Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) joins family, friends, colleagues, and generations of students in mourning the loss of Jennifer Shiberou, whose unwavering dedication to arts education and student success left an extraordinary mark on our District.

Jennifer's influence extended far beyond the classroom. She guided students whose artistic talents earned prestigious honors, including national Google competitions and Scholastic Art Awards. She led more than 10 student-centered social justice art initiatives, helping young artists use creativity as a powerful tool for expression, advocacy, and community engagement.

Her commitment to students was matched only by her dedication to supporting fellow educators. Whether mentoring new teachers, partnering with schools like Hope Academy to develop arts-focused programming, or fostering relationships with local and national arts organizations, Jennifer approached every opportunity with generosity, encouragement, and purpose.

During her four years with the Curriculum and Instruction team, Jennifer continued to expand opportunities for students by securing grants that supported arts integration, including initiatives at Rozelle Elementary School, ensuring more students could experience the transformative power of the arts regardless of their background.

Those who knew Jennifer remember not only her professional accomplishments but also the joy, kindness, and compassion she shared so freely. She was a source of encouragement for colleagues, a champion for public education, and a steadfast believer in the potential of every student she encountered. Her enthusiasm was contagious; her leadership was collaborative, and her commitment to serving others never wavered. Jennifer's legacy lives on in the students she inspired, the teachers she mentored, the programs she helped build, and the countless lives she touched throughout her career.

MSCS extends its deepest condolences to Jennifer's family, friends, colleagues, former students, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. We are grateful for her years of dedicated service and the lasting impact she made on our district and community. Her light, her passion, and her belief in the power of the arts will never be forgotten.

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Remembering Jennifer

Jennifer's impact cannot be captured by accomplishments alone. She will be remembered most through the lives she touched. Colleagues, friends, and partners shared these reflections in honor of the educator, mentor, and friend they knew.

Brett Lawson

Senior Director of Operations, Leadership Memphis

“Jennifer Shiberou was an amazing person on so many levels. As an educator, she exhibited a love for students that built a desire in them to push themselves to ever higher levels. Her high expectations were matched with a nurturing nature that created an enormous number of fine artists. She exuded a kept a calm, kind, caring affect while conveying a very serious purpose in her teaching. Paired with her care for students was a desire to see them learn more than the technical nature of creating great art. She wanted them to understand something about life that would inspire them to create art that conveyed a message. From our first project together, the Facing History and Ourselves Children of Willesden Lane project, to the work she did across the district as an arts administrator, she sought to infuse social justice into the work students did. Jennifer was also a person who cared deeply about family. Her love for her family was always evident as she included them in her school and work world. She will be greatly missed by so many.”

Marty Pettigrew

Principal

“Jennifer,

Thank you for cultivating not just art, but gentle hearts and creative minds in your classroom at Colonial. Your calm presence was a sanctuary, and your encouragement shaped so many lives of students and staff members.  Your classroom was a magical place where mistakes were just another form of art. Thank you for your tenderhearted approach to teaching. You taught with passion, patience, and a clam, guiding hand.  Your legacy lives on in every student and teacher you inspired. You were one of a kind and we love you. Your conviction and practice of quietly highlighting injustice have shaped so many people and has been etched into those you have touched.”

James Wells 

Education Content Manager, Crayola

“Jennifer was one of the most generous, devoted, and selfless people I’ve met in my 20+ years in education. During my early days as the new Fine Arts Instructional Advisor for MSCS in 2015, she willingly stepped forward to assist in mentoring secondary teachers by offering her time, wisdom, and encouragement without hesitation.

Jennifer also helped to plan and present at district-wide events, all while serving as a full-time middle school art educator. She did this work above and beyond her regular responsibilities, not for recognition, but because she believed deeply in supporting teachers, strengthening art education, and helping others grow.

There is a saying that a rising tide lifts all boats. Jennifer was that rising tide. Through her generosity, excellence, and unwavering commitment to others, she lifted the people around her and left a lasting mark on our profession and our hearts.

She will be missed dearly, but her legacy will continue through the many teachers, students, and colleagues she inspired.”

Angela Less

Board of Directors, RiverArtsFest, Inc.

“Jennifer did more in the art classroom than just increase proficiency in techniques and skills, and her students received much more than consistently high scores, scholastic honors, and awards for their artwork.  She nurtured their creativity because she was an excellent artist herself.  She introduced lessons centered around social justice, being the compassionate person she was. And she guided these young people towards becoming critical thinkers with respect for others, because she modeled, in and out of the art classroom, in so many ways, a life of empathy, kindness, love, and concern.  Every day, Jennifer showed them and us her true self.”