By Jess Hawkins

It’s our favorite day of the week, “Where Do You Work?” Wednesday! This week we are excited to introduce alumnus Tim Clay, who graduated from the College of Education in 2013.

Originally from Johnston, Iowa, Clay earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Psychology and certification in Political Science in 2013. He then graduated from the College of Education in with a Secondary Social Studies Teaching License in 2013 after completing his student teaching at Lone Tree High School. 

This year is his second year at Norwalk Eastview 8/9 where he is a social studies teacher. Specifically, he teaches seventh-grade contemporary global Issues and eighth-grade U.S history.

Clay’s favorite part of his job is working with students to help them achieve their goals. “I love working with students and helping them grow and learn something new. It is exciting to learn from them and watch them in their journey,” says Clay.

Besides teaching, Clay does the public address for school sporting events such as volleyball, basketball, track, softball, and Junior Varsity football.

“Getting involved in my school community has been endlessly rewarding,” says Clay. “Feeling the school spirit, the hometown pride, as the community cheers on student activities on the field and off. It's been incredible. If you're a new teacher, it's definitely worth the investment to put yourself out there.”

Clay credits his professors at the University of Iowa for helping him to get where he is today.

“I had excellent teachers in my social science and education classes, from professors like Douglas Dion and Michaela Hoenicke-Moore to Mitchell Kelly and Bruce Fehn and Nancy Langguth and Greg Hamot,” he says.

Clay says he also enjoyed and learned from extracurricular activities on campus.

“Experiences in the Hawkeye Marching Band and Iowa Pep Band under Kevin Kastens were also incredibly formative,” says Clay. “They helped foster a passion for my students and advancement of my educational pedagogy.”

Want to be the next “Where Do You Work Wednesday” or nominate someone? Message us on Facebook, tag us with #HawkeyeTeachers, or email us at educationatiowa@uiowa.edu.