Chandler Public Schools

Austin Minshall is in his 18^th year of teaching and second year at Chandler Public Schools.  He teaches American History and is the head boys basketball coach. He is also assisting as sponsor of this year’s freshman class. 

Q  Where did you grow up?
A  Until I was nine years old our family lived in Yukon, Oklahoma. In 1984 we moved to rural (VERY RURAL) Lincoln County where my parents built a home on an acreage that had been in our family for generations (dating back to the land run). Initially I wasn't thrilled about moving from the city (where I had neighborhood friends) to the country (where I had a dog, a gun, and a dirt basketball court) but it wasn't long before I began to enjoy rural living. 

Q  What led you to teaching?
A  Maybe an odd answer but my family - extended family included. They modeled quality character traits and one of the first things they taught me was to be on a good team (family) and to celebrate the successes of anybody in our family. I have 10 aunts and uncles and too many cousins to count but we all knew that everyone was pulling for one another. Encouraging students in the classroom or on the court in this way, I've always enjoyed trying to create that same type of environment.

Q  Did you have any key mentors who influenced who you are, and your decision to become an educator?
A  Without question my parents have been the most positive influence in my life. My dad was a blacksmith for over 30 years so watching him go to work everyday with a 1,000 lbs of horse leaning on him (rain or shine, hot or cold), he modeled for me a work ethic early in my life. My mom worked in the public school system for around 30 years and I can't recall a time when she ever missed consecutive days of work. She was a secretary in the front office and her ability to work cooperatively with others, I always admired. Professionally, my high school basketball coach David Willis has most influenced my personal approach as an educator. He always answered questions in and out of the classroom. He was very firm but also very fair. Beyond my dad, his help in my maturation process was enormous.

Q  What would you say most motivates you to teach?
A  Definitely it's seeing students succeed, especially with quality character traits. In my opinion this informs quality teaching. I think maybe one of the best traits that a teacher can exhibit for students is a continuing love of learning, curiousness, and being open to new ideas.

Q  What are you most excited or passionate about?
A  I get most excited when I'm not the only person in the room who is imparting the knowledge that I have. When students challenge me to learn "more", when I'm learning from my students - I really enjoy that.

Q  What do you find most challenging about being a teacher?
A  Being responsive to students’ current interests and needs. The attention span of students – listening today – is much less than even a few years ago. I have to be careful not to talk too long or too much otherwise, I'll lose them (students or players) and I'll become potentially frustrated.

Q  What's the best thing to happen since you started teaching?
A  When students and players get in touch with me. When they tell me how they're doing and that I was able to assist them in some sort of way.

Q  What might students and parents be surprised to know about you?
A  That I still like to eat kids cereal and that I like to color.

Coach Minshall comes from a large family and most of them are in Lincoln County.  He has 15 family members who have either graduated from Chandler Public Schools or are currently attending and also working for CPS. Austin has a 12 year old son, Markus, and one sister, Stephanni Taylor. His parents, Gary and Sandy Minshall still live in rural Lincoln County. He likes to spend time reading and is a self-proclaimed documentary nerd.

Coach Minshall attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma.  During his first year teaching in Allen, Texas he was nominated as an 'Exemplary First Year Teacher' and eventually named a finalist. In addition he has previously been named a small school All-State basketball coach, and conference coach of the year awards which he credits to having talented players.