Shannon Bruce Ramaka, Ed.D
Educator. Learning Coach. Author. Artist.
I believe we are all works in progress.
Through creativity, curiosity, courage, and connection, we continue becoming more fully ourselves.
For more than thirty years, I have worked with learners, educators, and communities across three continents. Today, I continue that journey through teaching, coaching, writing, workshops, and creative projects that help people grow, connect, and discover their potential.
About Dr.Shannon
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by learning and the powerful role emotions play in shaping our lives.
Why do some experiences stay with us for decades while others are quickly forgotten? Why do some people thrive when faced with a challenge while others shut down? What helps us feel safe enough to take risks, connect with others, and grow?
These questions have guided my work across four continents as an educator, drama director, school leader, university lecturer, educational consultant, author, artist, and learning coach.
Over the years, I have come to believe that learning is about far more than acquiring knowledge. At its best, it is a deeply human process shaped by curiosity, creativity, courage, relationships, and emotion. When people feel seen, valued, and connected, they are more likely to discover their strengths, embrace challenges, and contribute something meaningful to the world around them.
Today, I continue exploring these ideas through teaching, coaching, writing, workshops, creative projects, and lifelong learning of my own. Whether I am working with a student, facilitating professional learning for educators, creating children's literature, painting, or swimming across an open bay, I remain inspired by the ways people learn, grow, and become more fully themselves.
I believe we are all works in progress, and that some of our most important learning happens when we step beyond what is familiar and remain open to what is possible.
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As the Head of the International Teacher Education of Secondary Schools (ITESS) undergraduate program in the Netherlands she initiated a hybrid teaching practice during the COVID-19 outbreak known as the ‘Wisconsin Project’.
Adjunct professor of Arts Education at Southern Oregon University for undergraduate and graduate art teachers.
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As the Head of ASK in Kosovo, Dr. Shannon lead the move into a purpose built facility, organized clubs such as MUN and TED, introduced the AP, facilitate the development of student success meetings, developed a full advisory program, lead accreditation approval, organized a central library for k-12, introduced a BYOD program, and coordinated the Kosovo Learning Summit.
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As the High School Principal at BLIS in Turkey, 100% of high school students passed the IB and IGCSE for the first time. Dr. Shannon introduced a writing center for students to excel in their Extended Essay and developed team conferences led by heads of department to create early interventions.She also led the IB Self-Study.
As the Secondary Assistant Principal at GWA, Dr. Shannon led the Youssef Community school project, coordinated assemblies and professional development for teachers, and managed a progressive student disciplinary committee.
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Elementary Teacher- Grades PreK-Grade 3 Inclusive Classroom and Physical Education K-5 in Eagle Point, Oregon.
Middle School Teacher- Humanities, Fine Arts, Drama, Language Arts, Math, in Eagle Point, Oregon.
High School Teacher- IB International Baccalaureate Theatre in Zambia,Turkey, and Morocco.
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From 2021-to present Dr. Shannon has been teaching and coaching students ages 6-16 in English reading, writing, and math online.
Blog & Writing
Writing has always been one of the ways I make sense of the world.
Throughout my career, writing has taken many forms—from accreditation reports, strategic plans, and educational publications to collaborative research, memoir, personal essays, poetry, and children's literature.
Whether documenting a school's journey, exploring life through storytelling, or creating books for young readers, I am drawn to writing that helps people learn, connect, reflect, and grow.
My work includes Breaking Free in Zambia, The Magical Fish of Silveira, educational publications, collaborative research, and an ongoing collection of reflections inspired by life, learning, and creativity.
Mentoring & Learning Support
English Language Development
English speaking, writing, reading, and communication skills. Each session is tailored to the learner’s individual goals, strengths, and unique learning process. Adult classes are also available for English Language Learners using the ETT (English Through Theatre) approach and are scheduled according to availability.
Academic Mentoring and Learning Support
Having worked with more than 15,000 students throughout her career as a teacher, principal, and educational leader, Dr. Shannon brings a broad perspective to supporting learners. Drawing upon her experience in education, applied brain research, English Language Learning, and working with exceptional children, she helps students navigate learning challenges, develop effective strategies, build confidence, and discover their strengths. She believes that every person possesses unique gifts and that, with thoughtful guidance and support, those gifts can flourish.
Writing Coaching
Dr. Shannon helps writers discover their unique voice while developing the skills and confidence needed to communicate effectively. From academic essays, professional correspondence, and admissions writing to poetry, storytelling, and creative expression, writing can be both an art and a craft. Using the 6+1 Writing Traits, storyboarding, brainstorming techniques, and individualized coaching, she guides writers through every stage of the writing process.
Workshops
Dr. Shannon designs and facilitates workshops that inspire creativity, reflection, collaboration, and meaningful learning.
Drawing upon more than three decades of experience as a teacher, school leader, university lecturer, coach, and consultant, she works with educators, schools, and organizations to create engaging professional learning experiences tailored to their unique goals and contexts.
Workshops may be offered in person or online and can be customized to meet the needs of individual schools, leadership teams, conferences, and educational organizations.
Peer Coaching & Collaborative Learning
Learning Buddies
Creativity and Arts Integration
Emotional Intelligence & Learning
Authentic Leadership
Building Cultures of Belonging
AI and Human Collaboration
English Through Theatre
Workshop Design for Trainers
Learning begins with a conversation.
Whether you are a student, educator, school leader, parent, or organization, I would love to learn more about your goals and explore ways we might work together.
— Dr. Shannon Bruce Ramaka
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Dr. Shannon has lead workshops for international conferences and individual school faculties. She strives to make the workshop experience engaging and is committed to personal skill development and positive transformation. Her favorite topics to facilitate are: building great teams, facilitating powerful classroom discussions, integrating the arts, designing teacher lesson study, health and wellness for teachers. In addition, she has colleagues that she collaborates with around the world on different topics.
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Dr. Shannon works with students around the world in a positive online learning environment. Lessons are personalized and engaging.
English Reading, Writing, Math and Social Studies (Grades 2 - 8)
Writing Coach (Grades 3 - 12)
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Dr. Shannon provides Portuguese students with a personalized and active in-person English tutoring experience on the island of Terceira.
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