‘Different people have different paths and that’s OK’

Meet alum Jake Broderius, a teacher and coach in rural Idaho

Alum Jake Broderius (BS, American government, U.S. history, secondary education, 2024 and recipient of the Rural Student Teacher Fellowship) teaches at Middleton Academy, an alternative school in Middleton, Idaho that supports at-risk students. Also coaches the freshman baseball team at Middleton High, where he student-taught, for Boise State Magazine, Photo by Priscilla Grover

Middleton Academy, an alternative school in Middleton, Idaho, supports at-risk students in a small but growing town west of Boise.

The school's sole social studies teacher? Alum Jake Broderius (BS, American government, U.S. history, secondary education, 2024). He also coaches baseball at Middleton High, where he student-taught.

Teaching grades 9-12 across world history, economics, government, U.S. history, and sociology could be daunting for a new teacher. But as Broderius sees it, his non-traditional path through college prepared him well for challenges that come his way.

Rediscovering the classroom

Broderius moved to Idaho from Washington in 2012 after studying automotive technology at Lower Columbia College. This led to an 11-year career with the tire company Les Schwab. In time, he felt like he had reached a dead end.

"I was not sure of what it was that I was being called to do, but after weeks of reflection and prayer, I knew that I wanted to do something that made a difference in kids' lives," Broderius said.

He recalled the importance of teachers in his own life and decided to follow their path. Broderius took classes at College of Western Idaho - excelling academically in a way he hadn't as a younger student. He transferred to Boise State to finish his degree.

"My time at Boise State was a true balancing act," Broderius said. "I embraced the role of 'Mr. Mom' when my daughter was born, managing my studies alongside work." Today, Broderius is a father of two, living in Nampa, Idaho, with his wife and fellow alum Katie Broderius (BS, health sciences, 2017), an occupational therapist.

A crucial hand-up

While at Boise State, Broderius, a first-generation college student, was active in student government, serving as a non-traditional student representative. He received a Rural Student Teacher Fellowship from the College of Education. The $3,800 award helps cover the costs of a semester of student teaching in a rural Idaho school. After that, fellows spend a year as "Rural Student Teaching Ambassadors," building interest in rural teaching and recruiting new fellows.

"Rural communities are an essential part of the fabric of Idaho, and supporting the schools and students in these areas is central to our mission to prepare quality educators for all Idahoans," said Andrew Finstuen, College of Education interim dean.

Broderius called the fellowship "a major blessing," helping support him and his family while he was studying. But it was about more than that. "The fact that I was branching out and getting a perspective I can take anywhere I go. I hope the fellowship encourages other teachers to get out of their comfort zone," he said.

Alum Jake Broderius (BS, American government, U.S. history, secondary education, 2024 and recipient of the Rural Student Teacher Fellowship) teaches at Middleton Academy, an alternative school in Middleton, Idaho that supports at-risk students. Also coaches the freshman baseball team at Middleton High, where he student-taught, for Boise State Magazine, Photo by Priscilla Grover

Broderius shared more of his thoughts about life and teaching.

Can you describe a moment in the classroom when you thought, "This is why I want to be a teacher"?

JB: You don't feel like a great teacher every day. It's actually kind of the opposite. But when you see the gears and wheels turning for students - and you can really see it - and they say, 'Tell me more.' That drives you.

What's even better is when they grasp an idea and start using academic language to explain it to other students. Of course, discussions can fall flat. But just the other day, we were talking about big ideas central to the U.S. government. My students took the discussion and led it, and I just let them go: freedom, federalism, popular sovereignty, the big thinkers like Locke and Rousseau.

A lot of my students feel like they've been underestimated. I want to help them feel, 'I got this. I know what I'm talking about.'

What have you found are the unique strengths of a rural school?

JB: The closeness of the community. When I was student-teaching at Middleton High, we got out of school early one day for the school's fall parade. The whole town came out. People lined up to see the floats. Local businesses turn out for the school. You'll see billboards everywhere saying 'Go Vikings' when there's a state tournament. And everywhere you go, you're going to run into a student. You're always there and always a role model for them. Even after they graduate. The ones who say they hated school the most are the ones who come back and visit.

What are the biggest challenges you've faced and how have you adapted?

JB: I was out of school for 10 years before coming back. My high school grades were not the best, but I was able to return to academics with work experience and great grades from CWI. That built my confidence and that continued at Boise State. I try to use my own story to teach my students that one failure isn't the end. Different people have different paths and that's OK. But we have to build on failures to get to where we want to be.

What has the community of Middleton taught you?

JB: Teaching at-risk students at the academy, these kids are facing challenges we might not have even thought of - transportation issues, not having clothes and other essential needs. In our district, we have a community center to help families who can't provide those things, and it's incredible how the community comes together. We're not just teaching content; we're teaching life skills. As an educator, you have to be willing to share your own story to build relationships. That is the key to getting students to subscribe to what you're saying - you have to meet them where they're at.

The Rural Student Teacher Fellowship, at a glance

Alum Jake Broderius (BS, American government, U.S. history, secondary education, 2024 and recipient of the Rural Student Teacher Fellowship) teaches at Middleton Academy, an alternative school in Middleton, Idaho that supports at-risk students. Also coaches the freshman baseball team at Middleton High, where he student-taught, for Boise State Magazine, Photo by Priscilla Grover

• Now in its fourth year, the fellowship has maintained a 100% retention rate in rural student teaching placements.
• The College of Education has awarded 17 fellowships to date in rural schools across Southern Idaho. Ten fellows have completed the program, graduated, earned Idaho teacher certification and become teachers.
• Eight of the 10 former fellows and graduates teach in Idaho, serving in the same school or a neighboring rural district as their original fellowship.

"You will find Jake pretty much always ready to smile. When he comes up against a challenge, he takes it as an opportunity to rethink, try again and work hard. These are the traits of a lifetime learner. Jake has a heart for the great outdoors, for nature and for people of all ages with open minds. He doesn't let his students rule themselves out of the opportunity to live up to their potential."

- Stewart Gardner, teaching professor of political science in the School of Public Service and coordinator of the political science education program. Broderius considers Gardner an important mentor at Boise State.

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