Looking toward room for new development, Shelly Domnanish holds up a photo of her daughter on Thursday, September 1st.
New special education teacher looks forward to establishing relationships with students
Shelly Domnanish discusses her educational background prior to teaching special education.
Mill Valley News: Can you describe something on your desk or in your classroom or office that has special meaning to you?
Shelly Domnanish: This is [a picture framed of] my daughter when she was six months old, she was a little lucky leprechaun.
MVN: Nice. So, what is your background?
SD: I was in the business world for about 15 years and then I transitioned to teaching. I taught business for a couple years, now I am a special education teacher.
MVN: Where did you attend college?
SD: I got my undergrad at KU. I got my first master’s degree in business from Friends University. I got my second master’s from Fort Hays State in education and I got my third master’s from Fort Hays State in special education.
MVN: What are some goals that you have for this school year?
SD: To build relationships with the students on my caseload as well as in the general education classroom.
MVN: What are your first impressions of Mill Valley?
SD: Well, from where I worked last year, it is a complete 180. The education here is huge, right? You listen, you follow directions. There is the passing period in the hallway and it is actually a passing period. You go from class to class, different from what I am used to. And overall, it is just a great school.
MVN: So then, why did you choose to work at Mill Valley?
SD: It is close to home, my daughter goes here, and the reputation, [the community] has a great reputation. Actually, [we] moved to this district so that she could go to school here for kindergarten, and now she is in ninth grade. So, I know the education here at USD 232 is top notch.
MVN: Why did you want to get into education or teaching?
SD: I sat in a cubicle for my marketing position. While I made great money, I was not giving back to the community. I knew that through teaching I could do that. So, I looked into how I could become a teacher, and I figured out I could do it through a Fort Hays program.
MVN: Is there anything else that you would like us to know about you?
SD: I have no idea. You could say I am very visual, organized and crafty.