In a recent development, Stacy Shields has been warmly welcomed by the Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) as the district’s new Director of Student Support Services. She started her role on July 1, leading the department which includes special and gifted education programs.
A former special education case manager and the Director of Special Education for Philadelphia Public Schools, Shields was recognized as the Administrator of the Year in 2023. Her rich trajectory of teaching experience spans both traditional and exceptional education classrooms.
Expressing her excitement for joining the SOCSD, Shields said, “The opportunity to work in a district known for its commitment to excellence is truly exciting. I’m particularly enthusiastic about the wealth of resources available, including our partnership with Mississippi State University, undoubtedly serving our students. I eagerly await meeting everyone and building strong, collaborative relationships with teachers, principals, and families, all in an effort to support our students’ success.”
Shields holds a specialist degree in special education from Arkansas State University in addition to Master’s degrees in Psychometry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Educational Leadership from Arkansas State. She is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Special Education from the University of Alabama. Before joining SOCSD, Shields served four districts in special education roles.
Shields has established that relationships remain at her foundation in ensuring that every student is well-supported, cherished, and prepared for a bright future. Originally stemming from Arkansas, she hopes to build enduring connections stretching beyond one year and one classroom. “I am passionate about establishing lifelong relationships with families, permitting me to extend support as their children navigate through life’s stages. This commitment goes beyond my job role and the classroom. I keep in touch with the families I served from years ago,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of parental involvement for serving the needs of unique-ability students, Anna Guntharp, SOCSD Assistant Superintendent for Federal Programs, Special Education, and Preschool, said, “One of the impressive qualities that brought us to hire Shields for this role is her intense desire to involve and engage parents and families in the educational journey of our students.”
Since assuming her role as the Director of Student Support Services, Shields has begun to interact with families preparing for a new school year and evaluating the district’s processes for testing, intervention, and individual education plan development for exceptional-need students.
“As a facilitator, advocate, and collaborator, I am dedicated to working closely with our team and families to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive,” Shields shared. She concluded by saying, “Together, we can create an inclusive, nurturing environment where all students can achieve their fullest potential.”
