Our Teacher of the Month starting off the New Year is Shannon Shingleton, Drafting/ Architecture/ Construction Design Instructor at Queen Anne’s County High School. You can sense the passion she has for her teaching specialty and for her accomplishments prior to joining QACHS. Read on about her area of expertise and how that passion transitions over to her home life as well. You can nominate a teacher who makes a difference online at https://www.shoreupdate.com/teachers/.
What is your background? How did you develop an interest in drafting and architecture?
I graduated from QACHS in 2009 and took classes in the tech drafting and architecture pathway. I developed a passion for industry and attended James Madison University where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and a minor in mathematics. Upon graduation, I became a design engineer where I designed and built 3D printers that led to the first 3D printed sandals on the market. During my time in design and manufacturing, I obtained five patents and developed products ranging from medical devices to sports equipment to consumer products sold in Home Depot and Lowes.
Why did you become a teacher?
My family wanted to move back to the Eastern Shore. When I heard my high school CAD teacher (Mr. Vooris) was retiring, I knew it would be a great opportunity for me to return to QACHS and inspire students to pursue careers in this field.
Describe an aspect of the course... Do students create and build their own designs?
This pathway is structured around four classes: Intro to Architecture & Construction Design; Principles of Construction Design; Advanced 3D Architectural Modeling & Construction; and,
Advanced Architecture & Construction. The final class is a semester-long project of their choice from research to design to modeling and to developing a prototype using the software they have learned in class.
How will students use what you are teaching in the work world?
I tell my students even if they do not want to pursue a career in this field, knowing how to read blueprints and how a house is built/works are great skills when becoming homeowners. There are so many different avenues they can take: a four-year college degree in design, architecture or engineering; a technical school or local community college to obtain licenses for electrician, HVAC, plumbing; or enter the workforce as a CAD drafter and work their way up.
What part of teaching do you find rewarding? Is there a part that is difficult?
The first few assignments learning a new CAD software program can be difficult and frustrating. The most rewarding part is when the software use starts to click, and the students get excited about the designs they create.
Are there any standout moments from the classes that you've taught?
We recently got a laser cutter so students were able to design mini dollhouses and use the laser cutter to build their designs and add them to the boxes for Operation Christmas Child.
We’ve worked with other CTE pathways. A cosmetology student drew a floor plan for her dream salon, and one of the architecture students 3D-modeled the plan. The cosmetology student was able to walk through her salon design using virtual reality. It was a very cool collaboration and experience for the students!
Did you have a teacher growing up who left an impact on you?
Mr. Vooris taught this pathway when I attended QACHS. He was great at finding students’ strengths and challenging us further with our designs. He taught us to take pride in our work.
What do you do when you are not teaching? How do you have fun?
I love designing and creating DIY projects. I draw my designs using CAD software and then use those drawings to create functional and aesthetic spaces around our home. I also enjoy adventures with my husband and 2-year-old daughter as we will be welcoming a new addition to our family come January!