When the final bell rings this school year, Upper School World Languages Teacher Sidy Ndiaye will close the book on his teaching career, leaving behind a legacy of community building and culture.

     Ndiaye has 33 years of teaching experience, the last ten of which have been at Shorecrest. He first found his passion for teaching in his home country of Senegal.

     “As a teacher in Senegal, I have helped a lot of students succeed in life, so getting a job in one of the best schools in Florida can be considered the most rewarding part of my teaching career,” Ndiaye said.

    As his career comes to an end, Ndiaye said he feels relieved, fulfilled and happy. While he reflects on his journey, one moment in particular stands out.

     “When I got my U.S. citizenship, I came to school to teach. I found my classroom decorated by my students,” Ndiaye said. “The hallway had an American flag with red, white and blue balloons. The administration had a cake for me. I received many congratulations from the whole community. This day was my best day in America.”

     Ndiaye waited in Senegal for 15 years to get legal status in the United States. 

     “A piece of advice to all Chargers is to dream big, set goals and fight for them. Nothing is impossible in life if one believes in it,” he said.

     Before coming to the United States, Ndiaye taught high school in Senegal for 23 years. In Senegal, the class size was much larger, and the school schedule was very different. Ndiaye made the most of the differences, however, when he began teaching in the United States.

     “Together, my students learn and have fun. They are so supportive and motivated. They also have learned to be tolerant and understand cultural differences and are ready to work with people from different backgrounds,” he said.

     Upon Ndiaye’s arrival in Florida, the Shorecrest community rented an apartment for him and fully furnished it. He still lives there and said he doesn’t want to move out. But, Ndiaye’s professional life has been changing, as he has been planning to retire in 2026 since last year.

     “During retirement I will travel the world, and I will spend the majority of my time in Senegal to reconnect with family and friends. I am also going to commit myself to doing community service,” he said.

     Ndiaye said he is proud of all he has accomplished in his time at Shorecrest and hopes the next French teacher is also able to connect with students and help them grow.  

     “What makes Sidy unique is that he has strong energy while he teaches, which makes me engaged while I’m learning,” freshman French student Elena Bilanovic said.

     Bilanovic described Ndiaye as funny, energetic and silly. In his class, she said she feels comfortable being herself, which helps him forge a strong bond with French students.

     “Sidy creates an environment in the classroom where I feel comfortable making mistakes,” Bilanovic said.

        Ndiaye has left a lasting impact on many of his students. Junior Isabella Jank has been taking his French classes for the past three years. 

     “He’s been such a great mentor for me, and we’ve made such a great connection over the years,” Jank said. “So it’s sad to see him go.”

      Ndiaye has helped his students further their learning by teaching them complex vocabulary and correct pronunciation, as well as immersing them in French culture.

     “My favorite thing about his class is the community that he builds around it,” Jank said.

     Freshman Thomas Scully, new to Ndiaye’s class this year, expressed a great deal of gratitude toward him.

     “He is very kind and funny, and you can tell through his teaching that he definitely cares a lot about his students,” Scully said.

     A classroom environment full of laughter and kindness seems to be a pattern in Ndiaye’s teaching. 

     “Sidy is unique compared to other teachers because he grows our confidence beyond academics and supports our growth,” Scully said.