Every year, new faculty and staff are welcomed to the Jesuit Family. I had the privilege of interviewing one of the newest members of the Jesuit Family: Mr. Clarke Wood, who teaches in the Social Studies Department.
Background
Mr. Wood comes from a family of three. He grew up in Texas and attended St. Mark’s School of Texas where he played football, wrestling, and baseball. For college, Mr. Wood attended Texas A&M University where he got his B.A. in history before going to the University of Texas at Dallas where he got his M.A. in history. This December, Mr. Wood will be marrying his fiancé as well.
Teaching History
Mr. Wood has wanted to be a teacher since he was a Junior at St. Mark’s after he had a teacher who believed in him and helped him be a self-advocate, which inspired him to do the same for his own students. After graduating from A&M, Mr. Wood taught in College Station I.S.D. and also taught Sequential English Education and U.S. History to 6th and 8th graders at Shelton. At Jesuit, Mr. Wood teaches Geography and Foundations and U.S. History to Freshman and Juniors. Although he loves teaching what he does now, Mr. Wood wishes he could teach history elective classes where students would learn about specific events such as WWII. The best advice about teaching he has received is:
“Always stay on your toes just because anything and everything can happen in a classroom.”
Why Jesuit?
Mr. Wood chose Jesuit because, after attending St. Mark’s, he knew what the life of a private school student was like and had heard great things about Jesuit from friends of his who attended school here.
“Your teachers genuinely want to see you succeed.” -Mr. Wood
Sports/Extracurriculars
Mr. Wood coaches the outside linebackers for the Jesuit Freshman Blue and Gold teams. He is also a moderator for the College Football Club. Mr. Wood is interested in helping students who struggle to find teachers to start a club they want to create.
Hobbies/Interests
As someone who likes experiencing new things, Mr. Wood enjoys dining at new restaurants or watching new movies. As someone who considers themselves a “fantasy nerd,” Mr. Wood enjoys reading “A Game of Thrones” by George R. R. Martin. As an A&M graduate, Mr. Wood is a proud Aggie, but also roots for the Dallas Stars, Mavericks, and Cowboys.
Faith
As a Presbyterian, Mr. Wood will ask himself, “What would Jesus do?” He feels this helps him to let the students he teaches and the players he coaches see God through what he does.
Mr. Wood is a compassionate teacher and coach who is dedicated to passing down the knowledge and respect he has received from those who inspired him to his own students. Whether he’s your history teacher or your football coach, you can rest assured that you are in the hands of a person who wants you to succeed and will do everything in his power to help you do so.
Stay tuned to The Roundup for more teacher profiles!
