A Conversation with Shawntrice McQueen Andrews: Heart of a Community

Shawntrice McQueen Andrews is a Raleigh-based educator, real estate professional, and community leader whose life and work reflect a deep commitment to service, empowerment, and compassion. A proud alumna of Shaw University and a licensed North Carolina educator in both special and elementary education, Shawntrice dedicated 20 years of her life to teaching at Torchlight Academy Charter School. Known for her integrity, warmth, and tireless work ethic, she became a cornerstone of the school community, volunteering her time, uplifting underserved students, and building meaningful relationships with families and colleagues alike. Before entering education, she was a licensed cosmetologist and former model with a creative flair for beauty and design. When Torchlight Academy closed in 2022, she gracefully pivoted to real estate and property management, using her people skills to help families find homes and navigate major life changes. Whether in a classroom, a home, or a community space, Shawntrice McQueen Andrews leads with empathy and purpose, leaving a legacy of positive impact wherever she goes.

You spent 20 years as an educator in an under-resourced community. What kept you committed to that work for so long?

My students kept me going. Every child that walked into my classroom carried a story, a struggle, or a spark that needed nurturing. I couldn’t turn away from that. I knew my presence mattered — not just as a teacher, but as a mentor, a role model, and a source of consistency. Teaching in an under-resourced school meant I wore many hats. I was a teacher, a counselor, a parent figure. I stayed because I saw how much these kids needed someone to believe in them, and I couldn’t abandon that calling. It wasn’t easy, but it was deeply fulfilling.

You were also a licensed cosmetologist and model before becoming a teacher. How did those experiences influence your work in education?

Those early experiences helped me build confidence and creativity — both of which were crucial in the classroom. As a cosmetologist and model, I learned the value of presentation, self-esteem, and self-expression. I brought that into teaching by encouraging my students to take pride in themselves. I even used my beauty skills to help students who were being bullied for their appearance. I’ve combed, styled, and washed kids’ hair before school just to help them walk into class feeling confident. That kind of care sends a message: you are worthy, and you are seen.

Torchlight Academy closed in 2022. How did that chapter ending affect you personally and professionally?

It was emotional. That school was like family — we laughed, cried, grew, and built something meaningful together. Losing that community felt like losing a part of myself. But it also opened a door for me to reimagine how I could serve. I didn’t stop helping people — I just changed the setting. Real estate became a new way for me to provide stability, support, and solutions to families, especially those who didn’t always feel heard or understood in that process.

You’re known for going above and beyond — even buying uniforms or volunteering to style students’ hair. Why was that so important to you?

Because dignity matters. When a child is teased for their clothes or hair, it chips away at their confidence. I couldn’t let that happen on my watch. I always thought, “What if this were my child?” If I had the means to help, I did — whether that meant buying uniforms or showing up early to style hair. When students feel cared for, they show up differently. They feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. That’s what I wanted for every one of them.

What do you consider your proudest moment as an educator?

Leading a trip to China with our students was a life-changing moment. To help children from low-income backgrounds travel across the world, see a new culture, and expand their worldview — that was incredible. We fundraised like crazy, made sure every child had a passport, and prepared them academically and emotionally. Watching their eyes light up in a new country was unforgettable. It reminded me that education is more than books — it’s about experiences that transform lives.

How did you build trust with students and parents over the years?

By being consistent, honest, and deeply human. I never put on a front — I met families where they were, listened without judgment, and showed up with solutions. I always told parents, “We’re in this together.” Whether a child was struggling academically or behaviorally, I approached it with empathy. That approach created relationships built on mutual respect. I earned their trust not just in moments of praise, but in the hard conversations too.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in your teaching career, and how did you overcome it?

Burnout. The emotional weight of caring deeply for so many children, often in high-stress environments, can be overwhelming. But I overcame it by staying rooted in purpose and leaning on my faith. I also practiced self-care in ways that fed my spirit — prayer, creativity, and surrounding myself with positive people. Every time I felt like giving up, a student or parent would say something that reminded me why I started.

How has your transition into real estate reflected your strengths as a teacher and leader?

Real estate, like teaching, is about trust, communication, and understanding people’s needs. I’m not just selling homes — I’m guiding people through emotional, often life-changing decisions. I bring the same compassion and advocacy to this field as I did in education. I listen deeply, advocate fiercely, and stay organized and transparent. My background has made me incredibly detail-oriented and people-focused — that’s what makes the difference in both fields.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in education today?

Go in with heart, patience, and a willingness to grow. Teaching is not a job — it’s a mission. You have to love people, believe in change, and be okay with delayed gratification. The impact might not always show immediately, but trust me, you’re planting seeds that bloom later. Also, surround yourself with mentors, find your own support network, and take care of your mental health. Your presence matters more than you know.

What do you hope your legacy will be — as an educator, a professional, and a person?

I hope people remember that I led with love. That I stood in the gap for those who felt unseen. That I made people feel safe, valued, and inspired. Whether in a classroom or in a home, I want my legacy to be one of service, grace, and the power of showing up wholeheartedly. I didn’t have to be famous to make a difference — I just had to care deeply and act accordingly.

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