Shantelle Grant named A Pioneer in Education for Stephens County 

By Bre Bardenwerper, School and Community Engagement for the Stephens County School System

Stephens County School System proudly names Shantelle Grant, Regional Children’s and Youth Services Director for the Northeast Georgia Regional Library System, as the 2025 Pioneer in Education. Her leadership, compassion, and devotion to literacy have shaped generations of readers and strengthened partnerships between local libraries and schools throughout Stephens County and beyond. 

A graduate of Lanier Technical College with a degree in Early Childhood Education, Grant’s career began in a Pre-K classroom through Head Start. It was there she first partnered with the local library to spark early reading engagement among children- a collaboration that unexpectedly shaped her life’s calling. When the retiring librarian encouraged her to apply for the role, Grant stepped into a new chapter that has now spanned 18 years, including 11 years in her current regional director position. 

“I never thought I’d be working inside the doors of a library,” she shared. “But I know this is where I’m meant to be.” 

From leading weekly story times to coordinating a six-week summer reading program, Grant’s energy fills the library with warmth and curiosity. Her Tuesday morning story hour welcomes families and little learners eager to experience the joy of books. “Each day is filled with anticipation -wondering what little one will walk through the door and discover the love of reading,” she said. “The experience is what brings them back.” 

Beyond the library’s walls, Grant has spent over a decade mentoring students and partnering with the Stephens County School System to promote literacy and learning opportunities. She has served three terms on our fifth-grade governance team, supported literacy nights, judged 4-H extension projects, and spoken at Young Georgia Authors events. Through programs like “One Thousand Books Before Kindergarten,” she connects families with teachers and resources to build reading readiness and excitement before students even enter school. 

“I believe in our school system and the work being done,” Grant said. “Every child deserves the opportunity for a successful school career.” 

Grant defines leadership as service. “To lead, to guide, to influence- you have to be approachable and kind,” she explained. “When people know their resources, they can become self-sufficient and achieve their goals.” 

Her impact extends far beyond literacy. From planning African American History Month assemblies for our schools to strengthening school partnerships, Grant’s work exemplifies the heart of community collaboration. Her leadership and dedication earned her the 2024 Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, a reflection of the countless hours she invests in both youth and elders across Stephens County. 

Among her many accomplishments, Grant was recognized as #3 Library Employee of the Year out of more than 150 PINES libraries statewide- an achievement that reflects her dedication to excellence in customer and community service. 

When she’s not at the library, Grant devotes her weekends to serving residents at Habersham Retreat in Baldwin, a role she has held for two decades. “The elderly are just as important as the children I serve,” she said. “They are my family too.” She is also an active member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, where faith continues to anchor her purpose. 

Her late mother remains her greatest influence. “She taught me to give back and to serve without expecting to receive,” Grant reflected. “Everything I do is because of her example.” 

Grant’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “May the works that I have done speak for me. I don’t brag or boast about anything I do. I just want to be helpful and inspire someone while instilling the love of reading.” 

Her advice to students and families echoes that belief: “Education is free—it’s the foundation for a better future. The education you receive is yours; no one can take it away.” 

As she continues to build bridges between schools, libraries, and families, Grant envisions the library as a “hub of the community”- a space where students can find resources, technology, tutoring, and opportunity, all at no cost. “We are a rich resource for students,” she said. “As we grow together, we’ll continue to advocate for libraries, books, and the joy of learning.” 

Grant summarizes her life’s work in one sentence: “To keep giving, helping, inspiring, encouraging, and planting as many seeds as I can- whether it be the love of reading, life skills, or hope for a brighter tomorrow. I fully believe that Stephens County Schools have the same mission.”