Jenna Baumler

Jenna Baumler aspires to be an early childhood educator, preferably a preschool teacher. When Jenna isn’t studying, she likes to go on walks, hammock, or kayak.

Get to know Jenna

  • Major: Early childhood education
  • Class: Junior
  • Hometown: Lisbon, Iowa (Linn County)
  • Career goal: Preschool teacher
  • Clubs/activities: Ames Community and Youth Club (ACYC), College of Human Sciences Ambassador, Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee
  • Awards/honors: College of Human Sciences Student Sensation, Human Sciences Dean’s Advisory Council Scholarship, Vera Foreman Friley Scholarship, Dean’s list
  • Favorite place on campus: Lagomarcino Hall
  • Most influential ISU mentor: Christine Lippard
  • Favorite class: HD FS 340, Assessment and Curriculum: Ages Birth through 2 Years
  • Why Iowa State: Great early childhood education program and lab school, atmosphere

Jenna Baumler nurtures interest in early childhood education through volunteer and club work

Jenna Baumler demonstrates her kindheartedness through periodic volunteer work with local children’s groups, so it’s not unexpected to see her as an early childhood educator. She developed an interest in teaching while working at a preschool.

“In high school, I worked in a preschool classroom and I just really fell in love with the kids. I liked working with those younger kids and thought I might want to be a preschool teacher in the future,” Jenna said.

After touring Iowa State University and the Child Development Laboratory School, she decided to follow her curiosity about learning and major in early childhood education. 

“Lab school was a huge deciding factor for me. To get hands-on experience is a really nice way to apply what I do in class to teach the children,” she said.

Jenna has built onto her early childhood education studies by participating in the Ames Community and Youth Club. Jenna also works as a Kid’s Club program assistant for Youth Shelter Services.

“[These opportunities] helped me to solidify what I believe about teaching,” Jenna said.

Jenna’s fascination with early education revolves around the different ways young children can learn.

“At the preschool age, sometimes they might not even realize they’re learning through play,” she said. “I like to explore in teaching. It’s really interesting to let the children take the lead.”

Jenna encourages others interested in this major to understand the importance of early childhood education and the effects it can have on students later in life.

“Realize this is a life commitment,” Jenna said. “Especially at the early level, you are building the foundation for learning. You’re even helping children realize what it means to be human.”

Student Spotlights