Department Alum Awarded

We would like to recognize NC State alumnus Clyde Shafer for being awarded Teacher of the Year in only his second year. Clyde is a graduate of our Foreign Language Teacher Education Program, which consists of intense, hands on training. Students participating in this program pursue a concentration in education along with their degree. Each student shadows a Wake County public school teacher and eventually gets to teach the class themselves. By the time a student is a senior in this program, it becomes more of a job than a college course. The coursework throws NC State students into the field to produce language teachers that understand and are comfortable with the classroom environment. Upon graduating the program, the teachers are not only experts in the language but also know how to handle every classroom dynamic and scenario. Clyde graduated this program with flying colors and was able to answer a few questions for us about his career and future goals:

What are some of your accomplishments so far?

I’m Google Level 1 and 2 Certified Educator, serve on my school’s digital learning leadership team, and am currently enrolled at State for my M.Ed. in instructional technology and design

What are some of your future goals?

To finish my Master’s and continue to work in Spanish education or technology facilitator role, eventually enter higher education and lead professional development trainings for teachers, and to begin exploring national boards.

What’s your favorite part about teaching?

By far it is building relationships with students. I enjoy seeing the transformation that occurs when students feel cared for and comfortable in your classroom. So often, we don’t know what our students may be going through so I like to offer a chance to reset.

What do you hope your students leave your classroom having gained for life?

Beyond the language, I want my students to be able to think for themselves and develop tolerance and knowledge for other cultures. I enjoy when my students write me saying they traveled abroad and experienced the culture or they spoke in Spanish to a customer at work. I want them also to be well rounded and ready for a world where technology is increasingly driving our day to day lives – to use it effectively to connect with other communities beyond their time in school.