Alumni Spotlights
Scott Morton '07
Employer
Navigator DA / Driving Instructor
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
After earning my degree in education (language arts, K-8), I
worked in a handful of schools but failed to find a long-term,
full-time teaching position. Just before the end of the school year,
in 2017 I looked into teaching driver education during the summer.
Oddly enough, my experience in teaching and possibly my “courage in
stressful situations” (8 years in the US Navy) I determined that there
was less stress behind the wheel of a car with a teenager than on the
front lines in a classroom. A couple of years later, I let my
professional teaching certificate expire and continued to teach teens
how to drive full-time. Best thing that ever happened to me. I pretty
much make my own schedule, get raises I didn’t ask for and am
appreciated and valued. What more can one ask for?
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
Studying in the old library with classmates right before finals!
The comradery, sharing of ideas, strategies, stories and knowledge
made my last year at Grand Valley State my favorite. As a
non-traditional student, I look back at my years pursuing my BA as a
couple of the best years of my life. Higher education, the second time
around is something that can never be taken from me and an
accomplishment that makes me, me.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Marry her (my wife), follow your heart and don’t be afraid to be
you. Oh. That’s three.
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Stimulating, invigorating and challenging.
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I’m making a difference right now teaching driver education that
still makes a huge difference in peoples lives. That is until
self-driving vehicles are feasible and virtual learning is more
effective than in-person learning.
October 2022
Interest Area(s)
Education
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