Closing in on Retirement, Shafer Reflects on his Journey

By Gavin McNeal 

April 2, 2025 

Thirty years after he started teaching in the social studies wing at Colonie Central High School, Mr. Shafer is closing in on the end of his teaching career. From being a major part of Student Senate, to creating a fun filled atmosphere in all his classes, preparing his students for their time in college and beyond, Mr. Shafer is beloved by all students who cross paths with him. 

Even though I have only had him since the start of this school year, it came as no surprise when he agreed to sit down and talk about his tenure as a social studies teacher. His outgoing persona is evident the first time you meet him. 

Reminiscing about his early years I was surprised to hear that he had a few different careers he wanted to pursue. At first, he thought of being a pilot, an architect or an attorney. These occupations came first in his mind until one of his high school teachers told him that he should consider teaching. This statement changed his outlook on what he wanted to do and gave him the confidence to chase a career in education. 

When referring to that conversation he describes it as pretty powerful. “I never had somebody say, hey, you could do this,” he says. 

With that inner belief in hand he set off to Union College to pursue the new career that had risen to the forefront of his mind. Near the end of his time at Union he did something that would seem unthinkable to many: he worked two jobs while finishing his education. In the morning, he would go up to Shenendehowa High School to teach before heading to Union to write his papers, as he was still a student, and then after all that he would go to sell cars. This incredibly busy schedule highlights the sacrifices he made to get him to where he stands. 

Diving deeper into the inner workings of his teaching style, it came to fruition that he wishes he could teach the current topics in more detail since that would be what is most affecting the students he teaches. Unfortunately due to the curriculum of the U.S. History, AP, and Regents courses, the more current topics aren’t as prevalent. 

During his time at Colonie he became involved with Student Senate. Every year the club members go to a leadership conference where they get to talk with other schools’ representatives from their own Student Senate. He explains that he used other school’s ideas such as the structure of Shen’s Student Senate and implemented it into the one at Colonie. He doesn’t just stop at reshaping the structure, Mr. Shafer also helps put together floor hockey and dodgeball tournaments along with student speak outs, activities that Student Senate organizes. 

Over the years he has had eye opening interactions with students during class that makes this the optimal job for him. In addition to having side conversations in class, students will come back to talk to him about what’s going on in their lives. As he leaned back into his chair thinking about all the students he’s had, it pointed him toward what makes teaching great. 

“I like hanging out with the students and just engaging, having those side conversations. That's the best part,” he said. 

Some students may find that history in general can be a boring subject to learn about; however, in any class taught by this captivating social studies teacher everyone knows it’s anything but boring. The energy level he brings to class everyday fits his personality greatly and helps his students stay engaged. 

“If your energy levels up, if you're excited to be there, it works with the student's… they appreciate what you're doing,” he said.  

Any class that Mr. Shafer teaches, no matter the subject, has a positive atmosphere, as keeping an amicable relationship with his students has been something that he strives for. This cheerfulness can’t be more apparent as I talked with him after school; a smile came across his face numerous times before answering questions about his students.  

Junior Sam Cruz explained how the way AP U.S History is run made it easier for him to feel comfortable in a new environment since he didn't take AP World last year. 

“He’s very welcoming, he made me feel like I belong in that type of class,” Cruz said. 

With creating a light atmosphere during class Mr. Shafer also prepares his students for their future. He explained during the interview that he wants people to figure out their work and how they study the best on their own, as that will be expected of them in college. 

One of his AP U.S. History students, Ryan Rosenberger appreciates Mr. Shafer preparing his students for college. 

“I like how he's more hands off; it’s him not guiding us through, but us trying to figure out what to do,” Rosenberger said. 

As he prepares his students one final time for their AP and Regents exams his future is on his mind. Traveling the world with his wife is something he is excited to do. Something that might surprise people is that he also plans on coming back to be a substitute teacher. Since he loves teaching so much he can’t leave the classroom forever; it’s a part of him. 

“It's a little surreal. I never really thought about that when I went into teaching, but now looking back, it's crazy that I've been able to stay in one place for 30 years,” he said smiling. 

His final day at Colonie High School is two months away, and on that day, the high school will lose one of its most outgoing and approachable teachers. It is sad he will be gone; however, any student that has encountered him is better because of it.