I believe students of all ages benefit from having someone in their corner to support and encourage them. I enjoy seeing students grow academically and in their confidence to teach students.
Shannon Manley, Ed.D. Clinical Instructor
- Alum
- Faculty
Dr. Shannon Manley is a native of Greenville, Texas. She began her college journey at an out-of-state university before transferring to East Texas A&M University, where she earned her degrees while remaining close to home and investing in the local community.
Before entering higher education, Dr. Manley spent 19 years in the classroom. Most of her career was spent teaching second and third grade, though she later transitioned to sixth-grade mathematics—an experience that broadened her instructional perspective and became one of the most rewarding shifts in her career. During her time in the classroom, she was actively involved in extracurricular activities, including coaching a Destination Imagination team, which helped her integrate creativity, problem-solving, and authentic STEM experiences into her students' learning.
Dr. Manley pursued her master's degree at East Texas A&M to deepen her instructional practice and better support her students. She later joined the Department of Curriculum and Instruction as an adjunct instructor and went on to earn her doctorate in curriculum and instruction. Today, she works with teacher candidates as they prepare for careers in education, supporting them through coursework, field experiences, and professional development opportunities.
Dr. Manley encourages students to take full advantage of their university experience by building relationships with faculty and peers, participating in student organizations, and seeking out leadership and scholarship opportunities. She believes reflection, persistence, and community are key elements in becoming an effective educator.
A Conversation with Dr. Manley
What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending East Texas A&M?
As an A&M-Commerce (Now East Texas A&M) graduate, I believe this is a great university with something for everyone. I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees here, and my experiences as a student helped shape the educator I am today. East Texas A&M provides many opportunities for students to become involved in organizations and activities that enrich their college experience and build a strong sense of community.
What draws you to your discipline?
Education has always been my passion. I have 19 years of classroom teaching experience in Texas, which provides a strong foundation for supporting teacher candidates in their coursework and field experiences. I value the experiences and perspectives students bring with them into their courses and enjoy helping them build on that foundation as they develop their own teaching practice. I believe students of all ages benefit from having someone in their corner to encourage and support them as they learn and grow. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is watching future educators develop both the skills and confidence needed to lead their own classrooms. Education is a powerful field because it allows us to reach and support students who need it most and make a lasting, positive impact on their lives.
What has been your favorite course to teach?
My favorite course to teach is our Introduction to Teaching course for EC–3 and EC–6 teacher candidates. In this course, students explore key topics such as lesson planning, classroom climate, instructional models, technology integration, assessment, and understanding learners.
What makes this course especially meaningful to teach is the enthusiasm students bring with them. Many enter the course with a genuine passion for working with children and a strong desire to begin their teaching careers. It is incredibly rewarding to see their growth and continued commitment to making a difference in the lives of their future students.
Tell us about a project you are currently working on or recently completed.
I am currently working with a group of undergraduate students and our local Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) chapter to grow the DKG East Texas Collegiate Community, a student organization that connects future women educators with experienced educators. DKG is an international professional organization for women educators, and our local chapter includes current and retired educators from the area, many of whom are East Texas A&M faculty, staff, and alumni.
Through this partnership, collegiate members have opportunities to engage in mentorship, professional networking, service projects, and leadership development while completing their teacher preparation program. Members also connect with peers at different stages of the program, creating a supportive community as they work toward teacher certification.
DKG provides opportunities for scholarships, grants, and professional learning. Our student organization has attended and presented at regional workshops, state-level conventions, and international conventions. These experiences allow students to engage with educators beyond the university setting while building professional confidence and leadership skills. This collaboration between practicing educators and future teachers helps strengthen professional identity and supports the next generation of educators.
Educational Background
- Ed.D., Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Walden University, 2022
- M.Ed., Elementary Education, Texas A&M University-Commerce (now East Texas A&M), 2010
- B.S., Business Administration, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2001
Academic Positions
- Clinical Instructor
- Classroom Teacher
Research Interests
- Teacher Preparation
- Teacher Professional Development and Teacher Voice
- Assessment and Data-Informed Instruction
Professional Organizations
- Delta Kappa Gamma International Society of Key Women Educators
- Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented