A lasting impression: Meet inspiring teacher, Clint Inman

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It’s safe to say that we have all experienced at least one inspirational teacher who helped us to understand their subject more and taught us to become a better person. The best teachers pass on this burning enthusiasm to their students, inspiring students to view the subject through refreshed lenses and to see things from a different perspective. Some inspired students have even gone on to become teachers, which is the case for one of David Emanuel Academy’s most encouraging educators, Clint Inman.

“The profession actually chose me!” Inman explained, “I was working towards my CPA license and received a phone call from a school asking if I was interested in coaching…the rest as they say, is history.”

After graduating from Valdosta State University with a degree in Accounting and Finance, Inman began his teaching career in 1998.

“I have taught and coached at schools in Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama. I have held a myriad of positions in education including Chief Financial Officer, Director of Operations, and Athletic Director. I have also taught over twenty different courses, with mathematics holding the majority and have coached most of the sports a school can offer.” Said Inman.

Currently, Inman serves as the Athletic Director at David Emanuel Academy and teaches upper-level math and physical education courses.

“I have been teaching at David Emanuel for eight years and have been very fortunate during my tenure here to be recognized by my peers and by the community.” He explained, “As I tell each of my students and athletes, ‘VISA is in the credit business, not me’ David Emanuel is what I call ‘fertile soil’, it is easy to come to work each day and work with good people, good families, and good students… any recognition I have received is a direct reflection of the people that surround me.”

When asked what he loves most about DEA, Inman said:

“The thing that has stood out to me about David Emanuel is the number of GREAT fathers that I have been fortunate to work with. I could provide a long list, but I would inevitably leave out some deserving dads! I have spoken this sentiment at athletic banquets numerous times. A great father makes a huge difference in a child’s life - it sets them apart and gives the child such an advantage.”

In addition to coaching and teaching, Inman’s passions include reading and making his way to the beach whenever possible. However, he stated that he truly enjoys his job and even shared that some of his most peaceful moments are found on Saturday and Sunday mornings when everyone is home for the weekend, and he gets to sit quietly in his office and work.

“I have had a great career and have been truly fortunate to work in education. David Emanuel Academy has been a blessing to me. I want to extend my gratitude to all the families of David Emanuel and the adjoining communities that make up David Emanuel. I am honored and sincerely grateful to have been recognized by The Forest Blade.” He concluded with a smile.

Now that you’ve met Coach Inman and read his story, read his Q/A’s below to further understand his incredible values of teaching and how he’s changing and inspiring young lives in our community. Interview conducted by Brittany Hall.

Do you feel that each of your students have left a lasting impression on you?

Inman: Oh, absolutely!!

What advice would you like to give to new or upcoming educators?

Inman: In education, learn to contextualize everything. These are two quotes I educate by:

“It is easy to make something hard, but it is hard to make something easy.” and, “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” [Maya Angelou]

Follow those and most days will go somewhat well! When a student comes to your class, he/she does not already know the material. When a player comes to practice, he/she does not already know how to do certain things. They are depending on you to teach them. As an educator or a coach, it is at this point that you have a choice to make. As an educator/coach, we already know and are versed in the material. It is our job to impart our knowledge to the students and players through whatever methodology is necessary.

How does it make you feel to see the success that many of your previous students have become?

Inman: “Extremely proud! The essence of education is to prepare students for the future –you truly hope that you did your very best for each student.”

If you could tell your past students or future students one thing that you hope will stick with them all throughout life, what would that be?

Inman: “NEVER allow someone to make you question your faith NOR damage your soul! Work! Work! Work! Be a great husband or wife and most importantly be a GREAT parent.”

What’s a favorite memory or some of your favorite memories that you have from your time as an educator?

Inman: “During my tenure in education, the things that stand out to me or that are most memorable to me, are the times that we, as the collective, were able to look past the games and the day to day activities and see what was really important. I can vividly remember 9/11. How collectively as a community and communities we all united. I remember coaching in a football game that week and as pregame activities were underway, both sets of cheerleaders disappeared. They both reappeared with a banner of the American flag both teams had just painted together. Both football teams ran through the banner simultaneously and everyone in attendance grasped the gravity of the moment. We all remember the pandemic. I remember the outpouring of everyone associated with David Emanuel. How we all did everything possible to reopen and protect students and athletes at every turn. With looming uncertainty, I remember how we all worked in concert to have class, serve lunch, transport students, etc… I remember the first softball and football games during the pandemic, how everyone understood and saw the bigger picture. The masks, the temperature scans, the social distancing, the in-game protocols —we all did these things without complaint—just so the students had the opportunity to play at least one more time and their families and friends had the opportunity to watch them at least one more time.”

Clint Inman was nominated as March’s phenomenal local teacher for Durden Banking Company’s monthly Teacher Spotlight column. Once a month, a teacher is selected to honor the inspiration that they are to the youth of our community.

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires” – William A. Ward