Shawn Bender is an Associate at CT3. He works with principals, assistant principals, and instructional coaches to better the conditions for teaching and learning within districts and schools. Shawn joined the CT3 team in 2021, bringing 20 years of experience in the public education sector. In his educational career, Shawn has held various roles in the educational field.
As an instructional leader, Shawn significantly improved varying aspects of the schools he led. To improve students’ educational outcomes, Shawn implemented evidence-based instructional practices, which led to students progressing at a rate of at least one and a half grade levels per year. He replaced punitive measures of student management with an approach that used positive reinforcement to improve relationships between students and adults while also decreasing office referrals and student suspensions. He advocates for all and takes it upon himself to address the isolation students with special needs felt in all schools he led. He shines a light on inequity in a way that motivates and inspires all to acknowledge disparity and actively join in on closing gaps, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. He is a past member of New York City Teaching Fellows, New Leaders for New Schools, and a KIPP Fisher Fellow.
Shawn holds a bachelor’s of science in behavioral science from Mercy College, a master’s in childhood education from Brooklyn College, a school leadership certification from Kennesaw State University, and a specialist degree in education administration from the University of West Georgia.
He currently resides in Atlanta and enjoys spending time with his family.