“The help and support from faculty and staff has been immeasurable.”
Name: Jennifer Crowl
Academic Program: Associate of Arts in Teaching-Elementary Education
What is your hometown? Cabool, MO (currently resides in Pomona, MO)
Why did you choose to attend Missouri State-West Plains?
I am a non-traditional student. I chose to attend MSU-WP because of the location and the option to complete my bachelor’s degree from the MSU-Springfield campus through the Missouri State Outreach Program at West Plains.
How would you describe your experience here?
My experience at MSU-WP has been phenomenal. I have received support from all faculty and staff as needed. I am gaining knowledge that directly applies to the teaching profession. I have had opportunities to network with other professionals in the field of education and am building friendships with peers.
What has been your favorite thing about Missouri State-West Plains?
My favorite thing about MSU-WP has been the small class sizes that have allowed extensive lab opportunities to apply what I have learned in activities that I can take directly to my classroom.
What has been your favorite course and why?
I don’t know if I can identify a favorite course. I love all the courses specifically related to education, as they have been loaded with information, strategies and lesson plans while allowing me to practice teaching, both in the college classroom and in area schools through practicum hours.
How have faculty and staff helped you during your time at Missouri State-West Plains?
The help and support from faculty and staff has been immeasurable. Advisors have been knowledgeable in the degree requirements, helping me to schedule courses each semester that apply directly to my degree while helping me work around my work and life schedule. The IT department has promptly helped me with any login issues. The counseling department has been a great addition to the campus, and I have utilized them to help me with some grief as I lost my mother last semester. The instructors have all been amazing to work with and communicate clear expectations and assignment due dates. All faculty in the outreach program have been diligent in making sure I have met all requirements for the Teacher Education Program and have worked with the Springfield office on my behalf anytime there was an issue on their side. The financial aid department has been easy to work with and keeps me posted on scholarship opportunities and application deadlines.
How did you choose your major?
I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I applied to MSU-WP. I have always wanted to teach but did not feel like a four-year degree was feasible while working full-time and raising a family. With online and hybrid classes, as well as a combination of eight-week and 16-week courses, I felt it was more achievable today than it was 20 years ago, and it was time to invest in myself. I am now at the point in my degree progress that most classes from here out will be in person at Gohn Hall, and all these courses are held in the evening.
What have you learned at Missouri State-West Plains that will help you succeed in your education, career or life?
Everything I have learned through the Education Department has been valuable to success in my future career. I have recently started working as a paraprofessional and am extremely thankful to have taken a course in Special Education prior to this position of employment. I am better prepared to support my students thanks to the knowledge I acquired in that class and employ that knowledge daily in my new job. I have learned how to make lesson plans, navigate through the Missouri Learning Standards, and have had numerous opportunities to practice teaching lessons to my classmates. I will be teaching lessons in an elementary classroom soon while fulfilling the required hours for my practicums.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to get a job as an elementary teacher, hopefully with Willow Springs School, where I work as a paraprofessional. I plan to continue my education through MSU-Springfield as I strive for my master’s degree and am considering continuing to earn a doctorate.