Go to content

Distinguished Teacher David Shannon

What advice would you give to people considering a career in teaching?

After 30 years as a computer programmer, materials and manufacturing engineer and project leader in the aerospace industry, I pursued a career in education. I felt that I could use my experience as an engineer to add some real-world applications to the math and science that is taught. One of the most rewarding things about teaching is seeing the expression on a student's face when they realize that they really do "get it", and knowing I had some small part in their success.

What's the best thing about teaching?

My advice to new teachers is to focus on the positive, take pride in your successes, and not get discouraged when a lesson doesn't work as planned. It happens to the most experienced teachers.