Dr. David Shaffer is an early member of Korea TESOL and a long-term resident of Gwangju, where his career has been as a professor on the English Department Faculty at Chosun University. He holds a PhD in Linguistics (theoretical) but has done much of his recent research in applied linguistics and SLA, and in TESOL, in which he holds advanced certificates. In addition to research papers, Dr. Shaffer’s writings include books and articles on English teaching and learning as well as Korean language, culture, and poetry. Over the years, Dr. Shaffer has served as KOTESOL National Treasurer and on a number of National Committees including the Publications Committee, where he has held numerous editorial positions since 2001. In addition to his Committee Chair position, he is an editor-in-chief of the KOTESOL Proceedings and associate editor of the Korea TESOL Journal. He serves as KOTESOL First Vice-President and Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter Vice-President. Dr. Shaffer is also active in numerous other ELT organizations, especially ALAK and Asia TEFL. He has recently assumed the position of editor-in-chief of the monthly Gwangju News magazine. Complementing his KOTESOL service awards, Dr. Shaffer has recently been conferred the Republic of Korea’s Order of Merit for Service.
