SOCSD welcomes Stacy Shields as Director of Student Support Services
Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District is excited to welcome Stacy Shields as the district's new Director of Student Support Services. Shields was named director this spring and began her duties July 1, leading a department which includes special and gifted education programs. In addition to experience in the classroom as a teacher in both traditional and special education classrooms, she has also worked as a Special Education Case Manager and most recently as Director of Special Education for Philadelphia Public Schools where she was named Administrator of the Year in 2023.
"I'm thrilled to join the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District and become a part of such a vibrant and supportive school community. The opportunity to work in a district renowned for its commitment to excellence is truly exciting," Shields said. "I'm particularly enthusiastic about the wealth of resources available, including the partnership with Mississippi State University, which undoubtedly supports the students we serve. I look forward to meeting everyone and building strong, collaborative relationships with teachers, principals, and families, as we work together to support our students' success."
Shields holds a Specialist degree in Special Education from Arkansas State University as well as Masters degrees in Psychometry from UAB and Educational Leadership from Arkansas State. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Special Education from the University of Alabama. She has served in four districts across the state before joining the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District team.
"We are very excited to have Ms. Shields join the district in this new role serving our students and families with special needs," says SOCSD Superintendent, Dr. Tony McGee. "Her heart for building relationships and meeting the needs of every student is unmatched. The district is committed to providing not only academic, but also social and emotional learning opportunities for our students with special needs, and I know Ms. Shields shares that commitment."
When talking about her heart for the special needs community, it's clear that Shields leads with relationships first, focusing on building connections and a commitment to communication and collaboration.
"Enduring relationships are at the core of my dedication to ensuring that every student is supported, valued, and prepared for a bright future," she says, and she is quick to mention that the relationships she hopes to build extend far beyond one year or one classroom.
"I am passionate about building lifelong relationships with families, allowing me to support them even as their children transition into the next stages of their lives," Ms. Shields shares. "This commitment extends beyond the classroom and my job role. I stay connected with students I taught many years ago and remain in contact with their parents."
"One of the key qualities that attracted us to Ms. Shields for this role is her strong desire to involve parents and families in the process of providing for the educational needs of our students with differing abilities," says Anna Guntharp, SOCSD Assistant Superintendent for Federal Programs, Special Education and Preschool. "We believe parental involvement is crucial for the district to serve our families well, and we're excited to support Ms. Shields as she builds those relationships."
Shields echoes the importance of parent involvement for every student, but particularly those in the special needs community. Her work is motivated by an understanding that a family's insights and experiences are essential in shaping the best outcomes for individual students, and she welcomes active participation from parents and families.
"I want to build strong relationships with families based on trust, empathy, and open communication," she says. "I plan to create a safe and inclusive environment where families feel heard, valued, and supported. I will listen actively, provide resources and guidance, and work together with families, educators, and professionals to develop personalized plans. My goal is to empower families to actively participate in their child's education."
The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District offers a range of services for students with differing abilities and special needs and seeks to offer educational opportunities in the least restrictive environment. In addition, our Department of Student Support Services seeks to identify and nurture the talents of our intellectually and artistically gifted students, providing programs to help them achieve their highest potential.
Stepping into the role of Director of Student Support Services, Shields has begun meeting families as they begin a new school year and also working with the SSS team to evaluate the district's processes for testing, intervention and developing individual education plans for students with special needs.
"I see myself as a facilitator, advocate, and collaborator in meeting the needs of students and their families," Shields says. "I am dedicated to working closely with our team and our families to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive. Together, we can create an inclusive and nurturing environment where all students can achieve their fullest potential."