David Lee Volk
North Dakota Teacher of the Year
Fargo North High School and Ben Franklin Junior High, Fargo, ND
Grades 8-12, Latin Intro, 1, 2, 3, 4

My teaching philosophy
Docere, inspirare, confirmare (To teach, to inspire, to strengthen). I coined this philosophy for a university-education-class assignment to accompany my resume.

A teacher instructs youth, providing them with opportunities to discover what they have never encountered and think about things they have never considered. A teacher is exemplary, being a responsible citizen and a model of learning. A teacher nurtures students to be of strong mind, body and soul.

My philosophy in action
I provide ample opportunity for investigation and deeper analysis, which leads to greater understanding. Student can’t just give an answer in my classroom – they must provide a reason as well. I also serve as an advisor for the Junior Classical League (JCL), which provides opportunities for students to cultivate further knowledge of classics and classical topics, and give service to the community. In this way, students encounter their teacher outside the classroom setting, and are thus provided with another opportunity for positive influence.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
Student achievement and success provides a great sense of accomplishment. By far, the greatest sense of accomplishment comes when a past student enters the field of education. I hope that I have inspired a love of learning in my students to the extent that they want to pass on knowledge to others.

My work in establishing and strengthening the JCL in North Dakota and now serving as the national Programs and Scholastic Services chair is a testament to my commitment to further classical studies throughout the world.

The most critical issue facing educators today
The impending teacher shortage looms large on the horizon. I am disheartened when I hear students say that others dissuade them from teaching. It is one of the noblest professions and must be respected and perpetuated by the best and brightest.

Ways to resolve this issue
Teachers must be the first line of defense in solving the teacher-shortage crisis. We must be proud of what we do and realize the far-reaching potential of our profession and extol its virtues; teachers affect the future. Our students need to see the pleasure derived from what we do and we need to maintain a positive attitude. The public must also be aware of the vital role of teachers in society. Our progeny will be entrusted to teachers. Do we not want the best and the brightest taking on that role? We must do all we can to attract and retain top teachers.

One thought to inspire other teachers to succeed
“Serit arbores quae saecli prosint.” Cicero provides this quotation in his “De Senectute,” which means, “One plants trees for the benefit of another age.” The benefits of what we do are not always immediately seen, but given time to cultivate, great things grow, like trees that provide resources for years to come. We must always give our best, knowing that what we do affects eternity. Cicero also said, “What greater gift are we able to offer to the country than to teach and instruct our youth!”

One lesson every student should learn
Learning lasts a lifetime. One must establish a love for learning and a pattern for cultivating that learning. It keeps our minds sharp throughout life and makes life better. A love of wisdom will make every stage of life not only tolerable, but enjoyable.

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