Name: Rachel Hoing
Graduation Year: 2008 (Bachelor in Early Childhood Education), 2016 (Master in Literacy)
Major: Early Childhood Education, Literacy
Current Position: Kindergarten Teacher, Springfield Public Schools – Sequiota Elementary
City and State: Springfield, MO
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
After graduating from Evangel in 2008, I worked at Cox Learning Center in Springfield, MO. I was the lead teacher in the two-year-old room. This was a great place for me to use my passion for the littles and the learning I received from Evangel.
In 2010, I started teaching for Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, MO as a kindergarten teacher. I had so much to learn but I had many great colleagues that helped shape me into the educator I am today. I am currently in my 13th year of teaching Kindergarten for Springfield Public Schools. I love the littles and their excitement and curiosity. I am passionate about teaching kids to love learning. Having a front row seat to watch kids learn and grow is such an honor. Along my journey, I have also been a part of the leadership team at my two schools, presented on various topics at conferences and professional development events, and been a part of curriculum planning teams for the district. This year, I started teaching an education course at Evangel as an adjunct professor. It has been so fun to be teaching future teachers in the same rooms where I once sat as a student! Through all of these experiences, I hope to be an example for my students of lifelong learning and growing.
What is your favorite memory from Evangel?
The friendships and community I formed at Evangel are definitely my most favorite memories! From late night chats in the dorms, to intramurals and lunch in the Joust, to sunset volleyball games and Harvest Fest/Spring Fling, so many memories with friends were made. I started friendships at Evangel almost 20 years ago that I still hold on to dearly today. I also met my husband at Evangel so that is definitely one of my favorite highlights.
How did Evangel help you identify/develop your calling?
I actually started my time at Evangel as a business major. I spent two years taking courses to hopefully one day become an event planner. Those classes were some of my most favorite, but I always felt like I wasn’t in the right spot. I spent a lot of the last part of my sophomore year praying and asking God to show me the direction I needed to go. I had always loved children and had many experiences with babysitting and after school care during high school. My dad was a university professor and teaching had always been in the back of my mind. Through reflection and prayer, by my junior year, I knew that education was the route that I needed to be on. Switching majors halfway through was definitely scary but once I was immersed in the education program, I knew that’s right where I was meant to be. My passion and calling developed from there.
How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for life after graduation?
I think first and foremost, Evangel prepared me for life after graduation by creating an amazing community atmosphere to grow and develop in. My teachers, roommates and friends at Evangel truly became my family and still to this day are very near and dear to my heart and support me every day. I also believe that the quality education I received during my undergraduate and graduate years equipped me to excel in my field quickly. Lastly, but most importantly, Evangel prioritized my faith and created an environment where I was able to grow in my walk with God. This helped me prepare for life after graduation by strengthening my faith and trust that God was with me, no matter what my future held.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Soak it all in. Take notes, ask questions, seek out opportunities to get involved in the community in your intended vocation, start building relationships and networking, while also still enjoying the friendships and rich experiences that Evangel provides!
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
First of all, I would look for passion and drive. I feel that if you are not passionate about the work you do, it will be harder to put in the effort and work hard to succeed. I would also look for someone who is collaborative, a team player and someone who is able to build strong professional relationships. In the field of education, we wear many hats within our day, and it is helpful to collaborate with others to work smarter, not harder. I also would look for someone who is able to multi-task and be organized and structured. I would look for someone with a strong knowledge base and willingness to learn and try new things.