BY KRIS LEONHARDT
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Greater Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce recently surprised its 2024 Golden Apple recipients in their classrooms. The local teachers were recognized in the areas of professionalism, leadership and innovation.
Leading up to the April recognition event, the Press Times is highlighting these eight honorees.
GREEN BAY – Preble High School Teacher Clayton Vader believes that “knowledge is power,” but he also believes in something more.
“As Dale Carnegie once said, ‘Knowledge isn’t power until it is applied.’ I utilize this principle in my classroom every day. My aim is for my students to demonstrate how a concept is applied and foster hands-on experiences both inside and outside of the classroom,” he said in his award application.
However, he doesn’t stop there; he takes it a step further.
“Last year, I taught Wisconsin Natural Resources for the first time in my career. Several of the students loved fishing and exploring the outdoors. I recognized their enthusiasm and looked for ways to expand their knowledge beyond the traditional classroom curriculum provided,” Vader explained.
But, his desire and talent for expanding that knowledge occurred far from the place where the Golden Apple winner now practices it.
“I made the decision to pursue a career in teaching in 2007 when I was 30 years old. Prior to that, from 2001 to 2007, I gained experience working as an instructional designer/consultant for various companies across different countries such as Australia, England, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States. The most fulfilling aspect of my international work was the direct interaction with learners. After discovering my true calling, I acquired my teaching license and commenced my teaching journey in Wells, Texas, on Nov. 7, 2007,” he recalled.
“The primary influences that led me to pursue a career in teaching were my family and my upbringing on a small ranch in Texas. Both of my parents were educators, with my father serving as my agricultural science teacher and FFA advisor. Through their guidance, I learned the significance of diligence and the significance of assisting others.”
And assisting others is evident in what Vader does from day to day.
“One of the aspects I appreciate most about working as an educator is observing the development of my students,” he said. “Each and every one of them can attest to the fact that I push them to consider life beyond secondary school and to delve into various career paths.
“The phrases that bring me the most joy as an educator are: ‘Mr. Vader, I have made up my mind to pursue a career in…’ or “Mr. Vader, I have received an offer from…”.