Shanti Coaston – Shaw High School, East Cleveland City School District
2021 — Master Teacher Award
Dr. Jack Thompson (left), MHJF Distribution Committee member and Superintendent of Perry Schools presents the ‘21 Master Teacher Award to Shanti Coaston (right), computer tech, Shaw High School, East Cleveland City Schools. Her teaching strategies allow students to make meaningful connections between concepts learned in the classroom and real-life.
“Shanti is an effective and culturally responsive educator. She sets and maintains high and clear expectations for herself and her students. Shanti believes that all students can learn; this is evident because you witness it in practice upon entering her classroom.” ~ Larry Ellis, Principal, Shaw High School
Shanti Coaston believes her accomplishments as a teacher stem from her foundation in social work.
Having earned bachelor’s degrees in sociology and social work and a master’s degree in social science administration before obtaining a teaching certification, Ms. Coaston says her unique background has informed her teaching strategies and given her a better understanding of the needs of the whole child.
Those strategies encourage collaboration, relevance, and multiple means of expression.
Ms. Coaston began her educational career at Shaw High School as a youth services career coach and school-based therapist. The past five years, however, have taken her down a different path. She began to develop a passion for computer technology as she worked with students in the district’s alternative school as an intervention specialist.
“That love made room for her talents to shine,” comments Larry Ellis, Shaw High School’s principal. In 2016, she was given the opportunity to teach a computer science course. Due to her drive, she quickly developed that course into a “flourishing” computer technology program.
“During this time, Ms. Coaston remained humble while teaching students how to be successful in a profession that is not highly-represented by individuals of color,” Mr. Ellis adds. Today, her students are thriving, regularly demonstrating a resilience that has allowed them to embrace failure, work through adversity, and succeed. As she explains: “The ethos of the classroom is important because students must feel comfortable enough to understand that mistakes are embraced, and this is how knowledge and learning happens.
With award funds, Ms. Coaston is designing a course that allows students to earn the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. Within the curriculum are many opportunities for deep learning. Students will research how unmanned drones are used for a wide variety of purposes, including scientific endeavors, business, and even therapeutic efforts. They will work with real drones to explore the equipment’s mechanics and engineering and begin to grasp the basic principles of aerodynamics.
“Shanti always makes a conscious effort to implement instructional strategies that allow students to make meaningful connections between concepts learned in class and real-life situations,” Mr. Ellis adds.
Earning this certification will open new doors for students from this high poverty area.
The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation recognizes one exceptional Ohio teacher each year with the Master Teacher award. The award is presented at the Foundation’s annual Educators Retreat.