Shania Muhammad, a 16-year-old Oklahoma City native with three college degrees, has become America’s youngest full-time compensated teacher. She is currently a third-grade teacher at a school in her hometown.
Although some argue that she is too young for the job, Shania has proven to be more than qualified. She has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and two associate degrees from Oklahoma City Community College and Langston University, which she received when she was 14 years old.
She has also completed two years of National Teachers Professional Development Training with the Thurgood Marshal Foundation.
But, in addition to her extensive background and professional honors, she has a genuine drive and enthusiasm for teaching and being in the classroom.
Her dad, Elijah, comments, “I’m super proud of my daughter for being bold and brave and stepping out on her faith and into her purpose. She doesn’t allow people’s opinions of her to dictate the reality of her dreams and passions.”
In a recent post on his Facebook page, he also added, “People will always have criticism and negative things to say but we are used to it. And not one negative comment has slowed down our family’s history-making progress.”
Charitta Smith, Director of Young Achievers Christian Academy where Shania teaches, comments, “It is a privilege and honor to be this young lady’s mentor, helping and guiding her teaching journey… We are a few days away from week one, and let me just say, she’s doing an amazing job with her third graders.”
