We're excited to have several new staff members this year, and we'll get to know them better as the year progresses. This month, let's get to know Mr. Michael Shaw, our new Family and Student Advocate.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What were you doing before you took this position, and what made you want to work at Lucas?
Mr. Shaw: Before coming to Lucas I was the Student and Family Advocate at Weber Elementary. I was the first fulltime Family Resource Center Coordinator (it has evolved into the position of SFA) at Grant Wood Elementary and prior to that I completed my undergraduate practicum at the North Liberty/Penn Elementary Family Resource Center. I chose Lucas because I am a social worker and an eastsider. I love working with families and their children in the interest of promoting and supporting high achievement in public education. Working closer to home makes it easier for me to do the kind of community building and advocacy work that is a critical part of what it means to me to be a social worker.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s your favorite part about working with kids?
Mr. Shaw: Witnessing joy and growth.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What do you do on a typical weekend?
Mr. Shaw: Sleep until the sun comes out, reconnect with my partner, clean up the house, make at least one breakfast dinner, workout, and relax with my children.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s your favorite healthy food? What’s your favorite treat?
Mr. Shaw: Healthy food: a colorful salad and breakfast dinners. Treat: solid chocolate of any kind that is untainted by fanciful explorations (i.e. cherry chocolate, chili chocolate, chocolate with sprinkles, etc.)
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What else do you want Lucas students and families to know about you?
Mr. Shaw: My role at Lucas is to support all students in maximizing their academic potential. This support includes helping all families understand how they can best support their children’s learning; promoting culturally competent teaching, practice and pedagogy within our school; and providing additional support to families and children that might have greater barriers to learning. I believe that an equity driven public education system is the best tool for sustaining a vibrant and inclusive democracy. I am always open to courageous conversations about how we coexist in this world. I have been and will always be a domestic and sexual violence Victim Advocate. Music is playing in my head all the time, so if you talk to me about any kind of music, I’m all in. I believe Girls On The Run is all that and a slice of cold chocolate cake. I am a Cubs fan for reasons that go beyond baseball and I don’t hate the White Sox or Cardinals.
