Women in STEAM: Shannon Beeler

By Abby Hanlon, Delta Upsilon-Marshall University

 Shannon Beeler is a high school math teacher in Mililani, Hawaii on the island of O’ahu. She is a military wife and mother of three. Shannon pursued a career in mathematics and education after discovering her passion for helping others.

Can you share a little bit about your college experiences?

I have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and minored in Spanish and Education. Delta Zeta helped prepare me to meet new people and be able to talk to and get to know them even in the strangest situations (like sorority recruitment). As a military spouse, I have had to move many times, which required starting over and getting to know new people. It has helped me both in the workplace when talking to people like co-workers, administrators, parents, and students, and in situations involving the military and their spouses. Delta Zeta truly helped prepare me for life.

Why did you want to become a teacher? And what drew you to specializing in math?

I loved math in high school, and it always came naturally to me. I enjoyed being able to explain it to my fellow students who were struggling. I discovered that I had a knack for explaining it to others in a way that made sense to them. I love seeing the “lightbulb moment” when a student finally gets it, especially if they are actually excited about it!

What does a typical workday look like for you? 

I come in early to check in at the office and get any items in my mailbox before heading to spend the rest of my day in my classroom. Sometimes I have students come in for help before school and other times I just read emails, post assignments and materials to Google Classroom, upload notes to my iPad to teach from and get ready for the school day. Then, I teach every period, often with students asking questions after class, during recess, during lunch and again during study hall after school. It is pretty much non-stop. also have students who come in to eat lunch in my room or just hang out, as well as previous students coming in to say hi, ask a math question or sometimes ask for a recommendation for college or scholarships. There are also meetings for students with special needs or accommodations, paperwork and phone calls to parents.

What Delta Zeta value resonates the most with you and why? 

Community! My job is definitely about our community. Mililani High School, where I teach in Hawaii, is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. The school emphasizes the importance of community. Curiosity, empowerment and belonging are all things I hope to instill in my students though.

What is your favorite part about living and getting to teach in Hawaii?

I love the climate and the culture. I usually play tennis three times a week, and was surfing quite a bit, although I haven’t surfed in several months now. During the pandemic, I would go surfing before school and then hang my suit and towel to dry outside my classroom since I was teaching virtual school and had no kids in person.