FROM PRE-MED TO LEADERSHIP IN ED w/Sonja Montiel

Dr. Shanna Egans’ path to becoming an educational leader is a testament to the power of exploration and resilience. Initially set on a pre-med track, Dr. Egans completed her degree in science with the intention of attending medical school. However, a pivotal experience as a physician assistant helper at USC County Hospital revealed that the medical field was not her true calling.

"I realized I didn't like it," Dr. Egans recalls. The environment, the security protocols, and the trauma ward's intensity were far from what she had envisioned. Seeking alternatives, she explored various experiences, including an exposure at the coroner's office and volunteering with the LAPD's Scientific Investigations Division. Despite her impressive qualifications and top ranking on the Department of Justice test for criminalists, Dr. Egans found herself at a crossroads.
 
It was her husband's suggestion to try substitute teaching that ultimately changed her trajectory. Initially resistant, Dr. Egans reluctantly took on a substitute teaching role where she hated the experience. It wasn’t until she was suddenly offered a classroom of her own, an earth science course, that she discovered a passion. "I fell in love," she says. "I realized it wasn't teaching I hated. It was not having the time or opportunity to create a classroom culture and love for learning science that frustrated me as a substitute teacher."
 
Dr. Egans' commitment to her students and her love for science led her to pursue a full-time teaching career. Despite initial challenges in securing a permanent position, a chance encounter by the help of her husband opened the door to a long-term role at Baldwin Park Unified School District. There, she thrived as a science teacher and later as an administrator, creating innovative programs like a forensic biology course that received the University of California’s “A-G” approval status on its first submission, a very difficult process to achieve when it comes to course credits in California.
 
For Dr. Egans, the essence of teaching lies in connecting with students and igniting their passion for learning. She emphasizes the importance of helping students find something they love in school, particularly for those facing significant obstacles. "I just wanted to help them find that one thing, because I knew the diploma mattered. In the communities I taught in, many students fall short on a high school diploma, and that diploma meant everything when it came to opportunities for their future," she explains. Her dedication to her students' success and her creative approach to teaching have left a lasting impact on countless lives.
 
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Egans acknowledges the role of exposure and curiosity in shaping her career. "When I think of becoming, I think about how I became what I am because people exposed me to things that sparked my interest," she says. Her experience of becoming wasn’t a solo journey, it was in community. The more that people presented new ideas and opportunities to her, especially where she wasn’t looking, the more she expanded what could be possible for her. This is a lesson she hopes to impart to the next generation.

Dr. Egans' journey didn't stop in the classroom. Driven by her desire to make a broader impact, she pursued a master's degree in educational administration with her sister, balancing a full time teaching career and commuting to the University of Redlands (there were no online classes then). This experience not only strengthened her resolve but also introduced her to the possibility of earning a doctorate in education. "I never lost that desire to be a doctor," Dr. Egans shares. "I just didn't know that I could be a doctor in education." Inspired by her professors, she decided to pursue a doctorate in education, determined to achieve her lifelong goal.
 
Transitioning from teaching to administration was a significant step. Dr. Egans prepared herself mentally for the change, knowing she would have to let go of her roles as a club advisor and cheerleading coach. "I knew I could make an impact and wanted to serve students as an administrator," she reflects. This transition also meant accepting the possibility of moving to a different school district, a challenge she embraced with courage.

​Serving as an educational senior leader, Dr. Egans is passionate about representation and providing students with diverse role models. "I want kids to see someone that looks like them in a role where they didn't necessarily see it," she explains. According to a 2023 report by AASA, the number of black superintendents nationwide increased from 2.6% to 4.4% over the past decade, while Hispanic/Latino superintendents increased from 1.9% to 3.1%. Dr. Shanna Egans is proud to be a woman of color in a predominantly white and male field, and she hopes to continue being a source of inspiration for many students.
 
Dr. Egans also advocates for equal access to opportunities, recognizing the disparity between schools in affluent areas and those in poorer communities. "Access to unlimited possibilities makes a difference," she emphasizes. Her goal is to expose students to a wide range of career options and experiences, helping them realize their potential starting by providing them with access to information.
 
When it comes to the near future, Dr. Egans hopes to see education systems prioritize engagement and connection with students. Her journey from aspiring doctor to passionate educator and leader is a celebration of resilience, curiosity, and the profound impact of education. Dr. Shanna Egans’ story is a powerful reminder that becoming is a community effort, and she encourages others to share their knowledge and opportunities with the next generation. ∎

About Dr. Shanna Egans
Dr. Shanna M. Egans is the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at Perris Union High School District, bringing over 20 years of experience in education to her role. Her career has been dedicated to fostering student success and ensuring that all students receive the support necessary to thrive academically and personally. As a published neuroscientist, her research experience drove her love for science and she discovered that her true passion lay in education. Dr. Egans is passionate about creating systems that empower educators and administrators to think ahead and adapt to the evolving needs of students. Her work continues to drive positive outcomes by removing the barriers for students to have exposure and access to multiple opportunities for success.