Troy Shaffer
618-917-5577 ~ 18 Legacy Drive, Granite City, IL 62040 ~ troy.shaffer74@gmail.com
Education
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) – Edwardsville, IL
- Bachelor in English Education
- Expected Graduation: 2028
- Preparing for a career teaching English at the secondary level.
- Coursework focused on English literature, writing, language, education, instructional methods, and teaching practice.
Scholarships
- CODES Scholarship at SIUE
- Community Oriented Digital Engagement Scholar
- Competitive full ride scholarship
- Participated in a two-year collaborative research project in partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden.
- Worked with a student research team to investigate Indigenous knowledge and its representation within the Missouri Botanical Garden.
- Researched connections among Indigenous knowledge, plants, archives, and institutional practices.
- Collaborated with a group to develop an Indigenous Knowledge Tour highlighting Indigenous perspectives and knowledge.
- Developed skills in research, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and community engagement.
Teaching Experience
- Alton High School – Alton, IL
- English Education Observer
- August – December 2026
- Observe high school English instruction and classroom management strategies.
- Gain firsthand experience with the daily responsibilities and expectations of a secondary English teacher.
- Observe methods for engaging students with reading, writing, speaking, and discussion.
- Assist with classroom activities and student learning when appropriate.
- Connect teaching strategies and methods learned through SIUE coursework to a high school classroom environment.
- Reflect on student engagement, classroom management, and instructional practices.
- August – December 2026
Professional Experience
- Crazy Bowls and Wraps – Edwardsville, IL
- Cashier/Shift Lead – October 2021 – August 2024
- Manager – January 2026 – Present
- Lead employees during shifts in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
- Delegate responsibilities and communicate expectations to team members.
- Train new employees in workplace procedures and responsibilities.
- Assist with resolving customer concerns and maintaining a positive customer experience.
- Help maintain an organized and productive workplace.
- Balance multiple responsibilities while demonstrating leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Panera Bread – Edwardsville, IL
- Cashier/Barista – May 2021 – September 2021
- Provided friendly and efficient customer service in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
- Operated the register and accurately handled customer transactions.
- Prepared coffee and other beverages according to workplace standards.
- Communicated and collaborated with coworkers to complete daily operations.
- Maintained a clean and organized front-of-house and beverage area.
- Cashier/Barista – May 2021 – September 2021
Skills
- Leadership and team management
- Written and verbal communication
- Research and academic writing
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Public speaking and presentations
- Customer service
- Organization and time management
- Problem-solving
- Critical Reading & Analysis