In the late 1950s, when Alan was just eight years old, he had the opportunity to attend a Billy Graham Crusade. Since that time he has known two things: that he would serve the One True God and that he would become a teacher. 

When Alan grew up, he earned undergraduate degrees in elementary education and secondary social studies, with minors in music and physical education. He also went on to hold a Masters Degree in Special Education with special emphasis and later experience in LD (learning disabilities), ID (intellectual disabilities), ASD (autism spectrum disabilities), DD (developmental disabilities), EBD (emotional and behavioral disabilities) and VOC (vocational education with an emphasis on disabilities). He was privileged to get in on the ground floor of mainstreaming special needs persons in vocational endeavors back in the 1970s and has been given numerous awards and citations in FL, MN, and ND for starting and following through these programs.    

Alan just completed his 45th year of teaching. Over the last four decades, he’s taught kindergarten through college-age adults in social sciences, physical sciences, language, literature, physical education, and athletics. Now Alan brings his wealth of training and experience to the teaching staff at SJA. God’s calling on his life remains strong, and his two original desires, birthed over 60 years ago, still burn bright. 

One of Alan’s key life verses is Galatians 5:22-23 where Paul lists the fruits of the Spirit, which are to set Christians apart in their day-to-day life and work. Alan believes that all Christians must share their faith and that those living in American culture must pass on true Christianity, rooted in John 3:16.                                                                             

Alan and his wife, Sandy, are involved in missions ministry, children ministries, bible studies, Grief Share, seniors ministries, and wherever other needs are found. Having both lost their original spouses, the Shaws now have a large, blended family and are blessed with many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

The Shaws attend New Life Christian Church.