New UNI teachers ready to enter classrooms for the 2025-26 school year
New UNI teachers ready to enter classrooms for the 2025-26 school year
The academic year is here, which means students of all ages are getting ready to go back to school. It also means many UNI-educated teachers have been handed the keys to their very own classrooms for the first time.
“I can't say I'm feeling anything other than excited,” said Benjamin Buseman, a 2025 secondary social sciences education grad who will be teaching sixth grade social studies and literacy at Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School. “Sure, there are some nerves, but I'm just so excited to get to know my students and help them become their best selves.”
To prepare for managing his own classroom, Buseman has asked his dad, a fellow educator, for advice, which has given him extra confidence for this exciting challenge. His mom also works in education, and seeing the difference both have made inspires him to have a similar effect.
“The impact that I want to have hopefully will revolve around connectivity within the classroom,” he said. “I want my classroom environment to feel like we're a family in the sense that we all want what's best for each other.”
In addition to the important role his parents played, Buseman credits the University of Northern Iowa for helping him feel so comfortable as he takes the next step in his career.
“UNI did so much for me,” he said. “Yes, classes are always helpful, but I truly met some amazing people at UNI. I had so many different professors that made education fun. They all want the best for me and want to see me truly succeed. I also met many of my education friends at UNI as well. Those connections I will cherish for a long time.”
Another brand-new teacher, Michelle Barnell, said she feels a combination of nerves, excitement and readiness as she embarks on a new journey. She will be teaching a new curriculum called Future Ready Me at the College Community School District in Cedar Rapids. This K-4 position allows her to teach standards on health and wellness, science, technology, engineering, art, math and 21st century skills like teamwork and collaboration
Barnell arrived at teaching in a more roundabout way. She earned a UNI bachelor’s degree in 1999 but came back for the elementary education online transfer program to start a new career as a teacher, graduating this spring.
“Once my own kids started school, I saw a need in the schools for support and started subbing as a paraprofessional,” she said. “I just fell in love with the students I was working with and got the added bonus of being on the same schedule as my own kids.”
From that experience, Barnell began substitute teaching. It was during the pandemic when she found herself substitute teaching nearly full-time that she thought to herself, “Why not?” She made the decision to bet on herself and go back to school for a new profession.
“UNI has an amazing program!” said Barnell. “For me specifically, the flexibility of the 2+2 program where I could take classes online was the sole reason I was able to accomplish another degree! I have two elementary-age kids, and with all of our family activities, I really appreciated the support and structure of the program.”
Aside from her degree program, Barnell has taken the many lessons she learned substitute teaching to ready her for her next chapter. She’s also taken the advice of the teachers around her to get to a place where she is excited to impact students.
“I want my students to feel excited about what we're learning and that my classroom is a safe and comfortable space.”
