For the Shadowen family, teaching is more than just a career – it’s a calling that spans generations. Larry and Jenni Shadowen and their children Lexi and Tabor are all educators with Daviess County Public Schools, dedicated to making a difference in their community.
Larry Shadowen, now in his 21st year in education, started his teaching career at Longest Elementary in Muhlenberg County, where he taught 5th grade. After a few years, he and his wife Jenni took positions at Burns Elementary in Daviess County.
“We worked together to get her through college before I started my own classes,” Larry said.
His journey took him from the classroom to an assistant principal role at Burns Middle School, then to Highland Elementary, where he has served as assistant principal for the past 5 years.
Larry’s decision to become a teacher was shaped by his own experiences as a child.
“My childhood was quite chaotic, and I needed positive adults in my life,” he said. “I had great teachers who inspired me to become an educator. Carolyn Todd, my 6th-grade teacher, is the primary reason I am in this position today. I wanted to make students feel valued as they did for me.”
He spent a year working at the DCPS Central Office but returned to a school-based position because he missed daily student interactions.
“The students keep me motivated,” he said. “I often use the phrase with my coworkers, ‘Let’s go change kids’ lives.’”
Jenni Shadowen began her career in education with a deep desire to be around children. She married Larry at just 17 and originally started teaching to fill a void after years of struggling to have children.
“After about 8 years and numerous doctor visits, we were told it wasn’t going to happen,” Jenni said.
But then, unexpectedly, she became pregnant with Tabor during her junior year at Western Kentucky University.
“Blessings just happen sometimes when you least expect it,” she said.
Soon after, they welcomed a second surprise, Lexi, completing their family.
Jenni has spent 20 years with Daviess County Public Schools, focusing on English, language arts, and writing. She’s especially passionate about working with non-English-speaking students.
“I love to make students feel welcome and loved, no matter where they come from,” she said. “Expressing my love for books and transferring it to children is a daily reward.”
Jenni believes her children chose to follow in their footsteps because of the example she and Larry set.
“We were very active in their sports and made many lasting friendships along the way,” she said. “Both Tabor and Lexi loved being around kids from day one. I think they have seen us and learned from some of our mistakes, but they were just born to be teachers.”
Lexi teaches 3rd-grade science at Tamarack Elementary School and describes her decision to become a teacher as a natural one.
“Watching my parents thrive in their educational pursuits made it clear to me that pursuing a career in education was not just a choice but a calling,” she said.
She finds great fulfillment in guiding her students’ curiosity and helping them discover the world’s wonders.
“Every day is a chance to inspire and guide them on their educational journey,” Lexi added.
Tabor teaches physical education at Southern Oaks Elementary, working with all grades from preschool to 5th. Like his sister, Tabor felt the pull of teaching from an early age. His teachers and coaches left a lasting impact, and he quickly realized the joy of influencing young people through sports.
“To have the chance to positively impact a young person’s life through physical education and athletics was the calling I never expected,” he said.
Tabor said the support of his parents has been invaluable.
“I’ve leaned on them heavily through these first few years,” he said. “They deserve their flowers, and I hope to have half the impact they have had on children in this district.”
Working in four different schools within the same district, the Shadowens find joy in their shared dedication to education.
“It feels amazing to be part of a family that shares a common dedication,” Lexi said. “It strengthens our professional bonds and enriches our personal connections, making every day a celebration of our commitment to fostering learning and growth.”
As they sit around the dinner table each night, the family shares stories from their classrooms, celebrating their successes and reflecting on their challenges.
“At age 23, I still get to come home, eat dinner, and talk about my day with my family,” Lexi said. “Not many families have that opportunity.”
For the Shadowen family, education is about leaving a legacy of love, support, and dedication.
“We understand the mission of loving and teaching children,” Larry said. “Our family wants to be remembered for helping to change lives and loving people unconditionally.”
In classrooms across Daviess County, the Shadowens are doing just that – one student at a time.
