08/31/2026
🍎 PITTSBORO TEACHER OF THE PRESENT: SHAWNA ADES 🍎
This week, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Shawna Ades, a Developmental Preschool teacher at Pittsboro Primary School!
Shawna is in her fourth year at Pittsboro Primary and her 13th year in education, with a career focused on early childhood. She has taught general education, inclusion, and developmental preschool, working with children ages 3–5 with a wide range of strengths and needs.
When asked what she loves most about teaching, Shawna shared that it’s the little moments of growth-watching a child learn a new skill, gain confidence, or accomplish something they once thought was difficult. For her, preschool is about so much more than academics. It’s about building confidence, independence, relationships, and a love of learning. 🥰📚
Shawna describes her teaching style as nurturing, hands-on, and individualized. She understands that preschool can be a child’s first experience being away from home for an extended period of time, and she wants both her students AND their families to feel safe, supported, cared for, and confident while they’re at school.
But perhaps the most meaningful part of Shawna’s story is what inspired her to become a teacher. After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, she originally planned to become an audiologist. Then she had the opportunity to work with a very special student who changed the direction of her life.
That student inspired Shawna to pursue special education and ultimately become the teacher she is today. Even more special? She is still in touch with him, and he is now preparing to head off to college to pursue a teaching career of his own. ❤️ What a beautiful full-circle moment!
Shawna is also a true member of the Pittsboro community. She grew up in Pittsboro, attended Pittsboro Elementary and Tri-West Middle School, and always knew it was the community where she wanted to raise her own family. Today, she and her husband Derek are raising their three children here while Shawna continues to serve the community she loves.
When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find Shawna spending time with her family, supporting her children’s sports and theatre activities, traveling, cooking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors
Shawna, thank you for pouring so much love, patience, and dedication into our youngest learners and for helping them take those very first steps in their educational journey. Pittsboro is lucky to have you! 🍎
👏 Please join us in thanking Shawna Ades for being our Pittsboro Teacher of the Present this week!
