Forever Young: 80-Year-Elderly Teacher From Louisiana Returns To Classroom, Gets Life-Changing Surprise

Eighty-year-old Frances Shaw, the daughter of sharecroppers, started teaching at Louisiana’s Northside High School more than a half century ago. 

She was one of the first Black educators to lend a hand integrate the school. Shaw retired in 2012, but decided to return last year. 

There was another need. This time, it was a teacher shortage.

After teaching for four decades, her job wasn’t done. She came out of retirement last year to teach a fresh generation of students.

“I’m kind of the igniter,” she told CBS News. “If I can stimulate them into following their dreams, then my investment has been fulfilled.”

When CBS Mornings heard about her dedication to students, they staged a surprise pep rally to honor Shaw with the lend a hand of current and former Northside High students.

Shaw received a couple of life-changing monetary gifts from admirers and celebrated by doing the Cupid Shuffle dance. It was fitting because the singer behind the song, Bryson Bernard, was one of her former students.

“Wonderful. I love you guys. I love you all,” an emotional Shaw told the students. 

Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet announced that Nov. 14, 2024, would be designated “Frances Shaw Day.” 

The digital design company Canva gave her $25,000. Canva also created The Frances Davis Shaw Community Impact Fund, a $75,000 gift Shaw can distribute to lend a hand others. 

The Love Our Schools Foundation donated $100,000 to Northside High School. 

“Thank you is not enough. You know, Vikings, we play together and we pray together,” Shaw said at her celebration. “And this over many years of praying, has been our answer. It’s pretty. It’s sweet.”