane understands the power of unconditional acceptance and affirmations. As an educator of all students, he prides himself in creating a classroom community that centers student voice, celebrates diversity, and inspires students to explore their identity in a brave space. Shane is adamant in providing opportunities for students to reflect deeply, question analytically, and engage authentically.
