A 16-year-old from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who already holds three college degrees, Shania Muhammad, has become America’s youngest full-time salaried teacher. She currently teaches in the third grade at a school in her hometown.
Although some argue that she is too young, Shania has proven to be more than qualified for the position. She has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development and two associate degrees from Oklahoma City Community College and Langston University, which she received when she was 14. She has also completed two years of National Teacher Professional Development Training via the Thurgood Marshall Foundation.
But beyond her long resume and professional accolades, she also has a genuine desire and passion for teaching and being in the classroom.
Her dad, Elijah, comments, “I’m super proud of my daughter for being bold and brave and stepping out on her faith and into her purpose. She doesn’t allow people’s opinions of her to dictate the reality of her dreams and passions.”
In a recent post on his Facebook page, he also added, “People will always have criticism and negative things to say, but we are used to it. And not one negative comment has slowed down our family’s history-making progress.”
Charitta Smith, Director of Young Achievers Christian Academy, where Shania teaches, comments, “It is a privilege and honour to be this young lady’s mentor, helping and guiding her teaching journey… We are a few days away from week one, and let me just say, she’s doing an amazing job with her third graders.”
