Shelby Mays

I would say the values that I mentioned, just valuing hard work and being committed to learning and growing, have really supported me on this journey. But also leaning into supportive mentors - I found those very early. As far as from a career perspective, learning which experts to lean into for advice and direction has been key. I'm involved in various groups, like the Reading League and the Reading Science Academy, and so when I'm trying to find an answer or I need direction, I try to figure out where I could go for good information. I want to make sure that what I'm doing and saying aligns with research and evidence, and so finding mentors, whether they are in person or experts that you don't have direct access to, I think is key.

I think the best career advice that I have received would be something along the lines of never stop learning. Especially in education, things are always evolving, so staying curious really allows you to grow and better serve students and support teachers in this work.

I would say find mentors and people you can trust. Stay open to learning. Don't become so comfortable that you are no longer open to learning and being open to changing. The perspective and contributions that you have in this field are so important, and we need great educators, so I would encourage young women to go into this field with an open mind. Again, just seek out mentors, remain open to their own learning and growth, and know that it's okay if you need to change how you've done things and be open to new information.

I would say the greatest opportunity in education right now, specific to literacy, is the opportunity to change not only our communities, but really our world. If we come together and strengthen literacy instruction so that all students have access to the skills they need to become fluent readers, if we can do that together, we really have the opportunity to change many lives, all lives really. But it really does take all of us together, taking that opportunity to realize it. We have the information to do this, so let's do it for our children and our communities.

My most important values are continuous learning, curiosity, and putting students first - those are my work-related ones. A basic one would be just hard work and integrity, and being very respectful of other people. My dad, very early in my life, taught me the importance of considering walking a mile in another person's shoes, and I think that that is probably the most important value I hold. It stems from that idea of, you know, try to consider where others are coming from, and lead with empathy.