Retired music educator Jerry Shively also served his community as an elected member of the Idaho State House of Representatives. Pictured here with his wife, Ann. Photo Credit: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Idaho Falls

Many fine classroom teachers have also served their community in public office. One of these was Jerry Shively, a high school music teacher who also served a two-year term in the Idaho House State of Representatives.

Jerry earned both his Bachelor’s degree and his Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Idaho. Once he earned his degrees, Jerry taught music at first Idaho Falls High School and then Skyline High School. Later he accepted a position as the music coordinator of the Idaho Falls School System #91. After he retired from teaching, Jerry worked as a member of the staff of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Idaho Falls.

In 2007, Jerry was elected on the Democratic ticket to represent Idaho’s 33rd District in the Idaho State House of Representatives. He served there from 2008 to 2010.

In addition to his political work, Jerry was involved in numerous community organizations. He served as the President of the Idaho Music Educators Association from 1990 to 1992. He served as the President of both the Idaho Falls Arts Council and the Idaho Falls Rotary. He was also a Board member of the Idaho Falls Opera Theatre, The Idaho Falls Symphony, and Idaho Falls Community Concerts. Furthermore, he served as the Idaho Representative of the Arts Northwest Board.