Shirley's Bio
I was born in Fort Collins, Colorado. For most of my childhood, my family lived in Spokane, Washington, where I graduated from John Rogers High School. I later earned a B.A. and M.A.T. in mathematics from Washington State University, along with my teaching endorsement.
Life was great for me during my childhood years. I lived in a middle class neighborhood with parents Gene and Edith Brizendine and sister, Phyllis. (Now Phyllis Solomon) The role of homemaker fit my mother well. She had many talents – she was a gifted seamstress. At the time, I saw that as an inconvenience. When I would point out clothes that I would like to purchase, she pointed out that she could “make them for half the price.” She could definitely do it, and it fit our budget well. However, my mother always put her personal touch on the work, so I had many outfits with puffy sleeves that I didn’t really appreciate. My mother found work outside our home when I was eleven, to cover college expenses for my sister and me. Since that left less time for homemaking activities, I missed the hot cookies that had waited when I returned home from school, but not the puffy sleeves.
I was fortunate to have excellent teachers throughout my school years. I will always remember them fondly and appreciate the opportunities I enjoyed.
My teaching career was challenging and interesting. This career included teaching mathematics for eight years at Madison Junior High School in Seattle, one year at Edmonds Community College, two years at Washington State University, and twenty-five years at Moscow High School. A six week stint teaching summer school in Seattle’s inner city provided a rewarding learning experience I will never forget.
While teaching in Idaho, I held a number of leadership positions in the Moscow Education Association and Idaho Education Association. These gave me the opportunity to gain important skills, and opened the door to the political arena. Following my work with the education associations, I chaired the Latah County Democrats for a number of years.
My family has always been supportive and I love each one deeply. My husband John is a professor of electrical engineering at Washington State University. Each of our three children graduated from Washington State University. Shawn majored in environmental science and currently works at STRATA in Moscow. Stacy is an education media specialist and currently lives in Irvine, California. Shelley is a family medicine physician with an emphasis in sports medicine. She lives in Boise. Shawn’s wife, Tiffany teaches at Lena Whitmore elementary school and Shawn’s daughter Sadie is a student there.
Most of us have an individual who has inspired us and influenced our lives. I could name a number of people who have filled that role for me. My father, Eugene Brizendine, was one of them. He was essentially on his own at the age of fourteen. He attended high school in Attica, Kansas, and worked after school every night setting type at the local newspaper. My father was valedictorian of his high school class. All along, he put money aside with plans to attend college. Unfortunately, he completed high school at the beginning of the Depression and used the money he had saved to help family members. My father continued his career in the newspaper business, but always took advantage of opportunities to learn. He had a wonderfully curious mind, and was always well informed. My sister and I appreciate the enlightenment we received from conversations with him and the example he set.
John and I have lived in Moscow for thirty years. I have served five terms in the Idaho Legislature. My service has offered the opportunity for rich interactions with people, and great opportunities for learning. It has been a privilege to work for the people of Latah County. I hope I have earned your confidence and I ask for your vote on November 2.
