Sara Nelson

Happy “Where Do You Work?” Wednesday! This week meet alumna Judy Shannon (MA ’05 Counseling, Rehabilitation and Student Development).

Shannon works as an elementary school counselor at Sigonella Elementary School in the Department of Defense Dependent Schools on the island of Sicily, Italy. She teaches the dependent children of military or civilian workers overseas. 

“My favorite part about my work is the kids. They bring a smile to my face every day with their enthusiasm, energy and happy spirit,” says Shannon. “Being on a Naval Air Station, these kids have moved several times in their lives even before they have started kindergarten because at least one of their parents are in the military or working for the military. From greeting them on their first day, to waving goodbye to them when they leave, they are a part of my school life every day.”

She taught for 44 years and has been a counselor for 11 years. She has taught overseas in Germany, Japan, and Italy for 30 years. Prior to that, she taught for 13 years in the Davenport Community School District in Davenport, Iowa. 

“The University of Iowa College of Education helped me prepare for all the challenges a counselor can face during a school year and added to my knowledge from being in the classroom to being an active part of the entire school,” says Shannon. 

Want to be the next “Where Do You Work Wednesday?” or nominate someone? Message us on Facebook, tag them with #HawkeyeTeachers, or email us at educationatiowa@uiowa.edu.