ISU Alumna Returns to Teach at Her Childhood School in Gooding

After earning her degree from Idaho State University, Susana Fernández has come full circle, returning to her hometown of Gooding, Idaho, to teach sixth grade social studies at Gooding Middle School, the very school she once attended as a child. For Fernández, teaching in her old school is meaningful.

“I have traveled to many places both near and far, but nowhere has ever compared to my hometown of Gooding, ID,” Fernández said. “Being able to come back and teach in the very same school I went to as a child has brought me an immense sense of community and nostalgia of my adolescence. Being able to teach alongside my peers, some of which were my past teachers, and give back to the community that gave to me is beyond rewarding.”

Fun fact: The classroom that Fernández currently teaches in was her old 5th grade classroom.

One of her favorite memories as a student was participating in the school’s annual World Fair, an event where sixth and seventh graders present projects to the community. Now, as a teacher, she takes pride in carrying on that tradition with her students.

At ISU, Fernández says she gained a broader perspective on the world, something she now brings into her classroom.

“In my time at ISU, I got to become a citizen of the world through my education, as well as become well versed in our ever changing global environment,” she said.

Fernández served as President of the International Affairs Council for two years, gaining what she described as “once in a lifetime experiences” that she now carries into her teaching.

“With all of this, I felt prepared to share my passion and knowledge of everything global to my students in our rural community," she said. 

Community remains at the heart of her work.

“To me, community is the feeling of interconnectedness and belonging,” she said. “The sense of community I have while giving back to my actual community is beyond rewarding and comforting as a recent college graduate.”

One of the things she cherishes most about her hometown is its close-knit nature. “You know everyone, and it offers a great way of life no matter what age you are,” she said.

Teaching sixth grade social studies has given Fernández the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with her students. “

What I enjoy most about teaching is building relationships with all of my students and their unique personalities,” she said. “It is because of the students that I enjoy coming to work every day.”

Her students, in turn, have taught her valuable lessons. “My students have taught me patience, kindness, and that it is okay to laugh at yourself sometimes,” she said. “Being a new teacher, I have made some mistakes through the year. My students have been with me every step of the way this year and I couldn’t be more grateful for them.”

Looking ahead, Fernández hopes to continue growing as an educator and to inspire her students to stay curious about the world around them.

“My hope for my students is to see that they change the world with their presence [and] skills,” she said. “My hope for my career is to get better with each passing year.”

To students considering a career in education or thinking about returning to their hometowns, Fernández offers heartfelt advice: “Give it your all and go for it. The joys of teaching will far outweigh the challenges you may face along the way. Returning to my hometown was a no brainer for me. My advice is to go where your heart leads you to, and you won’t be disappointed.”