For 24 years, Susan Shoupe has been teaching in Autauga County. She chose to teach in Prattville schools because she, her husband, and her children graduated from Autauga County Schools. She shares, “We felt fortunate to have been educated in an outstanding system and taught by many amazing teachers. I truly wanted to pay it forward and teach in Prattville to return to my community what was so graciously given to my family.” Mrs. Shoupe graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and received her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Troy University Montgomery.
Her passion emerged for teaching from a young age. As a student, Mrs. Shoupe enjoyed going to school and was an enthusiastic learner. She attributes her love of learning to the teachers who were passionate about what they did and showed her how learning should and could be fun. “This is the type of teacher I strive to be every day for my students. I hope that I am instilling in them a lifelong love of learning that maybe someday they will pass along to others.”
She taught fifth grade at Prattville Intermediate for eight years, and during that time, she experienced students struggling with reading. Mrs. Shoupe’s goal was to narrow the gap for those students, but by fifth grade, it was often challenging to help them catch up. She decided to follow her heart and go where she thought she could best assist the kids before falling into the gap. She transitioned to teaching first grade at Prattville Primary, where she could be instrumental in teaching the fundamentals of reading.
Mrs. Shoupe believes that teaching children is a team effort. And the students must know that they are not alone and that their team includes their teachers, parents, and school administrators. “We are all on the same team, and we all work together. I hope that children understand the importance of education and ultimately experience success.”
After teaching, Mrs. Shoupe plans to enjoy spending time with their family, planting a vegetable garden with her grandchildren, traveling with her husband, and volunteering in the Prattville schools.
Thank you, Mrs. Shoupe, for serving children in the River Region so well. We congratulate you on being July’s Teacher of the Month!
Susan Shoupe has been married to Dale Shoupe for 43 years. They live in Prattville and have four children: Robert, Nicholas, Stefanie, and David.
