Montana State student Mark Bedsaul aspires to a career as a teacher

BOZEMAN - Mark Bedsaul recalls his teacher in an advanced placement U.S. history course when he was a junior in high school as "inspiring."

In fact, Bedsaul - who is now just days away from graduating from Montana State University - still easily remembers things he learned from that teacher years ago. It's part of what led Bedsaul to aspire to become a teacher himself.

On Friday, Bedsaul will celebrate a significant step toward achieving that goal when he crosses the stage during Montana State University's 141st commencement ceremony to receive a bachelor's degree in secondary education.

"I can't believe these years are over, and I still don't know for sure where this whole education thing will take me," Bedsaul said. "I'm a little bit anxious because I don't know yet where I'm going to land. But I know it will all work out. And MSU has really prepared me for whatever comes my way next."

As part of his education, Bedsaul recently completed a semester of student teaching in a high school near his hometown of Renton, Washington. He said he taught two history classes while there - a classical Western history course for students in grades 9 through 12, and a course about U.S. history for 11th grade students. The school where he was a student teacher had approximately 3,000 students; all told, he taught about 175 of them.

"In one word, it was amazing," Bedsaul said, noting that he had terrific teachers to work with and got to lead an entire month of curriculum, among other experiences.

"I got to grade, design lesson plans, meet with teachers, and meet with parents and other staff to make sure we're meeting the goals and the needs of each student," he said. "It's surprising how much goes into a single day at school."

Bedsaul said he worked to tailor his lesson plans to his students' interests. For example, when some of his students asked about innovations that occurred during World War I, Bedsaul set aside 40 minutes of class time for them to do a brief research project on one innovation from the war and then present their findings. And the students - who studied such innovations as tanks, trench warfare and zippers - really shone, he said.

"The students really took charge," Bedsaul said. "It was a good example of student ownership over their education, and it was so cool to see them study what they were interested in.

"I have found immense value in getting to know (the students) and having the opportunity to spend 70 minutes each day with them," he added.

Bedsaul said his experience at MSU prepared him well for student teaching and for his future career. His professors and advisers were helpful, supported him and helped him hone his interests, he said.

"All the professors have known my name really quickly," he said. "I really think that's what sets MSU apart - they knew my name. But it's actually so much more than that. They supported me as a student-educator and showed me respect."

Practically speaking, his adviser also helped him figure out how to schedule his necessary courses so that he could complete his academic coursework in just three years before spending his final semester student teaching.

Bedsaul also praised MSU's Counseling and Psychological Services, which "got (him) through" the end of his sophomore year, he said.

"I was able to take a mindfulness course, and each Wednesday I would go in and take a deep breath, take a moment to recenter myself," he said. "That really helped."

He also valued his worked as a resident adviser in MSU's residence halls.

"Through my position as an RA, I found a passion for helping my peers," Bedsaul said. "I had about 70 residents each year. Getting to know them and supporting them through the good, bad and ugly was really meaningful to me."

For his efforts as an RA, in 2023 Bedsaul received the "University Student Housing Calmer of Storms Award" during MSU's 100th annual Day of Student Recognition.

Sarah Wilson, an associate teaching professor in MSU's College of Education, Health and Human Development, called Bedsaul the "sort of student that professors want to have in class.

"He's engaged. He's a true leader, providing thoughtful examples and contributions in class," Wilson said.

She also noted that Bedsaul was a go-to volunteer for the education department, volunteering numerous times to speak to prospective students during MSU Fridays.

"We know that we need good teachers, and Mark is the sort of person that gives me hope," Wilson said. "He's just wonderful to work with, and I would want him as a teacher for my own kids because of his passion for education and his character."

Bedsaul said he hopes to begin pursuing a master's degree in Washington in January. Eventually, he would like to teach in a middle school or high school in his home state.

"I want to center my master's on helping, supporting and uplifting all of my students regardless of their cultural, economic and other experiences and backgrounds," he said.

For now, Bedsaul said, he has a lot of feelings as he prepares for Friday's commencement.

"I feel super excited, and also really hopeful and kind of anxious," he said. "But mostly I feel excited because I get to take this next step. I get to walk across that stage, receive a diploma from President Cruzado and spend time with my family. And I'm excited for what's next."

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.