Congratulations to George Clark, the September 2026 Certified Employee of the Month!
Clark has been a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) teacher at Cleveland Middle for five years, where he engages students in hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and skill development. Clark's favorite part of teaching PLTW is watching his students grow, build confidence, and discover their unique strengths every day.
His influence extends well beyond the classroom through his work as a basketball and football coach, where he builds leadership and helps students develop teamwork, perseverance, and the determination to overcome challenges.
As the advisor for the Student Government Association, Clark continues to foster the development of student leaders by providing guidance and opportunities for students to grow. He also serves as a mentor to several students, supporting their overall well-being and providing a trusted adult they know they can count on.
When Clark isn't in the classroom or coaching, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, playing video games, and reading.
Through his commitment to developing the whole student and building meaningful relationships, Mr. Clark exemplifies the positive impact an educator can have on a school community.
Why did you choose education as your profession? Was there someone or something that inspired you along the way?
Entering 2nd grade, I transitioned schools and struggled after certain life events until one of my best friend’s mom, a 6th grade math teacher at the school, stepped in and completely changed my life. Her guidance showed me firsthand the incredible impact an educator can have on a student's confidence and success.
What is one of the most important lessons your students have taught you?
One of the most important lessons (reminders) my students have taught me is the importance of creativity! Creativity has no limits when given the space to explore, fail, and try again. My students remind me every day how vital it is to foster innovative thinking, and I encourage them to express their unique ideas without fear.
What do you believe makes a strong connection between an educator and their students? How do you build those relationships?
A strong connection is built on trust, active listening, and showing students that you see them as human beings before you see them as learners. In my Project Lead the Way classroom, I build these relationships by creating a safe environment where it’s okay to take risks, ask questions, and fail forward.
Whether we are troubleshooting a tough project or chatting about sports and video games, taking time to learn their interests and celebrate their growth, big or small, lets them know I am genuinely invested in their success both inside and outside the classroom.
What is one classroom moment you will always remember? What made that experience meaningful to you?
One moment I will always remember happened during my first year, when my eighth graders went outside to launch rockets. Watching their initial reluctance turn into pure excitement as they eagerly ran to launch their own rocket was unforgettable. That experience was meaningful to me because it proved the power of hands-on learning and showed them they are capable of amazing things when they try.
Looking ahead, what do you hope to accomplish or continue contributing to the field of education?
My goal is to continue creating a classroom where every student feels seen, capable, and excited to learn every single day. I want to keep building a learning space that meets students where they are, gives them a voice, and helps them discover their confidence through hands-on discovery.
What does Forward Together, Stronger Together, Excellence Always mean to you as an educator, and how will you put that message into practice in your classroom this school year?
To me, “Forward Together, Stronger Together, Excellence Always,” is a reminder that education is like a team sport; one where students, teachers, faculty, parents, and the community learns, grows and supports one another side by side. Every day we should strive for excellence, not perfection, and strive to be our best selves.
I will put this message into practice by keeping my classroom student-centered, encouraging innovation through trial and error, and making sure every child who walks through my door knows they have a team supporting them every step of the way.