Student Profile – Jayden Postol

Jayden Postol’s Journey: From Cyclone Roots to Mathematics Education

By Dane Mayhook

Senior Jayden Postol has spent the past four years laying the groundwork for a career that combines her love of mathematics with her passion for helping others learn. As she prepares to graduate from Iowa State University next month, she’s focused on graduating on a high note and making the most of her final semester of student teaching.

“My immediate goal is to finish my last semester strong and graduate in December,” she said. “While I continue to push myself academically, the main focus of this semester has been excelling in student teaching and learning how to balance planning, instruction, and building relationships with students.”

Discovering Her Calling

Jayden first discovered her interest in mathematics education during high school. “I officially knew I wanted to be a math teacher during my junior year,” she said. “One day, my teacher pulled me aside and asked what I wanted to do with my life. He told me I would be foolish not to use my math skills in some way. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be a math teacher. To this day, I still call him often as he’s my role model and the reason I want to teach.”

A Cyclone at Heart

Her connection to Iowa State runs deep. “My brother and I are fifth-generation Cyclones,” she said. “I grew up always coming up to Iowa State for football games, basketball games, or any fun event. We always went to the state fair and sometimes would drive up to Ames to visit the campus. When deciding which college to attend, I felt that Iowa State already had a huge part of my heart.”

Once she arrived on campus, that feeling only grew stronger. “After my first year at Iowa State, I can proudly say I chose the right school for me! Iowa State has felt like home to me,” she said. “The campus is gorgeous, and I love walking around Ames and seeing new places. What has made the biggest impact on my experience, though, is the education faculty I’ve had the privilege to learn from. My professors have pushed me to grow as both a learner and a future teacher.”

Student Teaching Across States

Jayden’s student teaching experience has been transformative. Iowa State offers student teachers the opportunity to teach in other states or even abroad, and Jayden chose to take advantage of that. “My student teaching experience has been amazing in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District in Charlotte, North Carolina,” she said.

During her first placement, Jayden taught AP Pre-Calculus and Math 3 in both standard and honors classes. While there, she partnered with her cooperating teacher to develop and submit a grant proposal for flexible classroom seating, which was successfully funded.

Her second placement has been at a low-income middle school, where she teaches 8th-grade math. “This experience has been incredibly valuable, as I’ve learned how to connect with middle schoolers, adapt to different types of students, and meet each student’s individual needs,” she said. “I work with many students who have IEPs and 504 plans, which has helped me grow tremendously as an educator.”

The most meaningful part of student teaching for Jayden has been the relationships she has built. “On the last day of my first placement, it was so hard for both the students and me to say goodbye. Many of them wrote me letters and brought gifts. That’s when I truly knew I was doing what I was meant to do.”

She recalled one particularly meaningful moment. “One of my students used to always lay his head down, rarely did his work, and didn’t score very well on tests. I was constantly encouraging him every day in class to get his work done. On my last day, he wrote me a personal letter saying that I was his favorite teacher and that I truly saw him for who he was as a person both in and outside of class. This meant the world to me because he understood that my constant reminders came from care and love, not annoyance or meanness.” Ultimately, she says, “my goal is to create a safe, welcoming classroom where students feel seen, valued, and capable of success.”

Leadership and Service

Jayden’s commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. Since 2023, she has worked as a respite care provider, supporting a young woman with a disability. “Every shift I work I make sure to bring her out into the community and allow her to socialize,” Jayden said. “The parents’ main goal was for her to be off her iPad more, so when I’m working I make sure we are doing engaging activities together.”

As secretary for the Equipping Math Teachers Club, Jayden tracked attendance and helped plan meetings featuring current teachers and student teachers as speakers. “It has been a valuable way for us future teachers to gain insight into the field,” she said.

She also works with SOAR, a program that provides kids and teens with disabilities a safe and engaging place to go after school and during school breaks. Since May 2023, she has served in a mentorship role, helping new staff learn routines and supporting youth in day-to-day activities. Her work at SOAR has strengthened her patience, communication skills, and commitment to creating inclusive spaces where every student feels valued.

Looking Ahead

Jayden’s next step is to begin teaching next year. “My career goal is to become a high school math teacher,” she said. “Longer term, I plan to go back for my master’s degree and potentially add a Special Education certification, both to continue growing professionally and to better support my students.”

She is already looking forward to having a classroom of her own. “I am so excited to have my own group of students to work with and grow alongside,” she said. “Creating lasting memories with my students means the world to me.” The transition is coming quickly. “I’m currently in the interviewing process and have already been offered two high school math positions starting in January 2026!”