Clipboard and pen in hand, science teacher Mr. Jason Shackelford, also known as Coach Shack, prepares to instruct a student at Mansfield Driving Academy. Although he taught high school classes for eight hours earlier that day, he stays motivated to provide his students with his full attention to help them succeed.
“I had to have a job where my schedule could be flexible,” Mr. Shackelford said. “Being able to make my schedule [for driving school] helps me to be able to attend my children’s events.”
After three years of experience as a driving instructor who works almost 50 hours a week, Mr. Shackelford finds the balance between high school and driving school.
“It can be difficult,” Mr. Shackelford said. “I have to continue to schedule, prioritize what is important and keep going despite what difficulties I may encounter.”
Although Mr. Shackelford plans to maintain this balance, he often feels the burden of stress on the job.
“Teaching is difficult in general because we have to be kind of everything at once,” Mr. Shackelford said. “The stress level of driving with students who don’t know how to drive yet is also difficult.”
Stress may remain a component of Mr. Shackelford’s daily routine, but the benefits from working greatly outweigh the drawbacks.
“Working at the driving school is kind of cool because I get to meet kids that I would never get to meet,” Mr. Shackelford said. “You get to have really cool conversations with kids that are from all different places.”
Despite his busy lifestyle, Mr. Shackelford finds his passion in teaching and plans to continue maintaining his double life.
“I will probably continue both jobs until my children graduate from high school in about four years,” Mr. Shackelford said. “Although I like both teaching jobs, I can retire from the driving job if needed.”
Instructing at Mansfield Driving Academy as well, chemistry teacher Mr. John Sudbury relates to Mr. Shackelford as he balances the double-life of teaching. After Mansfield ISD’s driver’s education program came to a stop in 2008, Mr. Sudbury began working at the brand new Mansfield Driving Academy after its opening in 2009.
“I originally [began working] to pay for my Master’s degree, but it is another way to teach kids and help them to get better at something,” Mr. Sudbury said. “[Driving] is a real-life skill.”
After about 16 years of working as a driving instructor, Mr. Sudbury plans to continue this second opportunity of work and use it for the better.
“This job takes time away from my family a little bit, but it also benefits us and allows us to do other things we would not have been able to do otherwise,” Mr. Sudbury said. “It is just a way to make different opportunities for my family.”
As various opportunities remain present for the Sudbury family, Mr. Sudbury maintains the balance of his work daily despite challenges.
“It is not too difficult to manage,” Mr. Sudbury said. “[Teaching at] Legacy is my priority, but I will continue to work at the driving school during the evenings, weekends and summers.”
While working hard to maintain stability, Mr. Sudbury considers the advantages he receives from taking on two jobs.
“I enjoy both jobs and get to help kids and work with fun people,” Mr. Sudbury said. “Whether teaching chemistry or driving, I’m trying to teach a life skill to my students.”
Despite any challenges that may intervene with the teachers’ busy lives, they both reflect on the positive aspects of teaching.
“Although it is difficult in general, I kind of think teaching is fun,” Mr. Shackelford said. “I will continue teaching until I don’t have to anymore, I just love the kids I get to meet.”
