STATE ILA COORDINATOR
Dr. Mary Shelton (2022-2025)
Dr. Mary Shelton is currently working as the Student Success Administrator for Garland ISD. In addition to working in Garland ISD, Dr. Shelton serves as an adjunct professor for Texas A&M University in Commerce teaching undergraduate Reading courses. Dr. Shelton believes that reading is the key to success for all students. Her work is to inspire both students and teachers to find the magic in the love of reading and writing. Her passion for developing inclusive classrooms where all perspectives can be valued drives her.
Dr. Shelton graduated from Texas A&M University Commerce in August of 2019. Since that time, she has continued to serve the university community by teaching Reading courses at Navarro Junior College in Corsicana. Teaching future educators keeps her current and relevant with classroom practices and strategies. The relationships built between her and her students is noticeable to any outside observer. Classes are student centered, engaging and fun. Learning is all about exploring, trying and sometimes failing. It is through failing that we learn to rethink, revise, and adjust. Attempts at greatness, even with the possibility of failure, are valued much more than playing safely within the confines of mediocrity. Students are encouraged to ask questions, stretch the limits and dare boldly in class.
While in the classroom, Dr. Shelton was often recognized for her strong leadership skills and teaching ability. She was recently named a University Ambassador for Texas A&M University Commerce in the fall of 2019. She has presented at numerous state and regional conferences on the topic of inclusivity in the classroom.
Dr. Shelton believes that learning is eternal, “We do not know ourselves until we have traveled the world and seen perspectives that differ from our own.” When not teaching and working, she loves to travel with her husband and two sons. While her navigational skills and lack of strong geographical knowledge may be the cause for added travel time, it also makes for a great story later. She attributes her great success to the love and support her family has always provided.
Dr. Shelton graduated from Texas A&M University Commerce in August of 2019. Since that time, she has continued to serve the university community by teaching Reading courses at Navarro Junior College in Corsicana. Teaching future educators keeps her current and relevant with classroom practices and strategies. The relationships built between her and her students is noticeable to any outside observer. Classes are student centered, engaging and fun. Learning is all about exploring, trying and sometimes failing. It is through failing that we learn to rethink, revise, and adjust. Attempts at greatness, even with the possibility of failure, are valued much more than playing safely within the confines of mediocrity. Students are encouraged to ask questions, stretch the limits and dare boldly in class.
While in the classroom, Dr. Shelton was often recognized for her strong leadership skills and teaching ability. She was recently named a University Ambassador for Texas A&M University Commerce in the fall of 2019. She has presented at numerous state and regional conferences on the topic of inclusivity in the classroom.
Dr. Shelton believes that learning is eternal, “We do not know ourselves until we have traveled the world and seen perspectives that differ from our own.” When not teaching and working, she loves to travel with her husband and two sons. While her navigational skills and lack of strong geographical knowledge may be the cause for added travel time, it also makes for a great story later. She attributes her great success to the love and support her family has always provided.
The ILA Coordinator serves the State/Provincial Council for a 3 -year term and is responsible for supporting the network of local, student, and special interest councils within the state/province. He/she is a liaison between the state/provincial council and ILA.
