Nothing Beats Getting a Job Immediately After College

When Dannielle Zipf’s husband landed a job as a high school math teacher in the Uintah Basin, she didn’t realize they were moving to the perfect location to earn a teaching degree and get a job all in the same place.

Zipf started her education at Wichita State University, but took a temporary hiatus when she got married and moved to Logan. When her family ended up in the Uintah Basin, she decided to finish her degree. Her husband had enjoyed the teaching program at USU in Logan, and his experience motivated her to take advantage of the early childhood education bachelor’s degree at Utah State University-Uintah Basin (USU-UB). The program offered the flexibility needed for her to raise her six-month-old son and was conveniently close to home.

“The teaching program at USU-UB lined up perfectly with what I wanted to get out of my education,” said Zipf. “I didn’t just want to learn the best teaching methods and theories through lectures, I wanted hands-on experience so I could put what I learned to work. Once I graduate, there are plenty of opportunities for me to work here without moving.”

The USU-UB teaching program offers real world experience in the Child Development Laboratory. Zipf works with professor Shirlene Law working with kids and adapting what she learns in the classroom to help each kid individually. “Our smaller class sizes at USU-UB give students more opportunities for internships and hands-on opportunities,” said Law. “Professors get to know their students on a more personal basis. I worked extensively with Dannielle in the Child Development Lab. She is a dedicated and committed student, and it shows with her work.”

The Child Development Lab provides a space for USU-UB students to work with kids in helping them enhance their motor, language, cognitive and social-emotional development. Students are able to assist and guide the kids in a variety of activities such as writing, science, math, reading and more. “The lab provides a space for all students to gain a broader understanding of child development and appropriate teaching practices,” said Law. “This experience not only applies to young children, but learners of all ages.”

Zipf believes that if it wasn’t for the hands-on experience gained through the USU-UB program, entering the teaching field professionally would have been shocking. “Entering the workforce after graduating from the USU program comes more natural. You’ve worked with kids and understand how to apply best teaching practices and methods to each situation.” The Child Development Lab is one of the biggest benefits for USU-UB teaching program students. Students are able to practice working with kids from a variety of ages and adapt teaching styles based on large groups or one-on-one situations.

Currently, there is a high amount of teaching jobs available in the Uintah Basin. The ability to get a college degree that ties seamlessly into an in-demand, local career is a great opportunity for the Uintah Basin community. Once Zipf graduates, she plans on opening her own pre-school in the Basin.