Meet Jocelyn Shelton
Being an educator was never in the plans for me, I wanted a cute and fun career as a news reporter or radio personality. It wasn't until a road trip to Chicago that I realized that I was too shy and quiet for either of those careers, so I changed my program and decided I wanted to do something challenging, education. I completed my Bachelors in Education in May of 2014 and was offered my first job teaching 4th grade June 2014.
Fast forward, 11 years later I have had the opportunity to teach in 3 different states ( Missouri, Georgia and Texas) and 3 different grade levels ( 3rd, 4th, 5th) teaching math and science content. My greatest joy in being an educator is the growth I get to witness with my students and the relationships we build beyond academics. The greatest challenge has been supporting students personally with trauma that exist outside of the classroom due to the limits we have as educators. Also, over the years just the workload of providing quality instruction and having to complete so much paperwork.
As a working mother, wife and entrepreneur it has been a challenge to balance all of my many roles, but being intentional about my time is how I make it work. During the Covid pandemic I gave birth to my second child and witnessing the many losses of families across the nation, I realized I had to prioritize my family and focus on our goals. I started leaving work at work and made sure my time at home was dedicated to attending my sons sports events, hanging out with my friends, relaxing and spending time with my husband. With the many shifts in education and lack of teacher pay, I also decided to start my teacher resource business, TeacherChic, offering quality math and science resources to other educators. This has been a great passion of mine, as I am able to share my ideas and support new and veteran teachers save time when it comes to planning. In addition to starting my teacherprenuer business, I also became a children's book author, debuting my first book in May 2023, titled " The Sibling Alphabet". This is by far one of my greatest achievements, as it was unexpected, curated so much joy and was dedicated to the bond my children have and I desire for them to have lifelong.
Currently, as a working pregnant mom my biggest challenges involve just getting up each day and being effective in the classroom, staying consistent with my business content and still making time for myself and those close to me. I think I take care of myself first by resting and not being afraid to say NO but also choosing to surround myself with people who are understanding and supportive! Also, by using a calendar to manage activities and being intentional about making time for me to just rest or take time for me such as a pedicure or just walking around Hobby Lobby.
As a woman it is truly rewarding to find love, have children, start a family, have a career and a host of amazing friends but it can also be overwhelming at times. My mom has always been a great role model for me when it comes to taking care of myself and removing people out of my life who aren't adding value to my life, so that's what I live by. I try to not let the negativity of the world or things that are not in my control dictate my day or emotions, but rather focus on the things I have the power to change and I intentionally choose joy each day.
As someone who enjoys celebrating and supporting women, I think its important that women remember we are not superhero's and shouldn't be expected to be. It is okay to just BE and not have everything together. As a woman who didn't learn this until after becoming a mom, I make it a habit to show up for the many women in my life through celebrations, quality time, words of encouragement and always being a listening ear.
As I continue this journey of being a working mom, wife, entrepreneur and JOCELYN, my only goals are to live my life in full joy, create everlasting memories, reciprocate love and support and always place my well being first.
TeacherChic Storefront link
The Sibling Alphabet book - order link
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