Following Her Calling

August 6, 2026 - 03:28

Shameeka Upshaw spent years working on behalf of children caught in Alabama's foster care system. Now she has shifted her focus to a different group that needs strong support: students with disabilities and the educators who work with them.

Upshaw recently took on a new position that allows her to put her advocacy skills to use in a school setting. Her work centers on helping both students and their teachers find the tools and strategies they need to succeed. She said the move felt natural, even though the population she serves is different.

In her previous role, Upshaw saw how instability and trauma affected children in foster care. Many of those children also had undiagnosed or unaddressed disabilities. That experience shaped how she views the challenges facing students today. She learned that patience, consistency, and a willingness to listen go a long way.

Now, in her current job, she works directly with special education teams. She helps teachers navigate the often complicated process of creating individualized education plans. She also coaches them on how to adapt lessons for students with varying needs. For the students themselves, she tries to be a steady presence, someone who believes in their potential even when they struggle.

Upshaw says the goal is not just to help students pass a class, but to help them build confidence and independence. She wants teachers to feel supported too, because they carry a heavy load. Her approach is practical: listen first, then find solutions that work in the real world of a busy classroom.

Colleagues describe her as dedicated and calm under pressure. They say she brings a fresh perspective to special education, one that is rooted in real experience with vulnerable children. Upshaw hopes her work will make a lasting difference, one student and one teacher at a time.