Faculty

Jordan Clark

Instructor of Teacher Education

Jordan Clark

“I have a great passion for teaching. It is a joy working with the next generation of teachers at my alma mater (class of 2012) through authentic, hands-on teaching experiences alongside the study and discussion of critical issues in education today. Life-long learning is a key ingredient to being an effective and inspiring educator. My students research, discuss, debate, and analyze instructional practices that prepare them to be knowledgeable, meaningful teachers in our schools.”

Education

  • M.Ed. in Spanish Language and Culture for Educators, James Madison University, 2019
  • M.A.T. in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language, University of Salamanca, 2019
  • B.A. cum laude in Spanish and minor in Political Science, Southern Virginia University, 2012

Courses

  • Foundations of Education and Practicum, Teaching the Exceptional Learner and Practicum, Methods for Middle & Secondary Education and Practicum, Directed Teaching Seminar: PreK-12, Spanish I & II
  • SVU 101: Becoming a Knight
  • Spanish III

Teaching Positions & Professional Experience

  • Adjunct Instructor of Spanish – Virginia Military Institute, January 2025–present
  • Joined the Southern Virginia University faculty in 2020
  • Visiting Professor of Education, Washington and Lee University, 2020–present
  • Gifted Education Coordinator, Lexington City Schools, Lexington, Va., 2015–20
  • Spanish Teacher, Lylburn Downing Middle School, Lexington, Va., 2013–20
  • Athletic Tutor–Spanish, Virginia Military Institute, 2012–15

Scholarship & Creative Work

  • Presented original research entitled “Motivation of Heritage Language Learners in the L2 Classroom” at the National Symposium on Spanish as a Heritage Language, 2020

Awards, Leadership & Service

  • Chair of the Curriculum Committee, August 2024–present
  • Chair of the Teaching Excellence Committee, August 2022–2024
  • Committee Member of Teaching Excellence Committee, August 2021–2024
  • Steering Committee Member, Rockbridge Teacher Education Consortium (RTEC), Southern Virginia University, 2020–present
  • Advisor to teacher candidates in Teacher Education Program, Southern Virginia University, 2020–present
  • Served on the Principal Search Committee for Lylburn Downing Middle School, 2019
  • School Board recognition from Lexington City Schools for professional development and accomplishments, 2019
  • School Board recognition from Lexington City Schools for contributions to improving the district’s gifted education program, 2016
  • Member of the Gifted Advisory Committee, Lexington City Schools, 2015–20
  • Secretary of the Student Service Council, Southern Virginia University, 2012
  • Vice President of the Spanish Club, Southern Virginia University, 2010
  • Missionary in the Peru Lima South Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2006–08

Memberships

  • Sigma Delta Pi
  • American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP)
  • Virginia Association for the Gifted
  • Virginia Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators (VACTE)