Shona Lansdell
Literacy Consultant
This professional development dynamo packs a punch with crowds of all sizes as she motivates educators to apply best-practice literacy strategies. Always approachable and empathetic, Shona taps into her 25+ years of experience as a teacher, coach, and school leader to offer practical and realistic guidance to teachers.
made for a truly impactful session.”
Erin Moore | Professional Development Coordinator
Wilson Education Center, Charlestown, IN
Providing practical and realistic guidance
While the academic standards always serve as the anchor for strategies and ideas shared with teachers, Shona then works to meet teachers where they are. From there, she provides practical, next-step guidance for improving instruction and student achievement in reading and writing.
How you can learn from Shona
Working alongside teachers in their own school is how Shona spends the bulk of her time. Whether she’s fostering conversations with small groups of teachers or leading sessions with the entire staff, Shona always leaves educators confident and ready to implement new ideas.
Bring Shona to your school
On-site training and consultations allow the entire staff to learn and grow together.
Schedule virtual professional development with Shona
Receive live virtual customized professional development support via Zoom.
“Absolutely amazing! The growth in my students has been overwhelming, and the growth in my own teaching has been mind-blowing!”
Jenny Tudor, Teacher
Fairview Elementary School, Richmond, IN
“Shona is such an engaging presenter and is a wealth of knowledge. Our staff thoroughly enjoyed learning from her.”
Kathy Robinson, Assistant Superintendent of Learning
Community Consolidated District 181, Clarendon Hills, IL
“Shona was wonderful. She was very informative. She used real-world examples from her previous experience. She was willing to answer any questions and was very positive.”
Gail Walker, Teacher
Saint Vivian Catholic School, Cincinnati, OH
“I am so impressed with everything the Smekens team does. It’s always of the highest quality, relevant and applicable. And all delivered with positive energy! Shona exemplified these qualities in her presentation. Outstanding!”
Sean Maycock, Teacher
Columbus Adventist Academy, Columbus, OH
“I am so excited to delve into the eLearning and digital resources. As a reading specialist, my job is to provide support to teachers and students. The materials and information provided in today’s presentation will allow me to become a more effective leader and advocate.”
Kathryn Lowe, Reading Specialist
Orange County Public Schools, Orange, VA
“Shona was able to deliver a refreshing presentation that stirred new conversations within our 4th grade team. It was very beneficial with scoring writing and bringing consistency between the three schools. ”
Tammy Moore, Teacher
Olive Elementary School, New Carlisle, IN
“She is amazing…she definitely knows her stuff! She is an energetic and inspiring presenter who makes learning fun! I enjoy our times with her and am a better teacher because of her!”
Tina Trojanowski, Teacher
Prairie View Elementary School, Rolling Prairie, IN
“Shona was able to deliver a refreshing presentation that stirred new conversations within our 4th grade team. It was very beneficial with scoring writing and bringing consistency between the three schools. Thank you!”
Tammy Moore, Teacher
Olive Township Elementary School, New Carlisle, IN
“Shona has been a wonder coach and guide, helping us to facilitate writing instruction with our school and students over the years. I don’t think we would be where we are without her guidance.”
Ashley Mason, Teacher
Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Indianapolis, IN
“Shona ALWAYS hits the right note, addressing concerns, successes, standards, and more. I learn every single time.”
Lisa Kincer, Teacher
Ireland Elementary School, Jasper, IN
“Wonderful presentation of information. So engaging and relatable. Honestly, one of the best PDs in my 9 years of teaching. I can’t wait to roll this out to my students.”
Elizabeth Bravo, Teacher
Newport Primary School, Newport, KY
“Shona was absolutely amazing. I loved that she went into the classroom and showed exactly HOW to implement the lessons.”
Crystal Lembke, Teacher
Washington Township Elementary, Valparaiso, IN
Always growing
Never ready to rest on her laurels, Shona Lansdell is a driven educator whose chief motivation is to help teachers and students learn and grow.
Shona’s love of learning (and an opportunity to run on the cross country team) is what led her to Ball State University to pursue her BA in Elementary Education. After she had a decade of classroom experience and three children under her belt, Shona earned her Master’s Degree in School Administration from Indiana University.
Before joining the Smekens team of literacy consultants, Shona dedicated more than 20 years to the students and teachers at Perry Township Schools in Indianapolis. In this diverse urban district, she taught a variety of grades and subjects, served on committees, led building-level professional development, and helped to launch a district-wide initiative on Trauma-Informed Schools.
In her role as a literacy consultant with Smekens Education, Shona offers professional development for teachers through on-site school visits, virtual training, and virtual coaching.
She and her husband, Joseph, live in Greenwood, IN where they enjoy spending time with their three young-adult children and their silky Maltese named Penny.
Let’s Connect
Complete the form below or call (888) 376-0448.
We are eager to help you achieve your PD goals!