One Missouri State University student who will complete his undergraduate degree this December is senior Faron Haase. 

After studying at Missouri State since fall 2020, Haase will receive his bachelor’s degree in special education and a minor in literacy. He has made the most of his time at Missouri State and displayed genuine commitment to his community and students.   

On campus engagement 

Haase, a native of Joplin, Missouri, has taken on many roles during his time at the university. It might be easier to find a club or organization he has not been a part of.  

A few of the leadership hats he has worn include: 

• University Ambassadors president (fall 2023-spring 2024) and new member liaison (fall 2022-spring 2023) 
• Homecoming Committee marketing coordinator (2021-2022) and committee chair (2023) 
• Greek Week unaffiliated points coordinator (spring 2022) 
• Residence Hall Association president (2021-2022) 

Haase notes juggling his studies and extracurricular activities has helped him with time management.  

“It was hard to learn to delegate but also stay involved in all the things I wanted to do,” he said. “I just had to remember how much I enjoyed what I was doing, learn to prioritize and focus.” 

Mentorship from cooperating teachers

Haase chose special education because of his desire to help students with disabilities learn and thrive. He admits that he struggled with his classroom confidence initially, but his time at Missouri State has made him more comfortable.  

“I fought a lot of imposter syndrome as far as, ‘what gives me the right to come into a classroom and expect students to care what I have to say,’” he said. “My time in the College of Education has made me more confident in my ability to teach my students.” 

He is currently a student teacher in a ninth-grade special education classroom at Nixa High School with two cooperating teachers: Rachel McGowan and Lindsey Hamilton. Together, they teach English and mathematics. 

The three have formed a close friendship and built a lot of trust among them.  

“We can really feed off each other’s energy,” Haase said. “We know when we’re not having a good day and can talk to each other about anything.” 

He shares they even try to find ways to incorporate their humor and personality in their lessons.  

“When we introduced the budgeting unit, we performed a skit,” he said. “I explained I’m a college student, so I don’t have money, and Rachel prompted me with questions to get our points across.” 

Pursuing a master’s program 

Haase will continue his studies at Missouri State in the educational technology graduate program. His undergraduate classes shaped his interest in the field. 

“I took one course related to educational technology and performed the best I’ve ever performed in a class,” he said. “I spent a lot of extra time focusing on the class because I loved it.” 

His goal behind this specific degree path is to connect better with his students.  

“We live in a modern age and the new tech for education is expanding. I want to learn more about how to understand my students better,” he said. “That’s what technology in education does; it teaches the teachers how to reach students in ways humans can’t.” 

Although he only started working with his current students during student teaching, they mean the world to him. 

“My students mean everything – there’s no job without them,” he said. “They’re how I have a job that makes me happy. I’ve only been in this school for 12 weeks, but they’re part of me now.” 

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