My Bio
My name is Shonray Brooks, and I want to represent District 5 on the Emanuel County School Board. I have almost 20 years of teaching experience in this school district. Before becoming a teacher here, I was a student at Emanuel County Institute, graduating with the class of 1994. I worked as a paraprofessional at Swainsboro High School for one year. Then I become an ELA/Reading teacher at Swainsboro Middle School, a position I maintained until my retirement. During my tenure at Swainsboro Middle School, I co-sponsored the SMS Step Team and was a Basketball Cheer Coach for five years. I worked with teachers and students to organize several major fundraisers such as the MORP school dance and countless concession stands. I was also the lead teacher for 7th grade and a member of Swainsboro Middle School's management team for one year. I was also the curriculum lead for 7th Grade ELA/Reading for 7 years as well. I always loved working with my colleagues, but my students were always my priority.Since my retirement, I have worked with former colleagues and community members on many activities. I am always eager to participate whenever possible.
In earned a Bachelor's of Arts in English from Georgia Southern University (1999), a Masters of Arts in Instructional Technology from Central Michigan University (2020), and I currently pursuing a Doctorate in Instructional Technology from Central Michigan University as well.
My Key Issues
Teacher Support
I believe that teacher support is a critical part of maintaining a school district. I aim to ensure teachers have the resources and support they need: that includes the means to keep them here in this system. All teachers--both veterans and new teachers, need to feel appreciated and supported. If we really want to support them, let's start incentives that help us retain them as well. Teacher turnover in this district is astronomical. I know first-hand the difficulties that teachers face, and by becoming a member of a responsive school board, I believe I could definitely help alleviate the problem.
Better Graduation Rates
I want to work on strengthening the bond between the school system and the local community to ensure that educational goals reflect the values and needs of Emanuel County families. We can utilize our bridge program between East Georgia State College and the High School to start hedging off drop outs in middle school. Middle school is a formative time for students. If we are to succeed in ensuring our students are college and career ready, we need to begin implementing a dual curriculum (academic and vocational) at the middle school level to help students build their understanding of career pathways before they get to high school to ensure that students can be successful after graduation.
Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency
Teachers need competitive salaries. Full stop. Teachers are the stakeholders that keep our district together. They meet students at the place where the rubber meets the road, and without them, our students will not be able to succeed. Hiring and retaining competent educators is the life's blood of our district. Therefore, offering a competitive salary and incentives to all of them is vital.
Send Me a Message
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!