Morgan Panosh, an elementary education major with endorsements in reading and English language arts and a minor in Spanish, has made the most of her time at Iowa State, both in and out of the classroom. Originally from Altoona, Iowa, Panosh graduated in Spring 2026 after completing student teaching experiences in both Gilbert and West Des Moines.

Panosh’s interest in Iowa State began in high school, when her choir collaborated with the Iowa State Singers, giving her an early glimpse into campus life.

“I got to spend a couple of days on campus meeting students, and I just loved it,” she said, adding that each visit reinforced her decision. “It always felt comfortable. I liked that it wasn’t a big city but still had everything I needed. It just felt like an easy, natural fit.”

Panosh arrived with a clear goal of becoming an elementary school teacher, influenced in part by growing up with a father who worked as an elementary school principal. Early exposure to the profession, combined with hands-on opportunities in high school and community college coursework, confirmed her passion for teaching.

When choosing between Iowa State and other well-known teaching programs, she focused on one key factor: real classroom experience.

“Iowa State offers so many opportunities to be in the classroom starting your first year,” she said. “That was really important to me.”

Throughout her time in the School of Education, Panosh found that those hands-on experiences made all the difference. From practicum placements to tutoring struggling readers, she consistently worked directly with students.

“You do all this preparation, but the moment you actually sit down with a student and help them understand something, it makes everything feel worth it,” she explained. “That’s when you really start to feel confident in what you’re doing.”

Her final semester has been spent student teaching full-time, which she describes as both challenging and rewarding. Placements in both a smaller district and a larger metro school gave her insight into different classroom environments and student needs, while also strengthening her interest in middle school English.

After graduation, Panosh will participate in a two-year residency program with Salt Company, a campus ministry organization she has been involved with throughout college. In this role, she will focus on college ministry, including teaching, mentoring, and leading discussions. She sees clear connections between this work and her education training.

 “When you study education, you learn how to meet people where they’re at,” she said. “That translates into so many areas of life.”

While her immediate plans are outside a traditional K-12 classroom, she has not ruled out teaching in the future and is especially interested in public middle school settings.

“There’s something really meaningful about working with students from all different backgrounds and meeting real needs,” she said. “That’s always been important to me.”

Outside the classroom, Panosh stayed highly involved on campus. She was a member of the Iowa State Singers for three years, served on the Student Union Board during her freshman year, and remained engaged with Salt Company. She also studied abroad in Cáceres, Spain, where she worked toward her Spanish minor.

“College is the easiest time in your life to travel, and you learn so much, not just academically, but personally,” she said.

Reflecting on her time at Iowa State, Panosh encourages students to get involved and try new things.

“Say yes to everything,” she said. “There are so many events, activities, and experiences here, and you don’t realize how special they are until later.”

Panosh also highlights the importance of making an effort to connect with others.

“Be the first person to introduce yourself. Everyone else is just as nervous as you are, and that one small step can turn into a meaningful connection,” she said.

Looking back, Panosh describes her Iowa State experience as both formative and rewarding.

“Iowa State has taught me how to be adaptable and confident in myself,” she said. “No matter what I end up doing, I know I’m ready for it.”