Staff Spotlight: Shelby Myatt, Grigsby

By Chris Mitchell '95

Every Friday throughout the 2026-27 school year, Granite City Community School District #9 will be highlighting a staff member for going above and beyond to give students a positive experience.

This week's staff spotlight features Grigsby Elementary School Social Worker Shelby Myatt.

Myatt is in her 27th year with GCSD9 and has worked at six schools during her time in the district: Frohardt, Grigsby, Maryville, Mitchell, Worthen and Wilson.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a master’s degree in social work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a master’s degree in education administration from McKendree University.

“Shelby is super great!  She is always there for whoever needs her and does so much for Grigsby, said Grigsby Assistant Principal Marcie Sweet. “Shelby is a wealth of knowledge; especially when it comes to working with outside agencies. Her network and connections help us in so many ways.”

Myatt sat down to discuss her path to social work, a typical day at Grigsby, how she supports students and families, the most rewarding parts of her job and the new business venture she and her husband recently launched.

What inspired you to pursue a career in social work?
I wanted to help care for people both mentally, emotionally and to some extent physically.  I started out in nursing, switched to criminal justice and then settled with social work.  It feels as if this career choice rolls all of them together.

What does a typical day look like for you as Grigsby’s social worker?
No two days are ever the same. I can schedule my day only for it to change in a minute. I help students work through big emotions or tough situations, put out an occasional "fire," collaborate with teachers, parents and outside agencies and be ready for whatever and whomever needs me that day or moment.

How do you help students and families, and what would you like them to know about the support you provide?
I try to meet kids and parents where they are. Being a kid today is not easy. There are so many more obstacles in life than when I was young. And being a parent is hard. When I call, it is not my intention to judge. I just want parents to know that I am willing and able to help bat for their team. Sometimes that looks like giving resources. Other times, I work with kids at school. But often times it is giving parents the knowledge to equip them to make sustainable changes at home.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding...are the hugs, the high fives and kids asking if I will come see them that day. I also get excited when I see students leave our building and grow up and really flourish at Coolidge and the High School.

You and your husband recently started a new business venture. Can you tell us a little about it and what inspired you to get started?
My husband, Jason, and I have five children.  Our second daughter was born with cri-du-chat syndrome.  She needs a lot of extra help with basic things and has some medical issues as a result. This is her last year at Granite City High School as she will be 22 in May.  At this point there is no place or day program that can take her due to her needs. So, we have started a nonprofit to open a day program for young adults like her with significant physical, cognitive and medical needs. Oakbridge Development Center is slated to open in June 2027.   

When you’re away from Grigsby, what other hobbies and interests do you enjoy?
I love spending time with friends and family. We love sporting events, (Cardinals baseball is my favorite, but I love a good basketball game too!) camping, boating and just being outside, especially on nice days.

If you would like to nominate a deserving staff member, please email: information@gcsd9.net