Friday Feature: Shanyra Cox, Elementary Technology Coach

Shanyra Cox loves technology, teaching, and learning. In her position as an elementary technology coach, she gets to do all three.  

 “The best part of being a technology coach is collaborating with my peers as they create digital lessons that will have a meaningful impact on their students. There is no greater joy than helping others, students or colleagues, strive to be the best version of themselves as they navigate something new.” 

Cox may be in her first year as the elementary technology coach, but she is no stranger to District #7, having spent all 22 years here. She began her career as a second-grade teacher at Glen Carbon Elementary School and since then has taught everything from second grade, fifth grade, elementary Spanish, and elementary instructional technology.   

“I love teaching and coaching because every day we make differences in people’s lives, which extend far beyond knowledge. We inspire, support, mentor and get the opportunity to discover and share some of the best parts of ourselves as human beings. Teaching and coaching exposes me to a world of different cultures and the greatest diversity of personalities.” 

Cox originally wanted to join the Peace Corps after high school, however her dad, who believed in the importance of education, convinced her to go to college first.  

“He told me ‘No matter what you decide to do in life, I want you to get that teaching certificate first’.” 

She initially fell in love with the Spanish language and in the fall of 1998, knew she wanted to become a teacher.  

“I met a Spanish speaking family that lived in my off-campus apartment complex. I helped translate homework for the children after school. It was so satisfying to see the little lightbulb go off in their heads as they began to understand their schoolwork from earlier in the day.” 

Little did she know Cox would still be just as passionate about teaching.  

“Kids are fun. I love what I do! I know it sounds cliché, but I truly do. As teachers we get to demonstrate the importance of good character and work ethic. For some we are the only adult to set boundaries or be a warm and caring presence in a child’s life. It is a truly awesome responsibility and if I had it to do over, I would still be a teacher.”