Student teachers have never looked this good! Thanks to support from Giving Day 2025 donors, NWC education students are proudly wearing “Trapper Teacher” professional gear as they venture into classrooms across the community for practicum work and “Fridays in the Field”.
During Giving Day 2025, the Education program sought funds to provide professional shirts for all students representing NWC in local schools. Donors responded by fully funding the $1,000 goal! Over 40 students selected a garment and now wear them with pride.
“When I wear my Trapper Teacher shirt in the classroom, I feel proud to represent Northwest College while learning to be the best teacher I can be!” says Maci Borders, a sophomore Elementary Education Major from Powell.
“Fridays in the Field” is an especially exciting opportunity for students to wear their gear. Funded by the Jones Family endowment, these Friday teaching days are a partnership of Park County School District 16 in Meeteetse and Northwest College to provide in-the-classroom experience for NWC education students.
Meeteetse School hosts preschool through 12th grade on one campus and is unique in its 100% project-based learning approach. Meeteetse teachers have opened their classrooms to NWC students for both observation and lesson delivery. Experienced teachers work with students preparing lessons, sharing standards and expectations, and reviewing draft lesson plans. In addition, teachers debrief with students following their time in the classroom and provide feedback.
Dr. Cammy Rowley, NWC Assistant Professor of Education and Jones Family Endowed Faculty for Education, says “The opportunity for our students to combine their knowledge of teaching so quickly with in-the-classroom experience is incredibly valuable and makes our program stand out in a unique way. Plus, the fact that students in all three of our programs (early childhood, elementary, and secondary) can gain experience in one school makes for an even richer experience.”
The largest challenge for Fridays in the Field is scheduling. “Our students are incredibly involved across campus, and the district calendar doesn’t always align with the College calendar,” says Dr. Rowley. “We all see the value in this partnership, though, and are committed to finding Fridays that work for everyone.”
To learn more about the education programs offered at NWC, visit nwc.edu/academics/programs.
Are you an NWC alum (of any program) who is currently working in an educational environment? If so, please click here to let us know. We have a gift for you to display in your classroom or office!
This feature originally appeared in the February 2026 issue of TrapperLink. If you'd like to receive future issues of this bimonthly email publication, click here to sign up.