Shelby Tibbitts’ plan of pursuing an educational master’s degree originally revolved around the idea of her becoming a principal. While that remains a goal in the future, her current role as an instructional coach for Brownwood ISD has brought her more joy than she could have ever anticipated.

“Growing up I always played school so I knew teaching was in my career path,” Tibbitts, 31, said. “I graduated from Tarleton in 2009 with my bachelor’s in science with interdisciplinary studies and then went back and graduated in ’21 with my master’s in administration thinking I would want to go the admin route. But the instructional coach position came open and I’ve just completed my second year.”

Tibbitts explained her role as an instructional coach as “a person that supports teachers. We provide professional development, and we really help with our brand new teachers. Education is hard and with brand new teachers that need that extra support, we give them ideas, professional development and serve as the support person right beside them to help them along the way.”

As for what she gets out of being an instructional coach opposed to being a principal, Tibbits said. “I thought I wanted to go the admin route and I think eventually I want to become a principal just to be a leader. I feel like I have some leader qualities. Going into this, this allowed me to be more of a supporter than I am their boss and I love that. I love that I can be their friend and just the person they lean on.”

Tibbitts added the opportunities to continue to work closely with students is among the biggest pluses to her position.

“I’m also there working with the kids,” she said. “That’s what I really enjoy because I really miss working with kids. The kids are my No. 1 priority and getting out of teaching I was worried about how I would be able to have those relationships with the kids and this still allows me to have a relationship with those kids and work with them.”

As for the most rewarding aspect of her job, Tibbitts said, “Seeing kids grow and also the teachers grow. When I give professional development teachers take that strategy and take that tool and work with the kids and they have those ‘ah ha’ moments where they understand. That’s the most rewarding factor of it all.”

Outside of work, Tibbits is attempting to revitalize the horse show for the annual Brown County Youth Fair.

“They approached me last year about being the superintendent for it going forward,” she said. “Growing up that’s what I did, show horses for the Brown County Youth Fair and Teen Texas, so I was real big into showing halter horses. We’re trying to bring that back and it’s a work in progress.”

Tibbitts thanked her family for their their continual support, and called her four nieces her pride and joy.

“My family is my support system, they’re my everything,” Tibbitts said. “That’s how I got to where I am, with their support and helping my along the way.”

As for ways she hopes to continue to make an impact in Brownwood, she said, “I want to give back in any way I can with the community. Downtown is growing and any way I can support that I want to. I also love to give back to my community through my church. I’m part of the First Methodist Church and I support that.”