From a young age, Ruth Lange knew she wanted to be an educator.  

“My mom is an educator. She has always been the teacher the students can’t wait to get and don’t want to leave,” Lange said.  

She saw firsthand the impact her mother had on her students, and this motivated Lange to follow in her footsteps.  

In 2014, Lange graduated from Missouri State University with her bachelor’s degree in child and family development with an emphasis in early childhood. In 2020, she graduated with a master’s degree in early childhood and family development and a certificate in environmental STEM for teachers. 

Cultivating connections at MSU 

Growing up in Springfield, Missouri, Lange chose to study education at MSU because of the advice her high school guidance counselor gave her.  

“All throughout high school, my guidance counselor would tell me the wonderful things MSU had to offer,” she said. “I knew it was the perfect place for me to grow into the educator I wanted to be.” 

Now, she is pursuing her career as an educator at MSU.  

Lange is the lead teacher in a toddler classroom at MSU’s Child Development Center. In this role, she provides a safe and secure environment for young children and creates individualized goals to help each child thrive. 

She also teaches CFD 455: Infant/Toddler: Development and Program Planning at MSU, where she helps college students learn how to nurture and teach infants and toddlers. 

“The most fulfilling part is seeing both the children and college students learn and grow,” Lange said. “It’s rewarding knowing the work I do to help my students is preparing them to help others in the future.”  

Make the most of your resources 

Lange’s time at MSU helped her feel prepared when she started teaching.  

“The practicums and hands-on experience MSU provided helped me feel confident in the classroom once I graduated,” she said.  

Lange encourages education students to take advantage of MSU’s resources so they can also feel confident in their roles as educators. 

“Students should come to class, take notes and ask questions. Educators are there to help students learn and will do what is needed to help them succeed,” she said.  

“I also think it is helpful to keep a notebook of tips learned in practicums, such as different songs and transitions. The notebook can be a useful playbook in the future.” 

Study education at MSU