Shantra’ Tucker was a public educator for 28 years, including 4 years as a JAG Specialist, before joining the JAG-Missouri team in 2022 as Regional Manager for JAG-Missouri. In her new role as Program Director, she will support the JAG-Missouri Team, Specialists and programs throughout Missouri.
Under her leadership, the Bolivar JAG program earned the coveted “5 of 5” award in 2020, 2021, and 2022 in recognition of the program meeting the five national performance standards. During her time as a Specialist, Shantra presented on behalf of JAG-Missouri and assisted training new JAG-Missouri Specialists.
From 2007-18, Shantra served as a middle school teacher in the Bolivar School District. Her work earned her Bolivar Master Teacher recognition in 2012, the Daughters of the American Revolution American History Teacher of the Year Award in 2011, and the Southwest Missouri History Teacher of the Year Award in 2010.
From 1998-2007, Shantra taught middle school at her alma mater, Pleasant Hope. In 2007, she was named one of the Most Influential Women of the Year by the Bolivar Herald Free Press. She was an elementary teacher in Pleasant Hope from 1996-98, earning the 1996-97 Rookie of the Year award.
Prior to going into education, Tucker was co-manager of Gold ‘N Gems Fine Jewelry in Austin, Texas.
She earned her B.S. degree in education from Missouri State University.
Outside of work, Shantra enjoys hiking, time at home and bonfires with her husband Rusty, and their family: Alex, Kayla, and Theo; Britt and Devin.