Feature Stories, Magazine Writing, Sample Work

A First Look at Private Schools

As parents, our concerns for our child’s development never end. From emotional and physical growth to intellectual and spiritual development, we continually research best practices, strategies, and methods to ensure that our children grow up in a healthy, nurturing environment. And then we ship them off to school. This academic journey is one of the most influential components of a child’s development. Each parent wants something unique and specialized for his or her child, which is why private schools have continued to thrive throughout the U.S. According to recent statistics gathered by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), a member organization for independent schools that offers resources for both administrators and parents, students attending private schools receive more one-on-one attention, with a median class size of 16. “Statistically, private schools tend to do a good job educating academically while preparing students to be strong citizens,” said Myra McGovern, NAIS public information officer. Read the Full Story at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Feature Stories, Newspaper Writing, Sample Work

Collinsville teacher charts growth in new learners

Published in the Suburban Journals/Collinsville Herald: 8/18/09 Decorated with bright yellow borders and character cut-outs, Doris McFall's classroom at Jefferson Elementary School in Collinsville has all the essentials of a typical kindergarten space, complete with crayons, markers and fairy tale books. But it's also filled with something more difficult to pin down, McFall said. "I tell my kids I love them and I mean it," McFall said as she prepared her room for her new batch of 24 students before the start of school last week. "No matter how old they are, you treat the kids the way you want to be treated." Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com