Externships

During his externship with the Iowa DNR at Big Marsh in Parkersburg, Travis worked alongside staff to support wetland habitat management and conservation. He planted and maintained food plots, assisted with dike and grounds maintenance, and participated in bird tagging and banding projects. Travis also learned about the planning, management, and restoration practices used to sustain healthy wetland ecosystems. Through these hands-on experiences, he gained valuable knowledge of wildlife management, habitat restoration, and the daily responsibilities involved in conserving Iowa’s natural resources.

“This experience continues to strengthen my belief that meaningful learning happens when people understand why the knowledge matters.”

Travis Angell, 6th grade math and science teacher at Waverly Shell Rock CSD

Jon worked with the development team at Friends of the Family, an eastern Iowa nonprofit serving individuals experiencing homelessness or domestic violence. He explored ways artificial intelligence could improve internal operations by supporting staff with training simulations, drafting communications, and streamlining behind-the-scenes tasks. His work focused on using technology to increase organizational efficiency while allowing advocates to spend more time directly serving clients. The experience demonstrated how emerging technologies can strengthen nonprofit operations and enhance community impact.

“I can already see how important it will be in my classroom to have students work even more collaboratively, especially to identify, plan, and implement creative solutions to real-world problems.”

Jon Dennis, computer science teacher at Waterloo CSD

Marissa served as an Environmental Educator at Gilbertson Nature Center, where she planned and led summer camp activities including hiking, fishing, pond studies, crafts, and nature exploration for students of different ages. She also developed a museum exhibit highlighting Elgin's historic corn maze by interviewing organizers and collecting artifacts to preserve its community impact. In addition, Marissa updated educational programs to align with grade-level standards, revised educator communications, and strengthened partnerships with local schools. The experience expanded her skills in environmental education, curriculum development, community engagement, and historical interpretation.

“ In a short amount of time I was exposed to SO MUCH KNOWLEDGE! I'm excited to use some of it on our annual field trip in the Fall!”

Marissa Davis, elementary teacher at Postville CSD 

As a STEM Teacher Extern with the City of McGregor, Melissa collaborated with city staff and community partners to learn how local government, economic development, and community engagement initiatives supported a thriving community. She contributed to projects promoting local initiatives, building partnerships, and supporting the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Creative Places Initiative. The experience strengthened her understanding of community leadership and authentic learning while helping her identify new ways to connect schools, businesses, and community organizations through work-based learning opportunities.

“I think success really depends on asking good questions, gathering information, building relationships, and figuring out what to do when there isn't an obvious next step.”

Melissa Habrerichter, work based learning teacher at MFL MarMac CSD

As a STEM Extern with the Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce, Nicole collaborated with community leaders to support tourism, downtown revitalization, and community engagement. She designed branding materials, created marketing campaigns, developed a new Chamber logo, and produced promotional resources for local businesses and events. Nicole also created the Gather in Guttenberg podcast to highlight businesses, community leaders, and local events. Through these projects, she applied skills in graphic design, digital media, communication, and branding while developing creative solutions that strengthened community connections and increased visibility for local organizations and businesses.

“I am really excited to see how my externship shapes my students' learning and hopefully ignites a passion in digital media and journalism.”

Nicole DeGidio, communications and computer science teacher at Clayton Ridge CSD

Carter worked with the Buchanan County Conservation Board, supporting summer camps, nature programs, and educational events throughout the county. He prepared instructional materials, developed new activity ideas, and worked directly with students during camp programs. Carter also contributed to park maintenance and helped create a courthouse display featuring Devonian-period fossils. The experience strengthened his skills in environmental education, public programming, and conservation while providing valuable opportunities to engage community members of all ages.

“As a high school teacher, it has been fun to work with elementary aged kid. I have enjoyed hearing all of the questions they have had and see how advanced some kids are. It also has opened my eyes to some activities that I can do in my classroom.”

Carter Harris, science teacher at Independence CSD

During his externship at George Wyth State Park, Aaron explored strategies to reduce stormwater runoff into George Wyth Lake. He collaborated with conservation professionals to identify native prairie plants and wildflowers that could improve water quality and ecosystem health. Aaron also created educational signage explaining the causes and impacts of runoff for park visitors. Through these projects, he strengthened his communication, research, and problem-solving skills while gaining practical experience in environmental conservation. The experience provided valuable classroom connections for teaching watershed management and sustainability.

"At George Wyth it is important to understand we are out in nature and that our actions can have consequences to people and animals.”

Aaron Gibney, 5th/6th grade science teacher at St. Patrick’s in Cedar Falls

Billy worked as a part-time educator at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, where he supported tours, camps, outreach programs, exhibits, and educational programming. He assisted with a variety of public-facing activities while gaining experience in museum education and visitor engagement. Billy also helped develop new conservation-themed outreach programs designed to increase public awareness of environmental stewardship. The experience strengthened his communication, educational programming, and public engagement skills while supporting the museum's conservation mission.

“I have learned so many new things related to science that I don't even know where to start.The funniest thing I have learned is that animals will hitchhike on other animals when they are transported."

Billy Lange, science teacher at Dubuque CSD

Dale completed his externship at Effigy Mounds National Monument, where he created a brochure and self-guided tour highlighting the restored prairie in the park's North Unit. Working alongside park staff, he identified native prairie plants and learned about their ecological importance and cultural significance to Indigenous communities. Dale also presented guided tours, conducted educational demonstrations, and served as a trail rover to assist visitors. The experience strengthened his knowledge of prairie ecology, interpretation, and environmental education.

“I will be able to use skills learned here to better my teaching and just having knowledge of how other professions operate is invaluable as a teacher.”

Dale Hanson, math teacher at MFL MarMac CSD

Geoff completed his externship with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Team at Sweet Marsh Wildlife Management Area. He assisted with habitat management projects, facility maintenance, food plot establishment, dove and goose banding, wildlife tracking, and endangered species monitoring. Working alongside DNR professionals, Geoff gained firsthand experience in wildlife conservation and habitat restoration while learning about the daily operations of a wildlife management area. The experience strengthened his understanding of conservation practices and natural resource management.

“It was exciting to see and work with so many DNR and Conservationists.”

 Geoff Maurer, substitute teacher at New Hampton CSD

Luke worked as a CNC operator in the machining department at Geater Manufacturing, where he gained hands-on experience using advanced CNC milling equipment. He manufactured precision components for leading companies, including Collins Aerospace and Starlink, while learning modern machining processes and workplace expectations. The externship strengthened his technical skills and expanded his understanding of advanced manufacturing careers. Luke gained valuable industry experience that will help him introduce students to career opportunities available within their local manufacturing community.

“It is very cool to take 100% stock tool steel and machine it and work it into a valuable tool that will help someone do their job more efficiently for years to come.”

Luke Kirby, industrial tech teacher as East Buchanan CSD

Tracy completed his externship at the Decorah Fish Hatchery, where he worked with the watershed coordinator and Luther College to monitor soil and water quality on local farms. He collected data on nitrate levels, turbidity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen to support environmental research. In addition, Tracy assisted with daily hatchery operations by feeding trout, maintaining raceways, and sampling fish populations. The experience strengthened his understanding of water quality, fisheries management, and environmental monitoring.

“Doing my first stocking run was especially enjoyable because I got to interact with a lot of fishermen.  They were all so happy to see me coming, and I stopped to talk with a few of them.”

Tracy Nuss, science teacher at North Fayette Valley CSD

Madyson completed her externship with the Marquette Historical Society, where she enhanced visitor engagement by creating interactive QR codes for museum exhibits. Each code linked visitors to educational videos and puzzle pieces that formed a completed image highlighting the area's history. She also updated the museum brochure to ensure visitors received accurate and current information. The experience strengthened her skills in digital media, historical interpretation, and public education while helping modernize the museum's visitor experience.

“Tackling and dealing with road-block and struggles was the most impactful thing this summer.”

Madyson Larson, science teacher at MFL-MarMac CSD

Nikki completed her externship with Buchanan County Conservation, where she assisted with children's day camps, community nature programs, and park improvement projects. She helped maintain Fontana Park and other county parks while creating educational displays and collaborating with naturalists to develop engaging programming for visitors of all ages. The experience strengthened her skills in environmental education, park management, and community outreach while encouraging greater appreciation of Iowa's natural resources.

“I really enjoy contributing to experiences that encourage kids to connect with and learn about local wildlife in a hands-on way.”

Nikki Shannon, rural school teacher at Wapsie Valley CSD

Elise completed her externship at the McGregor Historical Museum, where she digitally archived photographs and historical documents using the PastPerfect collections management system. She cataloged artifacts, designed permanent and temporary exhibits, developed hands-on activities for young visitors, and trained two high school students participating in the Iowa Workforce Development Work Experience Program. Elise also led museum tours, sharing local history and folklore with visitors. The experience strengthened her skills in museum collections management, public history, education, leadership, and community engagement while preserving important historical resources.

“ As a teacher, I need to figure out how to teach my students the ability to troubleshoot (smaller) issues on their own, become more self-sustainable, and also work on confidence building.”

Elise Martins, work based learning teacher at MFL-MarMac CSD

During her externship this summer, Neal will expand upon the programming she created last summer to increase engagement at the Decorah Fish Hatchery. Neal will make a series of outdoor interactive scavenger hunts. Hunts will include information about the Fish Hatchery and the surrounding natural area of the Driftless. Events will be held monthly during the summer, where visitors to the Hatchery can participate in new missions and adventures. Neal created special addition hunts for birthday parties, social events, school groups, daycare centers, and an ongoing Goosechase.

“This has really solidified how important it is for students to have good design skills, for even in STEM fields you are often trying to communicate your work with a public audience.”

Emily Neal, science teacher at Postville CSD

Ben completed his externship with the Plant Materials Team at the UNI Tallgrass Prairie Center, where he participated in every stage of native seed production. He planted seedlings, maintained research plots, harvested prairie grasses and wildflowers, and processed seeds in the laboratory. Ben also helped prepare for the annual Open House and crop inspections while assisting with research projects, including milkweed and monarch butterfly surveys. The experience expanded his understanding of prairie ecosystems, native plant restoration, biodiversity, and the conservation efforts that support Iowa's remaining prairie landscapes.

“The most important skill is the ability to have a plan, but then the willingness to deviate from the plan to work a better solution.”

Ben Olsen, elementary gifted education at Cedar Falls CSD

Sean completed his externship with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Team at Sweet Marsh Wildlife Management Area. He contributed to habitat improvement projects, established wildlife food plots, participated in songbird capture and goose banding efforts, and assisted with endangered species research. Sean also monitored prairie restoration projects and developed a prairie species inventory to evaluate restoration progress. The experience strengthened his understanding of wildlife biology, habitat management, and conservation research.

“I feel more confident in 'doing science' again.”

Sean Singewald, science teacher at Postville CSD