2024 Callaway High School graduate Josie Reiff will be enrolling in Midland University in Fremont this fall where she will study elementary education. Reiff shared with her peers prior to graduation her future plans, how CHS helped her determine her path, and words of advice. (Courtesy photo)

Josie Reiff is a 2024 graduate of Callaway High School. One of the final projects of their senior year requires the students to do a presentation to the student body about themselves, their future plans, and their time at CPS.

Josie is the daughter of Mike and Erin Reiff. She has two younger sisters, Neltje and Lauren. She also shared that she has pets - cats (many) and one dog (Lucy), and she is active in sports.

Josie will be attending Midland University in Fremont this fall. She said several characteristics led her to choose that college, including: “It is small and easy to navigate, it’s not too far away from home but far away, and the elementary program is promising.”

At Midland she will major in Elementary Education with two endorsements - Child Development and Coaching. Some of the classes she will take on that path include practicums, math, human development, and writing/literacy.

“It will take at least four years. Adding two endorsements might cause me to take an extra year,” Josie said.

“I do plan on trying to be involved in different clubs or intramurals. Midland offers flag football, soccer, dodgeball, sand volleyball, and ping pong. I am planning on being on the track team while at Midland. I plan on finding a job somewhere.”

At the end of her time at Midland Josie will have obtained her bachelor’s degree and teaching license. “Hopefully, I will also have my substitute license after my second year of college. I will have my teaching degree and will be able to teach anywhere from K-6, or 7-8. I will also be qualified to be a substitute.”

She shared some of the factors that led her to choose this career. “I enjoy being in the classroom with kids. Watching the kids understand what they are learning makes me feel really good. I enjoy helping kids.”

Josie credited her education at Callaway Public Schools, her time as a TA and a para, and the opportunity to take dual credit college classes with helping her choose a career and prepare for life ahead.

She served as a teacher’s aide for Mrs. Rush’s 4th grade class during her eighth period. “I wanted to experience a different grade level,” she said as she explained why she chose 4th grade. “The maturity level is more developed than in younger elementary.”

For her Capstone Project Josie led a book club where they read “The Summer of the Monkeys” and had discussion questions after each chapter. She also copied and cut papers, and helped grade papers. The three skills Josie said she acquired from her time as a TA are time management, communication, and comprehension.

She also served as a paid para during her senior year for Mrs. Brogan’s 3rd grade class during her third period. “I wanted to have a little more interaction in the classroom.”

Her Capstone Project as a para was teaching a small group vocabulary. That included definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and reviewing, as well as teaching grammar to the whole class when Mrs. Brogan was gone. “I would also go over the lesson, do Scoot lessons, and review. Other tasks I had were to make copies, pick a 99 math for multiplication, help read tests to kids, and be with individuals in the Bear Cave for a little bit of time.”

Josie said the three skills she gained from her time as a para are patience, communication, and sternness. “I would pursue this as a job because I enjoy seeing the skills that the students are learning click,” she added. About leaving to head to college in a few weeks, Josie said she is most nervous about being on her own, not seeing her family regularly, and having to make new friends. However, she is also excited about being on her own, and gaining more knowledge about education. Josie offered this advice to the younger students. “Don’t be afraid to try new things and do what you enjoy. Stay organized. Prioritize your schoolwork. Do your best because your best is enough.”