Chemistry graduate Kameron Coates considered his student teaching position at Willard High School a dream come true.  

Following graduation, Coates will continue at his dream school in a full-time science teaching position.  

About the position 

Coates strives to answer two of high school students’ fundamental questions: Why am I here? Why do I need to know this? 

As a student teacher, he worked hard to build relationships with students. He then related the answers to their unique circumstances.  

Coates will transition from student teacher to science teacher at the high school.  

In the position, he can continue to foster the relationships he built with his students.  

“When students can connect with their teachers, they have more willingness to learn,” Coates said. “Each student is different, but every student matters.” 

Coates’ enthusiasm for the position in part stems from the high school’s top performance in the local area.  

“State tests and academic competitions have shown that Willard High School produces some of the top performing, college-ready graduates of southwest Missouri,” Coates said. 

About his Missouri State experience 

Coates found the chemistry program at Missouri State to be truly solution-based both inside and outside of the lab. 

“The program challenged my ability to critically analyze a situation and develop a sequence of steps to find a solution,” Coates said. 

Coates intends to use the skills shown and taught by his university professors when leading a classroom of his own.  

“I’m very excited about the teaching position at Willard High School,” Coates said. “I’m prepared to fulfill my duties as an educator thanks to my professors and program administrators at Missouri State.”