Educators are perhaps the greatest population of unsung heroes in Berrien and Cass County. This school year, Leader Publications will publish a weekly spotlight featuring teachers throughout the district, giving the community a chance to get to know the hard-working individuals shaping their children’s lives. Throughout the next school year, their answers will be published in the newspaper that serves each school district.

Name: Shane Oakley

School: Dowagiac Middle School/Dowagiac Union High School

Grade(s)/subject(s) taught: Sixth through 12th grade band

Where did you attend college? Western Michigan University

How many years have you been teaching? How many years have you been with your current school? Three years teaching, two with Dowagiac

Why did you decide to become a teacher? To give all students access to a high quality music education.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun?  Bowling and swimming.

What is one thing your students may not know about you? I broke my collarbone when I was 5 from being pushed off of a slide.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Yzma from “The Emperor’s New Groove,” because she is hilarious.

When you were a student in the grade you teach, what were your favorite hobbies? Band and choir!

How would your co-workers describe your teaching style and personality? Energetic and engaging.

Who is your biggest role model and why? My mom, because she has always been my biggest supporter.

How has education changed in the last 10 years? Standardized testing has taken the teaching out of the classroom.

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue growing academically? Communicate with the teachers to find out what the needs of the child are, so they can become successful in their studies.

If my students learn one thing this year: It is only impossible if you think it is.