New business teacher Jeff Clare said he’s excited to fulfill his 15-year-long dream of teaching by stepping foot into the business department.

Clare transitioned from co-teacher to teacher, taking over former business teacher Andrea Livick’s classes at the end of the semester.

“I had my own consulting business for a number of years,” Clare said. “So when I was doing all that stuff, I wasn’t really excited. At some point, I decided I want to change.”

He said the COVID-19 pandemic inspired him to help out his community by teaching.

“An opportunity came up again because we hit this unbelievable health crisis where there’s a real need for teachers,” Clare said. “This was an opportunity for me to do something for not only students to try to help them, but for the community in general.”

Clare first met Livick at an interview for a career switcher program to become a teacher.

A few weeks later, Clare got a phone call from Livick asking if he would be interested in replacing her in the middle of the year.

“I’m excited about it, it’s kind of the basics of business.” Clare said. “It’s pulling it all together. I am comfortable with the work. It’s just a matter of putting it in a way that people are going to get it right away.”

Although he said he is overwhelmed with getting to know everyone, Clare also said he is excited to begin his teaching career and wants his students to feel free to talk to him.