Called to the Classroom
Austin Faber found his calling in special education several years ago. In high school, Faber developed a close friendship with a classmate who had Down syndrome. “I had classes with him, and he was our basketball team manager,” explains Faber. “I knew I wanted to find a career where I could impact students like him and help meet their individual needs.”
Now a senior at Dordt University, Faber is completing his student teaching at area schools in northwest Iowa. According to Faber, one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences so far has been working in a tier-3 special education classroom where students are learning at a third grade math level.
As challenging as the experience has been, Faber says his time in Dordt’s education program has equipped him well for the classroom. “I have learned the importance of meeting students where they are and focusing on their individual needs,” he shares.
Embracing that mindset has helped him think creatively about how to teach and assess his students in ways that truly resonate with them. For example, he found that encouraging students to represent their thinking through drawings and hands-on tools to be a helpful strategy for some students in the class. “It has been very encouraging to see how that helps them to truly understand the concepts of multiplication and division,” he adds.
Faber’s experience in Dordt’s education program, combined with the hands-on challenges of student teaching, has strengthened his desire to build a classroom where every student feels supported, encouraged, and confident in their ability to grow both academically and personally.
Finding Community
Growing up in Sioux Center, Faber knew staying near home for college was the right choice for him. During his Dordt visit, Faber felt an immediate sense of belonging. “When I first visited Dordt, I felt like I was at home,” he recalls. “Not because it was in Sioux Center, but because of the community of people that I met and the opportunities I would have to grow in my faith.”
That community played a large role in his decision to attend. He was particularly drawn to Dordt’s Education department, where he was struck by the warm welcome of the professors. “I had a great connection when I first met the education professors on my visit; they seemed so welcoming and said they always have an open-door policy, which was important to me,” says Faber.
Throughout his time in the Education program, Faber has continued to experience the support and approachability that drew him to Dordt. “The professors really are always there to help, and I’m grateful for that,” says Faber. He’s formed genuine connections with them—connections he knows will last long after graduation.
Outside of the classroom, Faber’s experiences on the golf team and in the choir have helped him develop valuable skills that will serve him well as an educator. “I was able to learn how to be okay with not having success and what that looks like, and learning from your mistakes,” he reflects.
Participating in choral ensembles at Dordt has been a meaningful part of Faber’s college experience. Choir not only gave him the chance to further develop one of his gifts, but also opened the door to deep connections with people and places. A standout moment was a European tour during his sophomore year. "It was exciting to travel to a new place, but I also valued that we were able to bless our audiences with our music and make many life-long relationships.”
In addition to the friendships and musical experiences, Faber’s time in the choir deepened his faith. “One of the best ways for me to connect with God is through music," he explains. "I always enjoy Dordt's praise teams and the opportunities that they create to worship the Lord and grow in your faith.”
Looking Ahead
Faber is confident in his ability to serve as a special education teacher at a local high school—a role he has recently accepted. “I feel that Dordt and the Education program in general have prepared me well for this opportunity,” he says. “I have learned a lot about what it looks like to view my students as image bearers of Christ and to meet their individual needs.”
Though he’s eager to begin his career, Faber appreciates the lasting relationships he has built at Dordt. “I know that my professors are always open to have conversation when I have questions or when I am just having a bad day. That is what I appreciate about the Dordt faculty and all that they do for their students.”
For Faber, Dordt has not only been a place to learn, but a place to grow, serve, and deepen his faith. As he looks to the future, he remains grateful for the opportunities God has provided through his time at Dordt and the life-long community of Defender Nation.
