Cassville K-5 Assistant Principal Lisa Schell retiring
January 4, 2023
Lisa Schell will be retiring at the end of the current school year after 23 years in education.
Ezra DeVore
Cassville teacher and Assistant Principal Lisa Schell is retiring after nearly a quarter-century in education. From the age of 12, Schell states she dreamed of becoming a teacher. At 27, she became able to pursue it.
“I began college to get an Associate’s Degree at Crowder College, but soon realized I not only loved kids but also loved learning and education. Throughout my educational career, I continued growing and expanding my knowledge to better serve the students and teachers I worked with every day.”
Schell went on to earn an Associates Degree in Elementary Education from Crowder College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern State University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from William Woods University, and a Master’s Degree in Reading from Drury University.
“I have always believed, as educators, we have the ability to help students soar or the ability to cripple them with our actions and words. My belief was to be a ‘Difference Maker’ every day. Every day I hope I make a difference in at least one person’s life. It might be a smile, a high-five, a kind word, or just a pat on the back, but it can make a difference.”
Schell states her gratitude for the Cassville R-IV School District and the Cassville R-IV School Board, as she feels they always believed in her.
“The support has been amazing and allowed me to endure such a rewarding career. In my 21 years at the district, I was supported in many different roles. I always knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students, but never dreamed I would have the opportunity to be involved in so many journeys within the district. My journey allowed me, in the beginning, to influence just a classroom of students as a teacher at Cassville.
“My sixth year at Cassville, I had the opportunity to team up with an amazing teacher, Sue Cavness, and team-teach first graders. At that time, I was blessed to teach two classrooms of students. Years later, I was given the opportunity to become a Reading Interventionist in K-2 and teach over 100 struggling readers each year. The opportunity a few years later allowed me to work with not only students but teachers across the district as an Instructional Coach. I can’t imagine retiring with any better job than a principal that allowed me to work with over 800 students, and 80 staff, and many wonderful parents. I have truly been blessed at Cassville R-IV.”
Schell explains that though challenges arose as they do in any profession, these trials offered a portion of the greatest triumphs.
“The greatest challenge was becoming the first ever K-5 Assistant Principal between two buildings. This position was new, and I had the challenge of figuring out how to support two buildings with two main principals, 850 students, and over 80 teachers and staff. It was very challenging but the most rewarding job I have had at Cassville. Having the opportunity to work with not only students but parents, bus drivers, teachers, and all staff was so rewarding. As challenging as these jobs were, they came with the most celebrations. Programs were developed that served and helped students grow, teachers were given support in their classrooms, and the primary and intermediate buildings were given discipline and curriculum support.”
Schell adds that her fondest memories include those who helped her along and gave her an opportunity.
“My fondest memories at Cassville R-IV are the people, parents, and students who believed in me, supported me, and grew with me throughout my journey. I consider each one of them family. I was lucky to be hired by Catherine Weaver and Lindy Gibson. They believed in me and always supported me as a teacher. Dr. Asbill gave me the opportunity to become a Reading Interventionist and work to develop struggling readers for eight years. Jill LeCompte hired me as an Instructional Coach and inspired me to mentor and guide teachers across the district to ensure the best curriculum for our students. Dr. Asbill hired me for my last position of K-5 Assistant Principal, and I loved being able to work with so many amazing students, teachers, staff, and parents.”
The journey has also taught her a great deal, inspiring her to see the change that people can enact when they unify and believe in their own success.
“I have learned so much about myself throughout my journey. Believe you can make a difference because you can. I was the kid in school that needed a lot of love, guidance, and support, and to see how far I have come through people believing in me and me in myself is amazing. My greatest hope is that during the time I was blessed with at Cassville, every child I came across truly believed that Mrs. Schell loved them, believed in them, and helped them see their value and contribution to life. I want each and every student of mine to know that I care deeply about them, and they will always be one of Mrs. Schell’s kids.”
Schell has taught a variety of positions, including a First Grade teacher at Purdy from 2000-2002, and in Cassville, a Kindergarten teacher from 2002-2007, First Grade teacher from 2007-2010, Title 1 Reading Interventionist/Reading Recovery Teacher from 2010-2017, Instructional Coach R-IV from 2017-2021, and a K-5 Assistant Principal from 2021-2023. Schell looks back on 23 years in education, the last 21 of which were spent at Cassville.
Schell is married to Danny, her husband of 26 years, and they have three children, with five grandsons.
Cassville teacher and Assistant Principal Lisa Schell is retiring after nearly a quarter-century in education. From the age of 12, Schell states she dreamed of becoming a teacher. At 27, she became able to pursue it.
“I began college to get an Associate’s Degree at Crowder College, but soon realized I not only loved kids but also loved learning and education. Throughout my educational career, I continued growing and expanding my knowledge to better serve the students and teachers I worked with every day.”
Schell went on to earn an Associates Degree in Elementary Education from Crowder College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern State University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from William Woods University, and a Master’s Degree in Reading from Drury University.
“I have always believed, as educators, we have the ability to help students soar or the ability to cripple them with our actions and words. My belief was to be a ‘Difference Maker’ every day. Every day I hope I make a difference in at least one person’s life. It might be a smile, a high-five, a kind word, or just a pat on the back, but it can make a difference.”
Schell states her gratitude for the Cassville R-IV School District and the Cassville R-IV School Board, as she feels they always believed in her.
“The support has been amazing and allowed me to endure such a rewarding career. In my 21 years at the district, I was supported in many different roles. I always knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students, but never dreamed I would have the opportunity to be involved in so many journeys within the district. My journey allowed me, in the beginning, to influence just a classroom of students as a teacher at Cassville.
“My sixth year at Cassville, I had the opportunity to team up with an amazing teacher, Sue Cavness, and team-teach first graders. At that time, I was blessed to teach two classrooms of students. Years later, I was given the opportunity to become a Reading Interventionist in K-2 and teach over 100 struggling readers each year. The opportunity a few years later allowed me to work with not only students but teachers across the district as an Instructional Coach. I can’t imagine retiring with any better job than a principal that allowed me to work with over 800 students, and 80 staff, and many wonderful parents. I have truly been blessed at Cassville R-IV.”
Schell explains that though challenges arose as they do in any profession, these trials offered a portion of the greatest triumphs.
“The greatest challenge was becoming the first ever K-5 Assistant Principal between two buildings. This position was new, and I had the challenge of figuring out how to support two buildings with two main principals, 850 students, and over 80 teachers and staff. It was very challenging but the most rewarding job I have had at Cassville. Having the opportunity to work with not only students but parents, bus drivers, teachers, and all staff was so rewarding. As challenging as these jobs were, they came with the most celebrations. Programs were developed that served and helped students grow, teachers were given support in their classrooms, and the primary and intermediate buildings were given discipline and curriculum support.”
Schell adds that her fondest memories include those who helped her along and gave her an opportunity.
“My fondest memories at Cassville R-IV are the people, parents, and students who believed in me, supported me, and grew with me throughout my journey. I consider each one of them family. I was lucky to be hired by Catherine Weaver and Lindy Gibson. They believed in me and always supported me as a teacher. Dr. Asbill gave me the opportunity to become a Reading Interventionist and work to develop struggling readers for eight years. Jill LeCompte hired me as an Instructional Coach and inspired me to mentor and guide teachers across the district to ensure the best curriculum for our students. Dr. Asbill hired me for my last position of K-5 Assistant Principal, and I loved being able to work with so many amazing students, teachers, staff, and parents.”
The journey has also taught her a great deal, inspiring her to see the change that people can enact when they unify and believe in their own success.
“I have learned so much about myself throughout my journey. Believe you can make a difference because you can. I was the kid in school that needed a lot of love, guidance, and support, and to see how far I have come through people believing in me and me in myself is amazing. My greatest hope is that during the time I was blessed with at Cassville, every child I came across truly believed that Mrs. Schell loved them, believed in them, and helped them see their value and contribution to life. I want each and every student of mine to know that I care deeply about them, and they will always be one of Mrs. Schell’s kids.”
Schell has taught a variety of positions, including a First Grade teacher at Purdy from 2000-2002, and in Cassville, a Kindergarten teacher from 2002-2007, First Grade teacher from 2007-2010, Title 1 Reading Interventionist/Reading Recovery Teacher from 2010-2017, Instructional Coach R-IV from 2017-2021, and a K-5 Assistant Principal from 2021-2023. Schell looks back on 23 years in education, the last 21 of which were spent at Cassville.
Schell is married to Danny, her husband of 26 years, and they have three children, with five grandsons.