NW Missouri Times

Noah Iwig never anticipated a career in teaching until he explored Northwest Missouri State University’s teacher preparation program. This fall, Iwig will commence his role as a special education teacher in the United Community School District in Boone County, Iowa. A native of Urbandale, Iowa, Iwig graduated from Northwest in April with bachelor’s degrees.

“The whole Northwest slogan of ‘Bearcats Connect’ – it’s true, 100 percent,” Iwig said. “I sat down my very first week in PD (professional development) at the district I’ve been student teaching at, and I was actually able to understand what I learned and see it come to life.”

Iwig cited several reasons for choosing Northwest, including the personal attention offered by faculty and staff. Initially considering a degree in agriculture to follow his father’s footsteps, he shifted interest towards education after discussions with friends.

As he gained teaching experience, Iwig discovered his passion for working with students and added a special education major influenced by his personal experiences with a cousin who has disabilities.

Iwig credits Northwest’s profession-based learning opportunities for preparing him for the challenges and rewards of public school and special education settings. He honed his skills under the mentorship of Dr. Tamara Lynn and Dr. Shantel Farnan within the School of Education.

“I had Dr. (Tamara) Lynn and Dr. (Shantel) Farnan for my special ed professors, and they really helped me get ready,” he said. “They showed me the ropes and were like, ‘Here’s what you’re gonna do.’ The whole ed department, they’ve had my back; they’ve had every student’s back. It is a family in Brown Hall.”

Outside coursework, Iwig served as a residential assistant for two years and participated in activities with the Christian Campus House and the Northwest Fishing Club. He also co-chaired membership for the Northwest Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children.

“It helped me feel included,” Iwig said about his campus involvement during COVID-19 restrictions. “Having all the organizations and the University being flexible with us was huge.”

Over the past year, Iwig completed student teaching assignments within various educational settings at Ankeny Community School District in Iowa.

“I'm excited to start my own classroom and start my own traditions and everything,” he said about his future endeavors while reflecting positively on his time at Northwest.