Paula Shuford Callender

Callenderp@sabine.k12.la.us

My name is Paula S. Callender. For the past 13 years I was THE high school science
teacher at CHS and then PHHS. Both are small PK-12 schools in rural north Louisiana; it has
been a challenging as well as a wonderful adventure! While at Pleasant Hill I also served two
years as Graduation Coach, which ultimately led to my return to Converse High School where I
am currently serving as the Instructional Coach for my second year. I hold an Associates of
Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assisting from Southern University and a Bachelors of
Science in Health and Exercise Science from Northwestern State University. After completing a
year of teaching, I enrolled in the NSU Prep Program and completed my teaching certification in
all areas of science grades 6-12. In 2007, I achieved National Board Certification in Early
Adolescence Science.
I have been very active in my school and community, but am especially proud of the
work Ive been able to do through the National Writing Project. I have served as a teacher
consultant for the NSUWP since 2006. While there I have been a part of the Leadership Team,
Rural Sites Initiative, 3
rd
Space Content Literacy Initiative, i3 Professional Development Team
and Technology Team. In the summer of 2012, I served as co-director for the NSUWP Science
and Social Studies Institute that focused on the implementation of the Common Core and Next
Generation Science Standards for teachers of Science and Social Studies.
My work with NSUWP has allowed me to travel the state and nation sharing the vision of
The National Writing Project, which is to improve student achievement by improving the
teaching of writing and improving learning in the nations schools. I believe the experiences
through National Writing Project are the foundations that drive my instruction and give me the
opportunity to grow and reflect as a teacher and published author. In my opinion, we must teach
students to be great thinkers and doers. Through reading, reflecting and writing, they begin to
understand complex issues, form opinions, decipher truth from fiction and make informed factual
conclusions about all sorts of topics.
On a personal note, Ive been married to an amazing man for almost 15 years and we
have two beautiful daughters, Katherine 12 and Allison 9. In 2010, I took an 18 month break
from teaching to care for our daughter Allison as she was diagnosed and battled Stage IV High
Risk Neuroblastoma (Childhood Cancer). Allison and I moved to Memphis, TN so she could
receive treatment at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.
Through our journey I learned many things about myself as a person, a mother, a wife
and a teacher. When I left my classroom to become an Instructional Coach, I immediately felt
overwhelmed! But then, after having some time to ponder, I remembered: Ive seen what great
leadership, collaboration and mentoring looks like. As I left St. Jude and rejoined my teaching
staff I vowed that I would have the same work ethic as the kind people I had met at St. Jude. On
the first day of school as the Instructional Coach at CHS I talked to my teachers about this type
of work ethic and collaboration. It is my belief that we must love young people, make an
investment in them, advocate for them and our classrooms; and above all else we MUST work
together. In all my years of teaching I know my love for young people is what has made me a
successful teacher. I truly believe all children can learn!!!
To new teachers I would say Teach students the way you would want to be taught, be
creative, be inspiring, and give them room to express themselves; even when you dont
understand it. Be honest with them tell them you dont always know the answer. But most of
all LOVE THEM I can honestly say I LOVE my job and the students who have
walked through my doors at Converse and Pleasant Hill. Teaching has been one of the greatest
blessings in my life.