Following 13 years as a fifth-grade teacher in Nevada, Mo., Jackie Shadden is the new fourth-grade teacher at West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown. Her hometown is Fort Scott.

“My mom, Ruby Gerant, inspired me to become a teacher,” Shadden said. “She taught for quite a few years as a high school English teacher in Uniontown.”

“I love learning and sharing knowledge with others,” she said. “And it’s always been a joy to be around kids.”

Shadden attended Fort Scott Community College, then Pittsburg State University where she earned a bachelors and masters degree in education.

She married David Shadden and had two kids, Seth, age 10-years-old and Hailey, 8.

“My husband and I care for my family’s farm, where we raise cattle,” she said.

“I am hoping to become more involved with my community since I will be teaching closer to home,” Shadden said.