Influencer of the Week: La’Shosha Shavers, Lakeview Middle School

La’Shosha Shavers is the administrative dean for sixth- and seventh-graders at Lakeview Middle School. She has been at Lakeview for five years.

Growing up in a family of eight siblings, Shavers said, she was familiar with “struggle” and knew the importance of education, but she didn’t know what it meant to achieve it.

“That changed in third grade (when) a phenomenal teacher, Susan Burke, taught and touched my life,” she said. “Her genuine care and concern impacted me at such an impressionable age that I vowed to do the same for a child when I got older. I made a lifelong decision at age 9 to become a teacher and eventually made it my reality.”

She started as a pre-Algebra teaching in Mississippi. Since being employed by Orange County Public Schools, Shavers has worked at three West Orange County schools: Westbrooke Elementary, Bridgewater Middle and Lakeview.

What do you love most about your school? 

I love the students, especially the more challenging ones.

What's your favorite part of your job? 

Making connections with students and becoming their “family” while on campus.

Why does this job appeal to you? 

Being a dean allows me the opportunity to change the trajectory of student lives.

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best? 

My desire to see everyone around me be their best.

What's the nicest thing a student or faculty member has done for you? 

A student who was able to attend his first end-of-year field trip told me I was his motivation and the reason he worked hard to change his behavior. He said I was his Superwoman.

What’s your favorite restaurant and favorite meal? 

Moe’s Southwest Grill — I love queso!

What’s your favorite movie and why? 

“Shawshank Redemption”; it teaches the story of forgiveness and friendship.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? 

Heart changer

What’s your favorite vacation spot and why? 

Anywhere in the Bahamas; I love the ocean.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

I read, shop and spend time with my girls who I affectionately call my “heartbeats.”

What’s your favorite book and why? 

“Becoming,” by Michelle Obama. It teaches you that despite your socioeconomic status or circumstances, dreams can come to fruition with hard work, commitment and dedication.

What are some of your can’t-miss TV shows? 

Anything on the ID channel. I love learning about the hearts and minds of people.

If you could put any four musicians on an alternate Mount Rushmore, who would it be?

Betty Wright, Monica, Whitney Houston, Tamela Mann

What fun talents do you possess?

I’m a very simple person who loves to sing — better in the shower than out. I’m a comedian by nature, although not everyone thinks I’m funny. I love “love,” and I work my hardest to show, exhibit and tell those around me how much I love and care for them.  

Tell us about your family: 

I have two wonderful heartbeats, Fa’Sharia, age 8, and Zar’Ryah, age 7, and an amazing man, Michael, who completes me. I am an original Mississippi girl, but I don’t like the outdoors, extreme heat or bugs. I am my happiest when I am around my favorite cousins and my closest friends.