By Elianna Novitch

It’s our favorite day of the week, “Where Do You Work?” Wednesday! This week we are excited to introduce alumna Mandi Felan (BA ’19 in Elementary Education with a K-8 reading endorsement).

Originally from Independence, Iowa, Felan is in her first year of working as a fourth-grade teacher at Harding Elementary in Mason City, Iowa. She also taught second grade summer school in her hometown before starting her full-time teaching position.

Felan loves having the opportunity to pass on her love for learning as a teacher.

“What I love most about being a teacher is the opportunity to pass on my love of learning to my students by making my lessons engaging and fun,” Felan says. “I’ve also enjoyed seeing how much my students have changed and developed academically and socially as the school year progresses, which fuels me to continue to push myself to be the best teacher I can be.”

Felan says that the University of Iowa College of Education helped her get to where she is today by providing her with a variety of experiences in all of the core subjects as well as a well-rounded teacher education program.

“I felt so prepared as I took on my first year in my own classroom, and I can’t thank some of my closest professors enough for the experiences they gave me that led to my confidence while teaching,” Felan says.

Felan’s advice to anyone currently in the Teacher Education Program would be to take advantage of all of their practicum and student teaching experiences.

“As my teacher idol, Miss Frizzle, from The Magic School Bus says, ‘Take Chances, Get Messy, Make Mistakes!’” Felan says. “Teaching is all about learning – from your students, coworkers, mentors, and coaches. They are all there to help you be successful, so never be afraid to lean on them and ask for their help when you need it.”

Want to be the next “Where Do You Work Wednesday” or nominate someone? Message us on Facebook, tag us with #HawkeyeTeachers, or email us at educationatiowa@uiowa.edu.