Teachers Inspiring Teachers: Graduate Takes Career Inspiration From Parents

Beckett Bodell is a Meridian native who will be graduating in May 2024 from the Idaho State University College of Education with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with endorsements in natural science and biology. Bodell is a determined student who credits his parents and his love for learning as inspiration for choosing the path of education as a future career.

“Both of my parents are teachers,” Bodell shared. “So, growing up in that environment, seeing not just teaching in the classroom but what it’s like to have teachers for parents, that was a really big reason for me wanting to be a teacher.”

Originally starting at Idaho State in Fall 2020 as a pre-med student, Bodell realized that the lifestyle of a medical student wasn’t suited for him. Instead, he recognized his love for science and teaching and pivoted, choosing to do something different with his science and biology credits.

When it came to his experience in the secondary education program, Bodell said that his courses were very flexible and allowed him to complete the course in a way that was preferable for his schedule. “I’m here in Meridian this semester,” Bodell said. “So, I wouldn’t be able to be here with my family if it was only an in-person class for student teaching.” Bodell credits the secondary education program with being very accessible and his professors for always being willing to communicate and work with him.

Throughout his time in the secondary education program, Bodell got the chance to participate in impactful, exciting undergraduate research with Dr. Cory A. Bennett, Professor and Chair of the College of Education’s Teaching and Educational Studies Department. Bodell’s research consisted of testing educational frameworks and their effectiveness for students within the grant-funded program, Remote and Equitable Access to Learning STEM (R.E.AL. STEM). This online program is free and focuses on developing online science lessons for upper elementary-age students to make science education more accessible in rural areas.

When asked how the secondary education program prepared him for a future in teaching, Bodell shared, “My program at Idaho State University prepared me very very well. Compared to a lot of other schools, ISU does a really good job of breaking the program down into achievable stages.” Bodell’s student teaching, which wrapped up at the beginning of April, prepared him greatly for what to expect when teaching and working with students in the classroom. He is excited to graduate and is looking forward to having a rewarding teaching career in the future.

With a growing need for science teachers in Idaho, Bodell also referred to his endorsement in natural science as a golden ticket, since, paired with his teaching diploma, it will allow him to teach a wide variety of subjects in high schools around the state. When it comes to his science subjects, Bodell said that his current favorites are earth science and physics. “As a student teacher, I did physics and astronomy; both are pretty good.”

When asked if he had any advice for students coming into the program, Bodell said, “Make sure you explore all that your placements have to offer and make the most of your field experience.”

The secondary education program at the College of Education prepares educators for a successful, versatile career teaching students of various age ranges and educational abilities. It is a great program with many opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in teaching.

To learn more about the secondary education program at the College of Education, please visit isu.edu/tes.