Student Spotlight: Woody West
After two decades in the transportation industry, Woody West made a life-changing career move to pursue his passion for education and pursue a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Anne's College.
After spending 20 years working in the transportation industry, Woody West decided to make a major career change. He left his career to return to the community where he grew up and become a middle school history teacher.
Born and raised in Hilliard, Florida, West now teaches at his local 6-12 school, where he is also involved outside of the classroom as a soccer and football coach.
“Five years ago, I walked away from a successful 20-year career in the transportation industry and a six-figure salary to follow a deeper calling,” West said. “I wanted to serve the community that raised me.”
While teaching and coaching full-time, West is also pursuing his M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction online through Florida State University’s Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
West originally came from a business background, but after changing careers, he wanted to learn more about education and find ways to become a better teacher for his students.
“I knew I needed a better understanding of education, so I wanted to pursue my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction to be a better teacher,” West said.
For West, choosing Florida State was an easy decision. He grew up as a lifelong Seminole fan thanks to legendary FSU football coach Bobby Bowden. Although he completed his bachelor’s degree closer to home, he knew he wanted to attend FSU when it was time to pursue his master’s degree.
“FSU and Anne’s College was the obvious choice for me,” West said.
One of his favorite parts of the program so far has been gaining knowledge that he can take from his courses and apply directly to his classroom.
In addition to teaching, coaching, and working toward his master’s degree, West is also a published author. His book The Glowing Tablet combines the sixth-grade World History curriculum with a time-travel story. The book focuses on young students dealing with stress and change while showing that obstacles can be overcome.
His second book, The Smell of Money, was inspired by his love for local Fernandina history and the blue-collar values he learned from his father. The story focuses on preserving the character of Old Florida as communities experience rapid development.
West uses proceeds from his book sales to support the athletic teams he coaches and give back to Seminole Boosters.
For West, all of these experiences connect back to his goal of continuing to learn, becoming the best teacher he can be and leaving a positive impact on his community.
“True success isn’t measured by what you accumulate, but by how much better off people and places are because you were there,” West said. “If my books, work with students, work with athletes, and stories leave that kind of mark, I consider myself fortunate.”