Monday, June 24, 2024
AZLE — Azle Elementary School will have a new principal in the fall with a familiar face. Shaunary Feller has worked in Azle ISD for 25 years as a teacher, counselor, administrator and more. With many titles under her belt, Feller is excited to go back to her roots after spending the last several years as an instructional coordinator for the district’s special education department.
“I have been contemplating returning to a campus environment,” Feller said in an email to the Tri-County Reporter. “I have missed the relationships we build at the campus level with staff, students, and parents. Our special services department is amazing, and I have loved working with them and building collaborative relationships to help special programs work effectively on all of the campuses. However, there is a different type of vibe at the campus level. You are in the trenches, so to speak, and you are seeing true successes, big and small, happening on a daily basis. I like the constant go of the campus environment where one minute you are starting the day and the next you wonder where the time has gone. I enjoy going into classrooms and witnessing what students are learning, collaborating with staff on how to help students grow as well as helping teachers to continue to strive to grow and be a lifelong learner, and working with parents and the community to ensure all are working toward a common goal.”
Feller has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in school counseling, and a doctoral degree in education with a focus in special education. She lives in Decatur with her husband, Nick, a daughter, Katie, and a son who graduated from Azle High School, Cale McDonnell. In an article released by Azle ISD, Superintendent Todd Smith spoke on the impact Feller has had on the district.
“Dr. Feller brings a wealth of knowledge to the position of principal for Azle Elementary,” Smith said. “In her long tenure with Azle ISD, she has proven her commitment and passion for working with students and staff. We look forward to Dr. Feller continuing the great things happening at Azle Elementary.”
Feller said she hopes to spend this year building rapport with staff, students and parent and further students’ academic and social-emotional success. Feller credits her experience as an assistant principal and the examples of numerous past administrators for preparing her to excel in her new role.
“I have worked with some great mentors,” Feller said. “Some of the greatest mentors I have worked with pushed me out of my comfort zone by identifying in me what I might not have noticed had they not tried to ‘grow’ me. The ones that have made the most impact have been Randy Cobb, Teresa Moore, Dianne Boone and Kim Bates. Each of these people stand out because they always communicated in some way that I could do more or make more of an impact. I hope I have lived up to or will live up to their expectations and make them proud in return. I also hope to be that type of mentor for someone.”
