MS. SHAPEL

I founded The PractiPel Pedagogue to share my knowledge and experience. Affirming that I have these things to share. My posts dissect the wonderful and diverse world of learning, taking deep dives into various relevant topics that will help demystify several educational themes and subjects. All from the experience of being Black, a woman, queer, Christian, Feminist, Working-Class, and Radical.

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My name is Shapel Monique LaBorde. I am an ESL teacher here in Queens, NYC I am TEFL certified and I hold an MA in TESOL from Hunter College School of Education (2019). I am a New York City Teaching Fellow and City Year/AmeriCorp Alumna. I obtained my MA in Philosophy and Education from Teachers College Columbia University (2023) and am now continuing my studies and career as a Doctoral student in the Philosophy and Education program (2024-). I earned my BA in Philosophy from the illustrious Spelman College (2013). I have had the blessed opportunity and privilege to teach abroad. I have balanced my role as an educator-student abroad in Thailand, Brazil, India, Cuba (cultural exchange*), Vietnam, and Costa Rica. I have taught domestically in Atlanta, GA, and South Bronx, NYC, as well as various neighborhoods in Queens, NYC. I live by the fact that home is wherever I lay my head and left a piece of my heart.

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I love school. I love learning. More importantly, I love synthesizing the information I am privileged to receive in multiple environments and disseminating it back to every community I come in contact with through my relationships. Thus I have situated myself and self-affirmed my role as the Radical and Caring Pedagogue. These practical reminders I believe will shift my heart and mind together back to the divine assignment and purpose God has positioned me at this time and space. I have a Bachelor of Arts, two Master of Arts degrees, and two Vocational Diplomas ( one in Esthetics and one in Nail Technician, I am licensed for both). I also have a plethora of certifications ranging from an array of topics. 

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With these identities, of pupil and pedagogue, I’m breaking generational curses and lengthening a legacy of lifelong learning and education of being empowering. I am hopefully and prayerfully doing the work of showing my descendants what it means to care and reminding them of our ancestral gifts of faith and community liberation. My research interests include exploring themes of knowledge construction concerning senses, feminist ethics, and critical race theory. I am very much interested in embodied knowledge, self-determination, and holistic and liberatory educational practices. I love my community and family and consistently seek ways to improve the conditions of the two. I was raised by my mother, Ramona, and great-grandmother, Grandma Babe, I still carry with much fortitude the mantra my great-grandmother instilled in me: "God, Brains, and Manners" wherever I go. I live with my active and amazing five-year-old daughter, Sage Ali, my most loving and challenging teacher yet! I also am the mommy friend of our pet dog, Midnight.​

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As I journey through and on within this intricate process of getting my Ph.D. in Philosophy and Education, I invite you to sit in my virtual living room and feel free to engage respectfully. My posts are honest and relevant and are meant to help you find exactly what you’re looking for or not. I’m here to guide you through the ins and outs of the educational process with stories, tips, and insights. I hope to motivate you to become more curious, committed, and joyful in your learning voyage. Because lest not forget life is the greatest teacher and the world is our classroom.

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Welcome to the Borderless Classroom.