From Classroom To School Leadership: Meet Shanique Walker

From rural Springfield, Jamaica, to the leadership team at MAS Charter School, Shanique Walker’s journey is a testament to purpose, perseverance, and the power of education. Whether she was gathering neighborhood kids for impromptu lessons as a teenager or shaping national curriculum across the Caribbean, Shanique has always known her calling. Now, as the Middle School Leader at our Yale campus, she brings deep experience, bold ideas, and a fierce belief in student potential to her work each day. Get to know Ms. Walker, in her own words…

MAS: Tell us a little about your background. What led you to education?

MS. WALKER: I grew up in a beautiful, close-knit community called Springfield in rural Jamaica. Our family lived on a large property with farmland and several homes that we rented out, and I was always surrounded by children. Even as a young teen, I knew I wanted to teach. I’d gather the neighborhood kids, even those older than me, and we’d have mock classes. That passion was deeply rooted in my mother’s story. She wanted to be a teacher but had to give up that dream after becoming a teen mom. And my fifth-grade teacher had a lasting impact on me, too.

MAS: You’ve held some impressive roles before joining MAS. What did those look like?

MS. WALKER: Before MAS, I was the Director of the Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation at the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica. I helped oversee curriculum development and implementation across Jamaica and three other Caribbean institutions. I also served as Lead Lecturer at the Caribbean Maritime University and trained pre-service teachers in Language Arts and Literature at a teachers’ college.

MAS: What’s your academic background?

MS. WALKER: I’m currently pursuing a Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation. I earned my Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum Development with Distinction from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and a Bachelor of Education in Language and Literature with Honors from Mico University College in Kingston, Jamaica.

MAS: When did you join MAS, and how has your role evolved?

MS. WALKER: I joined the team in February 2023 as an 8th grade Test Prep Teacher at the Yale campus. That summer, I transitioned into teaching 9th and 10th grade Reading, where I remained through spring 2025. I’m now excited to serve as the Middle School Leader at our Yale campus.

MAS: You've taken part in some impressive leadership programs. What stands out from those experiences?

MS. WALKER: I was honored to receive the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program Scholarship, funded by Global Affairs Canada. It supports future leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean in pursuing short-term study or research in Canada. I was placed at College of the Rockies in British Columbia, where I conducted research and shared best practices in online education, curriculum repurposing, and transformational leadership. More recently, I completed MAS’ Aspiring Leaders program. That experience helped prepare me for this new role by sharpening my leadership skills and connecting me more deeply to our school’s mission.

MAS: What do you appreciate most about MAS?

MS. WALKER: There’s a strong culture of care here. Staff really care about each student’s well-being and success. With intentional social and emotional learning (SEL) programs and opportunities for students to recover and grow, MAS helps every learner feel seen, heard, and supported.

MAS: What’s top of mind for you heading into the new school year?

MS. WALKER: I’m focused on building a culture of excellence with clear routines and systems for students and staff. I’ll be working closely with instructional leaders to ensure data-driven instruction and measurable progress toward our goals. I’m also passionate about growing awareness of our SEL practices, including the benefits of HeartMath.

MAS: Tell us something most people don’t know about you.

MS. WALKER: While I’m on my way to completing my doctorate, I didn’t graduate from high school. That experience fuels my commitment to MAS’s 100 percent graduation rate and to supporting marginalized students.

MAS: Final question… where’s your go-to restaurant for a great meal?

MS. WALKER: I’m a foodie, but I always return to The Cheesecake Factory for their Cajun salmon. It never disappoints.

Please join us in celebrating Ms. Walker and her new leadership role. Her lived experience, academic insight, and dedication to every student make her a powerful asset here at MAS Charter School.