This session will explore how educators in Title I environments can create a culture of high standards to support the success of all students through a focus on People, Purpose, and Processes. Educators must develop systems and spaces that create social capital and belonging in order to provide access to high-level curriculum. We will consider research that explores the topics of curriculum and culture, and provide clear steps for growth in building strong classroom cultures.
Joshua Shaw
- Biographical Information
Joshua Shaw has been a music educator for 21 years. A graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor Degree in Visual and Performing Arts, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from UNT, he began his career at Irons Middle School and currently serves as the Director of Bands/Fine Arts Chair at Coronado High School in Lubbock, TX, while completing his Doctorate from Liberty University in Strategic Leadership. His career continues a legacy of successful music programs at Coronado, maintaining more than 50 years of UIL Sweepstakes awards and continually fostering an expectation of excellence.
Mr. Shaw is a judge for the Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL). He has served as Region Clinician, Region Chairman, and Region Treasurer for the Texas Music Educators Association, and currently serves as the President for Region 16.
In 2017, Mr. Shaw was a Quarterfinalist for the Grammy Foundation Teacher of the Year Award, and in 2018 was a Semifinalist. In 2019, Mr. Shaw was awarded the Headliner Award from the Lubbock Professional Chapter of the Women in Communications, and the Beaumont Foundation Excellence in Education Award. During this time Mr. Shaw was also awarded the Teacher of the Year award for Coronado HS and the Coronado Feeder Pattern. In 2021, Mr. Shaw was inducted into the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, the International School Bandmaster Fraternity.
Kathy Appleton has been an educator for more than 25 years, teaching English, AP Capstone Research, and marching band/color guard. She currently teaches at Coronado High School in Lubbock, Texas. She has led a large team of English teachers in developing a professional community to build on each other’s work and grow together. Ms. Appleton also serves as a Lead Facilitator for The College Board’s National Faculty for PreAP instruction. In this role, she sets the stage for events where teachers are immersed in the elements of strong classroom culture.
Ms. Appleton earned her undergraduate degree in English and Education from Texas Tech University. While teaching, Ms. Appleton has earned two Master’s degrees, one in English from Wayland Baptist University and another in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas, along with a Principal as Educational Leader certification. She was the 2019 Texas Region 17 Teacher of the Year and was honored with the Excellence in Education Award from Lubbock Christian University.
She values continued learning and finds that the principles of leading through service and building strong teams apply to all types of organizations. Her interest in research into understanding social capital, community building, and leadership has led to her current work teaching and modeling the foundational elements of strong culture.