Stepping Into the Student Role: Teacher Gains New Perspective Through Iowa Lakes Nursing Externship
Before the first bell rings each fall, teachers spend countless hours preparing classrooms, organizing lesson plans, and getting ready to welcome a new group of students. This summer, however, Spencer High School science teacher Malissa Jeffrey found herself on the other side of the classroom.
Through the Northwest Iowa STEM Externship Program, Jeffrey traded lesson plans for lab experiences as she spent time with the Iowa Lakes Community College Nursing Program. From classroom instruction to hands-on simulation labs, she experienced what it’s like to be an Iowa Lakes nursing student, gaining a firsthand look at the education and preparation required for a career in healthcare.
“I really enjoy putting myself back into the role of a learner,” Jeffrey said. “As a teacher, I think it’s important to relate to my students, especially when they’re learning something new.”
For Jeffrey, the externship was about more than professional development. It was an opportunity to better serve the students who fill her classroom each day.
“I have students who are constantly asking about careers in healthcare, so I knew this experience would give me valuable insights and real-world examples that I can bring back to my classroom,” she said.
One of the most memorable parts of the experience was spending time in Iowa Lakes’ state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab. There, Jeffrey watched students respond to realistic medical scenarios, applying classroom knowledge while communicating, collaborating, and making critical decisions under pressure.
Seeing the simulations firsthand gave her a new appreciation for the depth of preparation nursing students receive before entering clinical settings.
Yet it wasn’t just the technology or hands-on training that made the greatest impression.
“The nursing staff here consistently check in on students’ well-being and genuinely want them to succeed, both academically and personally,” Jeffrey said. “That level of support creates a positive learning environment, and I believe it’s an important part of preparing compassionate, confident nurses.”
Experiences like the STEM Externship Program also strengthen connections between local schools and higher education, helping educators better understand the career pathways available to their students while creating stronger partnerships across the region.
“The STEM Externship has been a great way to connect local educators with our college and strengthen the pathway from high school to college,” said Melinda McGregor, Retention & Recruitment Coordinator at Iowa Lakes. “Through hands-on experiences and collaboration, we have gained new ideas for engaging students, supporting teachers, and continuing to build new partnerships.”
At Iowa Lakes, students interested in nursing can choose from two pathways: the three-term Practical Nursing (PN) Diploma or the five-term Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program. Both combine classroom instruction, hands-on simulation experiences, and supervised clinical training to prepare graduates for rewarding careers in healthcare.
For Jeffrey, the externship was a reminder that learning is a lifelong journey. By stepping back into the role of a student, she returned to her own classroom with fresh perspectives, meaningful stories, and a deeper understanding of the opportunities available to students pursuing careers in healthcare.
Programs like the Northwest Iowa STEM Externship not only enrich educators’ experiences but also inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals by strengthening the connection between today’s classrooms and tomorrow’s careers.
Curious what the experience is really like? Watch our video testimonial to hear firsthand how this externship helped one participant build skills and prepare for their career.