Meet David Stringer, A Distinguished Educator

David Stringer has maintained high standards of instructional excellence throughout his 24 years at De Anza College. Students flock to his courses, confident that they will learn essential business skills and content in a setting that is challenging, supportive and enjoyable. Even large classes are lively with a high participation rate by students.

"His humor can be extremely droll but the student groans are held to a minimum. David brings a creativity to classroom activities that allows students opportunities for practical application of the concepts they learn," said Judy Miner, vice president of Instruction. David has used marketing simulation games, group work, hybrid instruction, and CPS to cultivate and sustain student achievement.

CPS (Classroom Performance System) is a computer-based system that enables instructors to collect immediate feedback from their students using remote control devices ("clickers") and a portable receiver. The instructor presents a question to students who respond by pushing one of several buttons on their clicker. The software immediately tallies the responses and presents the results in a summary format.

"I am using more technology in my classes today. My colleague Jack Lynch and I began using CPS technology in our classes last year. Students bring their clickers to class every day, and within less than 10 seconds they click in for attendance. I also use the clickers for testing purposes," David said. "The students love it because they get immediate feedback on how well they did on each exam. Another positive feature of CPS clickers is that students, who might otherwise be shy, lose this fear when they are able to participate in class discussions using their clickers."

Letha Jeanpierre, dean of the Business and Computer Systems Division, knows how dedicated David is to the use of technology in his classroom. "It took hundreds of hours to iron out the bugs, but Dave never lost his determination and sense of humor in the process," she said. "David is a constant student of teaching and learning. He is always making changes in his classroom methods in order to reach the diverse student population. He is not afraid to push the envelope in order to keep his courses fresh."

David said he became a teacher because he enjoys helping people reach their full potential in life. "While attending college, I had several teachers who loved what they were doing, and this helped to confirm that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life," he said. "Richard Casey at San Jose City College was one of my biggest influences. He was dedicated to his profession, and it was obvious that he loved to teach and see students learn the subject matter. I learned more about marketing from his class than any other marketing instructor I had during my college and university years."

It's not only students who are the recipients of David's dedication to teaching. Fellow instructors benefit, too. "I'm amazed and impressed at how much time David takes in working with all the members of the Business Department in helping them to develop," said Jack Lynch. "David hired me as a part-time instructor about two years ago, and I was fortunate to make full-time status starting last January. He gives all of himself and whatever time is necessary to any issues anyone has. His coaching skills are the best I have ever seen. In coaching on any issue to any person he accomplishes that in a pleasing, supportive, professional manner."

"All feedback I have is that David is an exceptionally good teacher in the classroom," Jack added. "His professionally relaxed manner, excellent teaching skills, current and thorough business knowledge, and aggressive use of technology in the classroom make for an excellent learning environment for the students."

Dan Salah, another business instructor, agrees. "I can't tell you how many times I've had students tell me what a wonderful instructor he is, or how much they learned from his class, or that he really motivated them," Dan said. "I can also say that Dave has been a model department chair for many years, especially when it comes to mentoring and motivating new faculty."

David wants his students to have an insatiable desire to continue learning for the remainder of their lives. "Some of my teachers in college were so inspiring that I continue to this day to study the field of business and economics," he said. "One thing I try to do in my human relations class is to teach students how to motivate and work well with others in a business environment and in their personal lives as well."

"There is a story of a business executive who asked a teacher how much he made. The teacher responded by saying, ‘I make a difference.' And that is exactly what I want to accomplish in my teaching at De Anza College," David said. "I want to make a difference in the lives of my students."

David embodies the motto of De Anza's founding president A. Robert DeHart who challenged everyone to engage in constant, purposeful innovation. "David is constantly looking for ways to improve curriculum for the purpose of offering students a high quality education," Judy siad. "He bridges disciplines by working with faculty in Accounting and Computer Information Systems, thereby expanding the perspective and experience of his students. He continually assesses his classroom performance and the extent to which students are equipped to attain their educational and career objectives. He is truly a distinguished educator!"

David chose "How the Irish Saved Civilization" by Thomas Cahill as his award from Judy's stash of autographed books.