Shania Shakura Muhammad, a 16-year-old Oklahoma City native with three college degrees, is America’s youngest full-time salaried teacher. She is currently a third-grade teacher at a school in her hometown.
Despite her young age, she has demonstrated that she is more than qualified for the position, contrary to the opinion of critics that she is too young. Shania Muhammad earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development. She also graduated with an associate degree in diversified studies from Oklahoma City Community College and another associate degree in general studies from Langston University when she was barely 14. Additionally, Shania completed two years of National Teachers Professional Development Training through the Thurgood Marshall Foundation.
In addition to her extensive academic and professional achievements, Shania Muhammad has a genuine passion and enthusiasm for teaching and being part of the classroom environment. She has grown increasingly motivated to go above and beyond in her quest for higher academic and career goals.
In a recent Facebook post, her Dad, Elijah Muhammad, said, “I am super proud to announce that my 16-year-old daughter Shania Shakura Muhammad is The Youngest Full-Time Salaried Teacher in the United States!!! (Shania’s Teaching the Third Grade).”
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He further said, “I’m super proud of my daughter for being bold and brave and stepping out on her faith and into her purpose. She doesn’t allow people’s opinions of her to dictate the reality of her dreams and passions. People will always have criticism and negative things to say but we are used to it. And not one negative comment has slowed down our family’s history-making progress.’
Reacting to Shania’s academic and career achievements, Charitta Smith, Director of Young Achievers Christian Academy, where Shania teaches, comments, “It is a privilege and honor to be this young lady’s mentor, helping and guiding her teaching journey… We are a few days away from week one, and let me just say, she’s doing an amazing job with her third graders.”
Shania Muhammad is also a Summa Cum Laude Honors Distinction graduate and a member of several Honor societies. It seems that greatness and history-making are akin to the Muhammad family. Recall that in 2022, Shania Muhammad made history when she became the youngest graduate ever from Oklahoma City Community College. Just recently, his younger brother Elijah Muhammad set another enviable record when he graduated from Oklahoma State University with double degrees in computer science and cybersecurity, making his second history as the youngest Black student to achieve such an outstanding feat.
Aside from her academic pursuits, Shania Muhammad is also a good speaker and storyteller and likes to share stories of her journey in life. She recently launched her book ‘READ WRITE LISTEN 13 in College How I Did It’ – a book that chronicles how she began her academic life, the efforts and steps she followed devotedly to become a beacon of light to other teenage students.