Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Bradley.
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?
Growing up in Mississippi, I was so blessed to have some strong, caring people in my life who instilled essential values and shaped me into the person that I am today. My parents instilled in me the value of a good education. Teachers, mentors and club sponsors invested their time and knowledge in me. They made me feel cared for and this made me want to work hard. I wanted to “show up” in the same manner for other children as a teacher. So, I obtained my Bachelor’s in Special Education at Mississippi State University and moved to the DFW-area after graduation. A few years later, I earned my Master’s in Educational Administration from Prairie View A & M University. After 20 years of serving as a special/general education teacher, dropout prevention program coordinator, assistant principal, principal, and student services director in the same North Texas school district, I know I chose the right profession.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely not been as smooth as I originally planned. I feel blessed to stand before you as a breast cancer SURVIVOR! I continued to work to support kids during my chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. It gave me daily motivation to keep going and fighting. I learned so much about myself and what I am capable of. Unfortunately, I lost my dear mom to this horrible disease one year prior to my own diagnosis. As I walked alongside my mother during her fight, it was heartbreaking. However, my mom did not show me how to die; she taught me how to LIVE. I now wake up each day with the energy and mindset to do just that. Each day is a new opportunity to LIVE and love those who matter the most. I recognize that I have been granted another day to make an impact in the community and world outside of myself. I am so grateful for every breath that I take and I do not take it for granted. Ralph H. Blum reminds us that “Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am honored to serve as Director of Family and Social Services/SEL Department for a school district in North Texas where I’ve helped shape the district’s approach to social, emotional and academic development for all students. I am advocate for access to social emotional learning for all students in the state of Texas. In my role and as an educational consultant, I design and facilitate adult SEL professional learning experiences and provide implementation support across the state. I am also a certified restorative practices and trauma-informed specialist. My personal and professional journey exemplifies what is possible when you live and lead with persistence, compassion, and gratitude. Personally, I am most proud of the life that I am blessed to share with my husband and our two beautiful teenage daughters. Professionally, having the opportunity to testify before the Texas House of Representatives Education Committee in support of HB 4454 SEL Standards for all students in the state of Texas was absolutely amazing. Although the bill did not pass, much of the language was integrated into Senate Bill 11 and other House Bills during the 86th Legislative Session. It is my hope that we will continue to build upon that work in our upcoming legislative session to support the social emotional health of ALL students during these unprecedented times.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The pandemic has magnified the increased need for social-emotional wellness in children and adults. As educators, it’s so important to become more intentional about emotionally checking in on our students and integrating SEL into our daily practices. Through educational consulting, I have noticed an increased demand in requests for professional learning opportunities and SEL implementation support. My goal is to help educators shift their focus from “what is social-emotional learning” to “how to we help our children become learners” because all learning is social and emotional. With caring and committed educators implementing supportive structures, teaching SEL skills and modeling practices, we can improve our students’ readiness to learn. By creating learning environments of inclusion, high expectations, respect and connection, ALL students can receive what they need to thrive. THIS is educational equity! I am so excited about this new momentum and all the possibilities for our children!
Contact Info:
- Email: Bradley.sharon0419@gmail.com
- Twitter: @sbradleyonfire
- Linkedin: sharondbradley
