Inspiring Success Story: LCC-City U Education Grad 'Going Home' to Teach

As early as 8th grade, Tim Shampoe was inspired by his own teachers to consider a career in education.

Tim Shampoe and son Jaiden visit the City U offices at LCC.

But life intervened. He served in the military, traveled the world, got married and became the father of three sons. Tim was successful at a variety of jobs in sales and volunteered as a motivational speaker for military groups and schools, to steer young people away from addictive behaviors.

Shortly after the family moved to Longview, he lost his job due to the economy. A friend recommended LCC as a college that was very supportive of veterans.

Thanks to a partnership between LCC and City University of Seattle, Tim is realizing his dream of teaching. After finishing his associate degree at LCC, in Fall 2010 he became part of the first cohort to enroll in the new Elementary Education and Teacher Certification program.

 

Ready for His New Job

Tim completed his CityU coursework this spring and has already found a job teaching fifth grade and coaching the Knowledge Bowl team at the same White Salmon Elementary School he attended as a youngster.

“It’s like going home again!” he said.

The eight-quarter program met locally on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Saturdays. Students also completed online assignments and lessons.

“The evening and weekend classes allowed more time for my family, plus I didn’t have to drive a long distance,” Shampoe said.

Classes were taught by area teachers who held master’s degrees.

“The local teachers with expertise in Special Education, Math and History really knew their stuff!” Tim said.

He also praised the staff at Castle Rock Elementary, where he completed student teaching, for helping him succeed.

Students chose either Elementary Education or Special Education and then selected a second area – Elementary Education, Special Education, Mathematics, Reading, or English Language Learners. The second endorsement qualified graduates to teach classes in those subjects through grade 12.

Two Endorsements

“The dual endorsement really increases the marketability of the graduates,” Tim said.

15 of the 17 students who began the program two years ago graduated with other CityU students at a regional ceremony in Seattle on June 16.

Students interested in joining the next CityU cohort in Elementary Education at LCC may contact: Ann Williamson at awilliamson@lowercolumbia.edu 360.442.2892, or Paul Denhert at PDehnert@cityu.edu for more information.