For most teachers, the year is spent preparing for state tests and end of year exams. But for essential elements special education teacher Shannon Stobbe, the real test is when her and her students leave the classroom and into the real world.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them learn and succeed in real-world situations,” Stobbe said.
Stobbe doesn’t just teach math and reading, she teaches vital life skills that will stick with her students for the rest of their lives. By taking special needs students to libraries, grocery stores, and garbage walks, they are able to learn these critical abilities outside of the classroom and gain first-hand experiences.
“During all community outings, we focus on developing important social skills like greeting others, making eye contact, taking turns, sharing, maintaining conversations, and respecting personal space,” Stobbe said.
Stobbe’s students learn how to safely navigate situations by recognizing unsafe situations, street safety, and so much more. They also gain basic abilities on top of this such as engaging in conversation, greetings, and sharing.
“My favorite part is seeing my students achieve their goals and master skills they’ve been working hard on,” Stobbe said.
Stobbe works individually and in groups with students to improve these skills and enjoys seeing the improvement throughout the year.
Stobbe grew up in Utah, where she has lived her whole life. After graduating from the University of Utah with a degree in sociology, Stobbe raised three kids who are now in their young adult years. She then began teaching physical education at Dilworth Elementary School where she stayed for four years. For the last six years, she has assisted special education classes at Highland.
In her free time, Stobbe enjoys staying active by hiking and running. She also likes to spend time with her three children. But when she’s at school, she is able to make a major difference in Highland’s community.
For Stobbe, the teaching is never over. Vital life lessons are at every corner allowing for her students to learn and grow.
