The Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 Class of 2024: Meet Ryan Shanell Mitchell

Ryan Shanell Mitchell, 37, of Fayetteville, is an assistant principal at Terry Sanford High School.

She was nominated for 40 Under 40 because "of her motivation and passion to empower teachers and serve students," nominator Sharon Mitchell writes. "As an advocate for educators, she has served in many capacities. She developed a new/beginning teacher induction model for new/beginning teachers and served as the administrator intern to facilitate the transition into their new role. In addition, as the School Improvement Team leader, she was instrumental in development to support and develop the school goals, vision and mission. Ms. Mitchell is committed and celebrates diversity to ensure equity and equality to all learners despite race, gender and socioeconomic status. At one of her previous schools, she created a curriculum for a new course, African American History, to ensure students were knowledgeable of the contributions of the African culture in America's history and society."

Here's what else you should know about this member of The Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.

Who are your immediate family members?

Son, Ni'Shaun Campbell; mother, Sharon Mitchell; father, James Mitchell Jr.; godsister, Rachel Price-Redding; godson, Marquise Redding Jr.; brother, Terrance Walker; and niece/goddaughter Mamie Jean Walker.

What does your job entail?

I am an assistant principal at Terry Sanford High School where I work diligently to serve and advocate for students and teachers.

Some of my key responsibilities entail helping build instructional capacity and empowering teachers to ensure students are academically successful. I am the sponsor of the Ladies of Distinction, which consists of promoting academic excellence, community service, social and emotional development and sisterhood for at-risk teen girls. As a leader, it is my job to uphold and support the vision/mission and goals explicitly stated in the school improvement plan.

A key component of being an assistant principal is helping to build school culture by creating an environment conducive to learning.

Where did you receive your education?

Fayetteville State University — Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a concentration in Sociology.Fayetteville State University — Master of Sociology.University of North Carolina at Pembroke — Master of School Administration.

What community and professional groups are you affiliated with?

I am the sponsor of the mentor group, Ladies of Distinction, for Terry Sanford High School.

How do you volunteer your time in the community?

I have dedicated my time to mentoring young girls, and we participate in community service and host events for the community. We collaborated with United Way to help serve the homeless during the Community H&H Standdown event. We hosted a Distinct Leaders Luncheon for influential women in the community (entrepreneurs, political and educational leaders, etc.).I am an advocate for Sickle Cell Awareness and devise schoolwide events to bring awareness to the disease.

What is one thing you wish people knew or understood better about your profession?

I wish people understood that educators and families are partners. In order for students to acquire success, we must work collaboratively in the best interest of the students. A "team" mindset is essential for ensuring children are receiving the adequate skills and support necessary for academic excellence.

What's the best advice you've ever received and/or the worst advice you've ever followed?

The best advice I ever received has come from my dad. Throughout my life he consistently told me, "If you do not quit, you will win," (Winners never quit and losers never win). This piece of advice has kept me motivated and encouraged me throughout the times I have experienced adversity.

What goal have you already achieved, and how did you make it happen?

My son graduating from EE Smith High School (class of 2024). This is an achievement for him and me because I am a single mother. Throughout my son's educational career, I have pursued multiple degrees, worked full-time as a teacher, and am currently an assistant principal. There were times when I did not know how I would balance the various aspects of life including living with sickle cell disease (frequent chronic pain), going to school, teaching and being the sole parent. Despite many challenges and sacrifices, my son has excelled academically, acquired athletic recognition and displayed excellent character. Although life often becomes overwhelming, I always stood up and clapped for my son and provided the support he needed.

If you weren't in your current profession, what would you be?

If I weren't an assistant principal I would be a family lawyer.

What are five things (not people or pets) you can't live without?

God/Bible, my cellphone, streaming services (Hulu/ Netflix/ Prime), pasta and a quality heating pad.

What's something you do outside of work to enrich yourself?

Outside of work, I designate my time toward anything my son is participating in. Attending his awards ceremonies, homecoming crowning and athletic events (whether football or basketball) enriches me and allows us to spend time together that we don't have throughout the work week. I also enjoy spending time with friends/family, specifically trying new restaurants or traveling to new places.

What's a song that always makes you happy or that motivates you?

"Worth" by Anthony Brown.

Some responses may have been edited for style and grammar.