Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Shaw.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey has always lived at the intersection of education, faith, and advocacy. I began my career in education serving students with diverse learning and behavioral needs, driven by a deep belief that every child deserves dignity, structure, and emotional support. After moving to Dallas, I taught as a special education inclusion teacher at Lake Highlands. While I loved my students and colleagues, I continued to experience firsthand the challenges many educators face—limited resources, shared workspaces, and the constant pressure to do more with less. Those experiences stretched me, but they also sharpened my resolve and clarified why social-emotional learning and care for the whole child matter so deeply.
As I continued forward, I transitioned into contract teaching and was later hired to launch a new behavior program for a district. I stepped into that role with optimism and a servant’s heart, trusting the vision that was shared with me. However, when serious legal and staffing concerns arose—and the certified support that was promised was not in place—I felt compelled to advocate & speak up for students and educators alike. That season ended abruptly and painfully as a result of this, but it became a turning point. When teachers are emotionally overwhelmed or pushed beyond healthy limits, it’s often treated as a personal failure instead of a leadership responsibility. I believe caring for educators is a moral imperative, and leadership must do better in creating systems rooted in empathy, accountability, and genuine support. Instead of hardening me, it pushed me to listen more closely to God and to reimagine how I could still serve children and families beyond the traditional classroom.
Out of that uncertainty, God led me to create my faith-based SEL coloring books—resources designed to help children process emotions, build character, and understand God’s love in a tangible, accessible way. What began as obedience in a difficult season has grown into a meaningful extension of my calling. Today, my books are available on my Square website & Amazon and are being used by families, churches, and youth ministries. While my path hasn’t been linear, every challenge has shaped my purpose: to bring light, healing, and hope to youth—especially in spaces where support is often limited—and to remind others that sometimes what feels like a setback is actually a redirection toward something greater.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many educators and creatives, I’ve had to navigate instability, uncertainty, and moments where I questioned whether I was still walking in my purpose. Professionally, I’ve faced limited resources, unclear expectations, and transitions that required me to rebuild more than once. There were seasons where I poured deeply into students and systems while feeling stretched emotionally and financially myself. Many school districts place the burden of navigating overwhelming workloads, emotional stress, and inadequate support onto teachers, and when challenges arise, accountability is shifted rather than examined at the leadership level. If we want sustainable schools, leaders must be willing to reflect honestly on their practices and prioritize the well-being of educators alongside student outcomes.
Beyond logistics, one of the biggest struggles was learning how to grieve unmet expectations without losing my compassion or confidence. I had to wrestle with trusting God when doors closed suddenly and when plans I believed in didn’t unfold the way I envisioned. Stepping out of traditional school settings also meant confronting fear—fear of starting over, of being seen, and of believing that what God placed on my heart was enough.
Those challenges, however, became refining moments. They taught me resilience, heightened discernment, and the importance of honoring both truth and peace. What once felt like disruption ultimately became direction, leading me to create resources that serve children and families in a new way. While the road hasn’t been easy, it has been purposeful, and every struggle has deepened my commitment to creating work that brings encouragement, healing, and hope.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a faith-based SEL creator, speaker and educator at heart. My work centers on creating intentional resources & content that help children understand their emotions, develop character, and see themselves through the lens of God’s love. I specialize in blending social-emotional learning with faith in a way that feels accessible, culturally thoughtful, and developmentally appropriate—especially for children who may not always have the language to express what they’re feeling.
I’m best known for my restorative approach and God gifted ability to discern, connect & build healthy relationships, which were born out of both classroom experience and personal refinement. My books are designed to be more than an activity; they’re tools for reflection, conversation, and connection. They’ve been used by families, churches, and youth ministries as a gentle way to introduce topics like fruit of the spirit, self-control, kindness, perseverance, and identity.
What I’m most proud of is that this work came from obedience in a difficult season. Creating something meaningful while navigating uncertainty required faith, discipline, and courage. Instead of allowing hardship to silence me, I chose to create something that pours back into children and communities.
What sets me apart is my lived experience—years in special education, restorative practices, and behavior support—combined with creativity and spiritual grounding. I understand the real needs of children, educators, and families because I’ve walked alongside them. My work is rooted in compassion, integrity, and purpose, and my goal is always the same: to bring light, healing, and hope in ways that are both practical and deeply intentional.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I plan to continue expanding my speaking and creative work in spaces that encourage both youth and adults. I have a strong desire to engage in youth speaking that centers on identity, resilience, and character, while also partnering with schools, organizations, and professional workspaces to lead professional development focused on operating in the Fruit of the Spirit—cultivating healthier workplace culture, stronger collaboration, and values-driven leadership.
I’m also looking forward to partnering with community driven organizations, schools, churches, and companies to help provide more intentional resources and supports for both students and educators, especially in environments where burnout and limited resources are common. My hope is to help bridge the gap between social-emotional development, faith, and everyday practice in a way that feels practical and sustainable.
In terms of growth, I plan to continue expanding my SEL faith-based products, including additional coloring books and complementary resources, while remaining open to wherever God leads next. This season has taught me to plan with intention but hold space for divine direction. Ultimately, I’m excited about building work that aligns purpose with impact—serving children, strengthening communities, and contributing to environments where people feel supported, valued, and inspired.
Pricing:
- Tiered bulk and wholesale pricing is offered for schools, churches, youth ministries, and organizations Direct ordering options are available to support group use, professional development, and community programs
- Individual faith-based SEL coloring books are available for $12.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://square.link/u/BV2xxARv
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasmineloniece/
