Shiela Kerr

At the Top of Her Game

Shiela Kerr
Professor of Reading, Kent Campus

Shiela Kerr’s favorite game growing up was playing school. “If I couldn’t be the teacher, I wasn't happy,” she said laughing. Her four siblings, along with other willing “pupils” in the neighborhood, would sit in a circle and listen to her explain words printed on a slate. Her own little chalkboard was a gift from her mother who was a real teacher in a Jacksonville elementary school.

“Books were my window to the world,” said Kerr, who started reading at age 3. Bedtime stories read by her mother, who pointed to words in fairy tales, helped Shiela learn to read, as did pre-school Bible studies. Later she happily spent her summers in a library, competing for a coveted certificate awarded to children who read the most books. “To me, it was like winning a million dollars.”

Kerr earned a master’s in reading and language arts from Florida State University and is closing in on her Ed.D. from the University of Central Florida. Her husband retired as a lieutenant commander and is active in community efforts. Their one daughter is a successful Chicago attorney.

Since 1993, Professor Kerr has helped students develop their reading skills and build self-confidence. Now at Kent Campus, she teaches three levels of college preparatory reading. Her classes are a literal turning point for students who must improve this requisite skill to succeed in college and in life. In 2004, Kerr reached the pinnacle of her profession, winning Florida Community College’s Outstanding Faculty Award. “Professor Kerr is an innovator and a tireless student advocate,” said Dr. Don Green, executive vice president, instruction and student services.

Kerr believes the setting greatly affects learning. Hers is non-threatening and fun. Students get a kick out of her occasional surprise greeting at the door and Kenny G. music playing on her boom box. When students ace a test or excel in course work, they will likely get a note of congratulations. “She was compassionate and caring and took a personal interest in the progress of every student,” said student Barbara Beaumont.

Professor Kerr makes sure her students know about important campus services. She walks with them to the learning center, career development center and student activities office. “Even though I wasn't used to college life, you made me fit right in,” student Melissa Ryczek wrote.

She sees her responsibility as much greater than helping students progress to college-credit courses and have better job opportunities in the future. She wants to teach them that reading brings joy and improves the quality of life. “When you can read, the whole world is open to you. Reading unlocks doors to many things. Once students make the connection, they soar like a bird,” she said.

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