TWIN SISTERS RETURN TO MISD TO TEACH , BECOME READING SPECIALISTS
Sara Stapleton and Shelly Mathews have been together since birth , and they ’ ve always had a close connection . The twin sisters shared similar interests and participated in the same activities growing up . They both studied elementary education in college , and they ’ ve built their careers as educators in MISD . Now , they ’ re both reading specialists with daughters in the same district they grew up in .
“ We have always been very close ,” Stapleton said . “ We have a lot of the same interests and did almost everything together since birth ! So naturally , I think we saw ourselves spending our lives closely connected .”
Growing up , the pair participated in the National Junior Honor Society ( NJHS ) at T . A . Howard Middle School , the Mansfield High School Gold Dusters drill team , and the elementary school teacher assistant ( ESTA ) program for high schoolers . Through the ESTA program , Stapleton and Mathews got handson experience in a classroom , which helped them learn more about education as a profession .
“ I loved my time in MISD so much that I wanted to teach here ,” Mathews
Sara Stapleton and Shelly Mathews graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington the same year both their daughters graduated kindergarten .
said . “ Mansfield ISD prepared me to be a teacher by providing an amazing education full of opportunities .”
After graduating from Mansfield High School in 2002 , the sisters attended Stephen F . Austin University to study education and were roommates throughout college .
“ We both always wanted a career working with kids and making a difference ,” Stapleton said .
Mathews began a long-term substitute position with MISD in 2006 , then fulfilled her dream of becoming a full-time kindergarten teacher in 2007 .
Stapleton followed in 2007 , teaching first grade at Brockett Elementary School .
While teaching , Mathews and Stapleton pursued their master ’ s
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