Alumni Educator Profile
Shelby (Krause) Rix
Class of 2009
Grade/Subject/Position: 6th Grade Art and 8th Grade Learning Center at Pound Middle School
Lincoln, NE
When I realized/discovered I wanted to be a teacher: As I was about to begin college, I was thinking about doing a lot of different things – maybe teaching, maybe going into the Peace Corps, maybe going into graphic design. I remember sitting at a restaurant and my dad telling me that he thought I would make a great teacher because I worked really well with kids. I thought, “why not? I’ll start as an Education major and see how I like it.” I took my first teaching class the Fall semester of my first year at realized that I did, indeed, love working with kids. I stayed with Art Education K-12 and also added English Education 7-12.
School memories that impacted how/why I teach: I remember having teachers who saw things in me that I couldn’t see in myself. I struggled with the deficits that I thought I had and I was lucky enough to have teachers who saw my strengths. My 7th grade English teacher, Ms. Caradori, told me that she thought I would be a great leader. My high school Art teacher, Ms. Rodaway, told me how she saw that I had talent and was always very supportive of me and what I wanted to do in Art class.
The impact of my students on me: Working with students has had a big impact on my life. Seeing kids have a “lightbulb” moment or getting a technique down and being proud of their work is still absolute magic to me. When I see students’ artwork I am seeing them, their stories, their experiences, and feelings about the world around them. It has given a better understanding of people and the decisions made that impact who we are as individuals.
Family Update: I got married to my plaid husband, Michael Rix, in 2017. We have 3 fur children: Bill Murray, Lil T, and Old Yeller.
Hobbies & Activities: I love going to live concerts – finally got to go to Red Rocks this past summer! I also love making my own art, drinking iced coffee, reading, and hanging out with my friends.
Personal Achievement: I’ve been lucky enough to be given some cool opportunities to shine. I have been chosen to present at national art education conferences a few different times. I have had artwork chosen to be in different exhibitions. I think my greatest achievement though is to have the amazing people that I do in my life. I have really solid, caring friends, a super supportive family, a husband who helps me in whatever way he can.
My memories of Pius X: I have so many good memories of being in Art class with Ms. Rodaway. I remember learning about calligraphy, using acrylic paint for the first time, many classes of ceramics, and hanging out with my friends making things. I was also in Art Club.I also have a lot of good memories of being on Set Crew. I helped create the sets of many plays and musicals as well as helping to run the shows. Many good conversations were had, loads of hours worked, and many odd things occurred.
