Tammy LaPrad, Chair of the Educational Studies Department at Monmouth College, is no stranger to innovation in education. For the past several years, she has championed a unique collaboration between Monmouth College and Monmouth-Roseville Schools, where her Literacy Methods students gain hands-on experience in real classrooms. This partnership is not only shaping the next generation of educators but also providing critical support to elementary students and teachers.

“At Monmouth College, we see our schools as our partners,” Tammy explains. “Our teacher candidates aren’t just students; they’re active participants in the classroom. The idea is to create a reciprocal relationship where both the school district and our future educators benefit.”

The program began modestly, with Tammy approaching Julie Cole, a third-grade teacher at Harding Primary, about hosting her Literacy Methods students. Julie, initially hesitant due to the post-pandemic pressures of teaching, eventually saw the potential of the partnership. “I thought, ‘The more hands, the better,’” Julie recalls. “With so many learning gaps to close, having Tammy’s students in my classroom was a win for everyone.”

Tammy’s approach is rooted in preparation and support. Her students spend Mondays in class on campus, discussing the week’s curriculum and planning lessons for their time in the classroom. Twice a week, they immerse themselves in literacy instruction at Harding, working with small groups, conducting activities, and even observing Julie’s teaching methods. “It’s not just about teaching content,” Tammy says. “It’s about understanding how to create an environment where students feel safe and valued.”

The program has evolved over the years into a robust framework. Tammy’s students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, conducting morning meetings, handling lunch counts, and designing creative, engaging lessons aligned with the school’s curriculum. Julie ensures the activities adhere to the new literacy program while giving the teacher candidates room to innovate. “I want them to feel empowered to try new methods,” Julie says. “They’ve brought a lot of fresh ideas into the classroom.”

This partnership is particularly impactful given the diversity of Monmouth-Roseville’s student body. With over 25 languages spoken in the district, teacher candidates gain invaluable experience working with English Language Learners (ELLs). Julie’s classroom, now certified as an English Language Development (ELD) space, includes students who speak Spanish, Haka Chin, Karen, and Burmese at home. “It’s such a rich environment,” Tammy says. “Our teacher candidates see firsthand how to support multilingual learners while embracing the strengths they bring to the classroom.”

One of Tammy’s goals is to instill professionalism in her students. “These candidates are not just learning how to teach—they’re learning how to show up,” she explains. From name tags to dress codes, Tammy emphasizes the soft skills that distinguish her students. Julie has noticed the difference. “Tammy’s students are always prepared and professional. It’s refreshing compared to some other programs,” she says.

The benefits extend beyond the classroom. Tammy’s program allows Julie more flexibility to observe her students and focus on smaller groups while the teacher candidates work with others. “It’s like having a built-in support system,” Julie says. “And for the candidates, it’s a cooperative learning experience. They’re not isolated; they’re bouncing ideas off each other and growing together.”

For Tammy, the program is about more than training teachers—it’s about inspiring them to see rural education as a viable and rewarding career path. “I’m passionate about rural schools and the unique opportunities they offer,” she says. “I want my students to see these districts as places where they can make a difference.”

The collaboration has already yielded remarkable results. Several of Tammy’s former students have returned to teach in rural areas, applying the lessons they learned during their time at Monmouth-Roseville. “This program plants seeds,” Tammy says. “Even if they don’t stay in Monmouth, they carry these experiences into their future classrooms.”

As Tammy reflects on the success of the partnership, she credits the trust and openness of the Monmouth-Roseville community. “It takes humility and collaboration to make something like this work,” she says. “The teachers, administrators, and students here have embraced this program, and together, we’re creating something truly special.”

In Tammy LaPrad’s work, education is more than a profession—it’s a shared mission to build stronger schools, empower future teachers, and transform lives.