Shawn Harrel is a secondary music and CTE educator and media technology specialist with expertise in music education, instructional design, research, and media production. He teaches at Summit Technology Academy in the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District and holds an EdD in Instructional Design and Performance Technology from Baker University, where his research focused on fostering creativity, collaboration, and risk-taking in student-centered learning environments. Shawn has received numerous awards, including Learning for Life, Excellence in Teaching, and Teacher of Distinction. In addition to his teaching, he is the co-founder of the Lee’s Summit Jazz Orchestra and a founding board member of Lee’s Summit Creates, an arts advocacy organization. Shawn is also an active contributor to statewide music education, serving on the Missouri Music Educators Association Executive Board. His passion for music extends beyond the classroom, and he is committed to advancing music education through leadership and collaboration. In his free time, he enjoys journaling, writing music, sharpening pencils, and spinning vinyl records.