Sky Is The Limit

A Candid Talk With Dr. Shanessa Fenner

Written By: Kimberly M. Knight

Dr. Shanessa Fenner

Dr. Shanessa Fenner is a multi-talented educator with a drive for great purpose. She embodies the ideals of perseverance and ambition. She has been a long-term educator, administrator, and more currently a contributing writer for 15 publications including the nationally acclaimed Essence Magazine.

Dr. Fenner has no interest in slowing down and has her eyes set on increasing her already successful career. The Substantial Team had a moment to chat w/ Dr. Fenner about her career pathway and what’s next for her.

Who is Dr. Fenner, tell us about your journey to becoming an educator? (Where are you originally from? Where did you attend college?)

I'm from Fayetteville, North Carolina. A wonderful place to be, the All-American City. I graduated from 71st High School and I went straight to North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina. There I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree and I started on my first Master's degree there, which was a Master of Arts. I began teaching and I was an elementary school teacher where I taught first and second grade. Then I kind of got homesick and I said, “You know what, I want to do something different. It's time to move back home”. So, I moved back home from Durham to Fayetteville, North Carolina. I enrolled in Fayetteville State University, completed my first Master's degree that I started at North Carolina Central University, which was my Master of Arts. Then I decided, I think I want to be a principal. At that time, they had the North Carolina Principals Fellowship Program. So, I decided to enroll in that, and of course they said yes. Then I graduated with my Master of School Administration degree, which is my second Master's degree. I became an assistant principal for four years. Then I became of course, a principal. I've been a principal now for quite some time. In my last year of being an assistant principal, I decided that I wanted to pursue my doctorate degree. So once again, back to Fayetteville State University for a third degree. Then I obtained my Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership, so I have four college degrees. I've been a classroom teacher for first and second grade, I've been a middle school assistant principal, and I've been an elementary and middle school principal. That has been my journey in education.

What has been a highlight in your career, thus far, in education? (awards, achievements, or notable moments).

In 2021, I was a finalist for “Principal of the Year”. My highest achievement was when I was Principal of Alger B. Wilkins Elementary School. I've been a principal of four schools but when I was at Alger B. Wilkins Elementary School, I was placed there by the superintendent because I was told that the school was about to be taken over due to low achievement. So, my first year there as principal, we went all the way to the top, we exceeded growth. We were the highest performing school in the entire state of North Carolina. I was very pleased. It was great. We did an awesome job. We continued to stay open for two more years. Then the school was closed down and now it is a high school. That would be my highest wonderful achievement in one year turning that school around as the highest performing school in the state of North Carolina.

In your opinion, what are misconceptions about public education in rural communities?

I think one of the misconceptions when it comes to rural communities is you will always hear someone say that the students in rural communities don't get that real high-quality education like the students in urban communities do.  kind of disagree. Yes, there are some challenges, as we know in those rural communities. 

So of course, you always think about the technology as well in those rural communities because the internet's not working as well. However, if they have a nice plan of action and they work on it then they can work on having some great technology there. Also, when you have that community involvement, that village concept that I talk about all the time. Then they can get together as a community to make sure that the students receive the exposure and the opportunities to have the experiences 

"I don't believe in being stagnant or complacent for somebody trying to put me in a box. I've always believed that you need to have a backup plan for the backup plan because things happen..."

that they need. Then let's say for example, there's not a nearby university, of course, the community can make plans for the students to travel to the next college and university nearby to experience those opportunities. They also need to make sure our students are receiving those leadership opportunities as well. So, I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that they say that rural students don't receive that quality education, like urban students. Yes, it can be done. Yes, rural communities have a whole lot of challenges. However, every rural community is different but if you have a plan, stick to it. If everybody works together, they can receive the exposure, and of course, everything that they need in order to be successful as well.

What other talents and interests can you share with our Substantial readers that are outside of education?

I am a writer of 15 publications. I'm a songwriter and I've had a few songs published on singer’s albums. I'm also a model. I've been a spokesmodel for Be Mine products so I'm considered a hair model. Let's see, I've also done some acting. I've been on local soap operas playing a detective on one of them. That was very fun, I love acting. Also, I’m an adjunct professor. This in the area of education, as you know, to teach students how to become teachers. I'm also a former radio personality, I was on Kiss 107.7 FM for three years and I love radio. Also, I have my own local TV show that I do. I’m very, very ambitious. I want to be that multifaceted well-rounded individual. I don't believe in being stagnant or complacent for somebody trying to put me in a box. I've always believed that you need to have a backup plan for the backup plan because things happen. I do believe in networking and making those connections. I've interviewed a lot of people, celebrities and hardworking individuals so I've kept everybody's name and phone number in case I need them in the future. You never know who you're going to need.

How has social media impacted your career and professional interests?

Well, I have to be honest, I don't like social media. It's never been a favorite of mine. I just, I don't care for it. I mean, I understand you have to have your little account, your little LinkedIn, your little Twitter and things of that nature. However, I've never really cared for it. 

I understand how important it is and you have to have so many followers but it's just something that's never really been one of my favorites.

What words of inspiration would you offer to someone pursuing a career in education?

I would say to them that education is a very fulfilling occupation. I know everyone always talks about the salary; I talk about the salary. Yes, it's true teachers deserve more. I think about all the wonderful teachers in my building and how they're teaching the next NBA player or the next celebrity who will make millions. However, it's a very rewarding, very fulfilling job. You get to touch and inspire the lives of our most precious commodity, our babies or young, and it's very fulfilling. I love it. It'll never be a dull moment.