By Elianna Novitch

Happy “Where Do You Work?” Wednesday, Hawkeyes! This week meet alumna Claire Honsey (B.A. ’18 Elementary Education with endorsements in K-6 Reading and Math).

Originally from Davenport, Iowa, Honsey works as a fourth-grade teacher at South Prairie Elementary in Grimes, Iowa where she just completed her first year of teaching.

Honsey has worked at South Prairie Elementary for two years, where she student taught in the fall of 2018 and finished the year as a substitute teacher at the school.

I love the relationships I am able to make with my students,” Honsey says. “Seeing my students succeed is one of the most rewarding feelings. I also have the best teammates and couldn't imagine going to work every day without them.”

Honsey is currently working on her master’s degree as part of the Master of Arts in Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency (MATLCC) program at the University of Iowa College of Education, which is a completely online program.

Honsey says she knew she wanted to pursue a master’s degree and as she began her first year of teaching, she decided to enroll in a master’s program before she was out of “student mode”.

"I looked at many programs, but ultimately chose the MATLCC program through the College of Education because I loved the flexibility of being online, since I work in Grimes,” Honsey says. “Seeing familiar staff faces was a big plus, and I loved all the areas and content we were going to be exposed to in this program.”

Honsey is hopeful that the MATLCC degree will help her be a better prepared, informed, and educated teacher.

“We cover so many topics in this program that I am confident that my teaching will not only improve in academic areas, but I will become a better advocate for my students and the community in which I work,” Honsey says. “I also hope to be able to bring new and exciting tools and teaching practices to my classroom.”

Honsey says the College of Education helped her find her passion.

They provided me with so many resources, mentors, forever friends, and pushed me to be the best educator I can be,” Honsey says. “I have such a great support system and felt fully confident and prepared to step into the classroom this past fall. I can't thank the University of Iowa enough.”

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.