McKinley Teacher Honored by Local Television Station

Jan Shearer got $400 from KOB-TV. What she's given to her students is incalculable.

Jan Shearer knows she’s made a difference in the lives of children when their parents call, sobbing.

“The student brings a book home, and they think they are going to read the book to their kid,” Shearer says. “But when their child reads the book to them …”

Cue the tears. 

And the joy.

Shearer is an Intensive Global Supports teacher at McKinley Middle School, patiently guiding her special education students toward hard-won success in the face of often difficult odds.

The program offers specialized instruction to kids who need extra support due to significant learning and adaptive behavior deficits.

The program features intensive reading and math instruction, plus help with self-care skills.

All teaching jobs are tough. This might be one of the toughest.

But Shearer loves it. And judging from the happy scene in her classroom a few days ago, her kids love her. Knowing that, perhaps it’s no surprise she recently was honored with a KOB-TV Pay It Forward award of $400.

Nominated by fellow McKinley teacher Quinn Smith, a stunned Shearer happily clutched the four $100 bills as she answered questions about her 29-year career. At one point, she leaned over to a colleague and whispered, “Four-hundred dollars for our program!”

Such selflessness is typical, said Smith, who has worked with Shearer for three years. 

“Her caring for her students is just amazing,” he said. 

McKinley Principal Andy Legant seconded the praise.

“You can always find a smile in her classroom; she’s amazing in her communication with parents; she’s the biggest advocate for her kids and our school,” he said.

Shearer, entering her eighth year at McKinley, said that while she could retire, she remains passionate about the classroom and the students she teaches.

“Just seeing that A-ha! moment when a student is reading a sentence, I love that,” she said. 

The popular KOB Pay It Forward feature honors New Mexicans for their willingness to help without any expectation of praise or reward. The segment featuring Shearer is scheduled to run Sept. 16.

During a short ceremony attended by Deputy Superintendent Gabe Jacquez, Shearer wasn’t much worried about her star turn on TV. Mostly, she kept a watchful eye on her kids while pretending to hear the principal as he begged her to use at least some of the $400 for herself. 

Not likely.

“She,” said Smith, “is a great teacher.”