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When Shay  steps into her middle school health classroom in Massachusetts, she brings more than lesson plans—she carries a philosophy of education built on relationship, respect, and real-world skills. Her journey to health education wasn't direct; after studying adaptive PE and motor development therapy, she worked as a camp director and YMCA youth program manager before finding her true calling in the classroom.

What makes Shay's approach special is her commitment to creating brave spaces where students feel safe discussing sensitive topics. "We're all different, we're all unique, we all come from different backgrounds," she reminds her students at the beginning of each unit. This foundation of mutual respect allows her sixth, seventh, and eighth graders to engage meaningfully with content that might otherwise feel uncomfortable or intimidating.

The health education Shay provides looks dramatically different from what many adults experienced in school. Rather than simply telling students what not to do, she focuses on decision-making processes, self-advocacy, and communication skills. "It's more positive reinforcement rather than negative reinforcement," she explains, describing how she helps students understand not just what choices to make, but how to make those choices for themselves. This shift represents a broader evolution in health education, moving away from prohibition-based teaching toward empowering students with lifelong skills.

For new educators entering the field, Shay offers wisdom gained from experience: "Make sure you take care of yourself before you can head into that classroom, because when you go into that door and that bell rings, you're not there for yourself anymore—you're there for those students." This balance of self-care and selfless teaching defines her approach, reminding us all that the most effective educators understand both their students' needs and their own limitations.

Whether she's coaching basketball, translating materials for multilingual learners, or helping students navigate complex social situations, Shay creates spaces where young people can develop the health literacy they'll need throughout their lives. Her story reminds us of health education's vital importance and transformative potential when approached with passion, purpose, and genuine care for student wellbeing.

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