Better Together

The Heart Behind Greenfield Elementary’s Specials

At Greenfield elementary, working “better together” is more than a phrase — it’s a daily commitment lived out by art/music teacher Shannon Jackson and P.E. teacher Jill Buchanan. Together, they have built a partnership rooted in trust, creativity and an unwavering belief in what students can achieve.

From The Classroom to The Gym 

Jill Buchanan didn’t begin her career in the gym. She started as a third-grade teacher, where she quickly noticed something important: her students weren’t always returning from P.E. as happy as they should have been. When the opportunity came to step into the P.E. role, she embraced it — determined to create a more structured, meaningful experience for students.

With as many as 60 students in a class, structure was key. Today, Jill’s classes are filled with movement and purpose. She incorporates academics into every lesson, from skip counting during warmups to weaving in science concepts about bones and muscles. But above all, she emphasizes character.

“I tell the students that I care that you try and that you’re a good sport and good person,” Buchanan said. “We’re not going to be mean; we’re going to support each other and treat each other with respect.”  

Her goal is simple and powerful: that students leave elementary school with a love for movement and a strong understanding of teamwork, sportsmanship and perseverance.

Aspiring ER Doctor to Inspiring Young Artists 

Shannon Jackson’s journey looked different, but it was just as transformative. Originally pursuing a career as an emergency room doctor, she shifted paths after discovering her true strengths lay in art. After earning a degree in advertising, she found her calling in the classroom — inspired by time spent helping in her sister’s classroom.

When she came to Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, she stepped into the district’s 
unique elementary fine arts model, which requires teachers to be dually certified in EC–12 art and music. Though she had experience in band and theatre, teaching music was new territory.

“I knew I could do movements and put on a show,” Jackson said. “Over the years, I’ve learned a lot on how to teach music, and I’m a much better teacher with so much more confidence.” 

Today, her students experience a full spectrum of fine arts. From bucket drumming and recorder ensembles to folk dancing and stage performances, Jackson ensures her students explore every opportunity available to them before middle school. For example, her fourth graders create middle school-level art while fifth graders tackle high school-level projects — though she doesn’t tell them until they’ve succeeded.

“My goal is that we don’t do art that is at their level,” she said. “We do art that is above their level.”  

A Campus Impact

Greenfield Elementary Principal Darius Flowers sees that impact his specials team has across the campus.

“If Mrs. Jackson can get these kids to do these amazing things, we can get them to read,” Flowers said.

He credits both Jackson and Buchanan as integral to the school’s success. 

“The relationship and partnership they have built is amazing,” Flowers said. “I don’t think I would have been able to transition as well without their support and partnership because they’re a big, integral part of helping me be successful along with the kids and families.” 

EMS ISD Director of Fine Arts Carla Hardy states how Jackson embodies the district’s elementary fine arts vision by delivering 18 weeks of art and 18 weeks of music, which provides students with a full year’s worth of fine arts experience in half the time.

But it’s the collaboration between Jackson and Buchanan that elevates the experience for students at Greenfield.

“They’re phenomenal and great together,” Hardy said.

Better Together — and For Students 

For Jackson and Buchanan, their partnership extends far beyond shared hallways.

“Mrs. Jackson and I have been here for so long, and she’s like a sister to me,” Buchanan said. “We’re going to take care of each other, and we’re going to work together as a team.” 

When Jackson prepares her honor choir or plans a performance, she leans on Buchanan for feedback and encouragement.

“For honor choir, she helps me with auditions,” Jackson said. “We have a lot of communication and just mutual respect as we know what needs to happen for the kids. We’re doing it for them.” 

Buchanan steps in when Jackson has a student performance — which can be up to 16 events a year. She runs sound at every show, travels on field trips and gives up
evenings with her family.

“I always get accolades for my shows, and she doesn’t,” Jackson said. “But she is just an integral part of my success because I couldn’t do it all by myself.” 

In every experience, the focus remains the same: building confident, capable students who are willing to try something new.

Jackson hopes her students leave Greenfield loving fine arts, and Buchanan hopes they leave with a love for movement and teamwork. Together, they are creating a campus culture where students feel supported, challenged, and celebrated.