Dr. David E. 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 more recent research in applied linguistics and SLA, as well as 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 (2001-2009), First Vice-President (2015-17) and on a number of National Committees – International Conference, National Conference, Research, Membership, Intl. Outreach, Publicity, and on Publications, where he has held numerous editorial positions since 2001, including Publications Committee Chair (2013-17). At the chapter level, he presently serves as Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter vice-president. Dr. Shaffer is also active in numerous other ELT organizations, especially ALAK and Asia TEFL. He has assumed the position of editor-in-chief of the monthly Gwangju News magazine. Complementing his KOTESOL service awards, Dr. Shaffer has been conferred the Republic of Korea’s Order of Merit for Service.
