HAYS, Kan. – Dr. Janet and Dean Stramel are travel enthusiasts with a passion for education. With a gift of $5,000, the couple is providing financial aid to Fort Hays State University students majoring in teacher education.

Their support will help offset expenses incurred by students traveling to school districts to observe.

 “Travel is an important part of our lives,” said Dean Stramel. “It makes our lives richer and more interesting. We want to help others gain those experiences.”

The couple will make minimum annual contributions of $1,000 to replenish the stipend each year. The Janet and Dean Stramel Teacher Education Travel Fund will allow students to experience a variety of cultures and challenges throughout Kansas, the United States, and other countries, which they might not be able to experience otherwise.

Janet, an associate professor in FHSU’s Department of Teacher Education, said, “We know that Fort Hays State University already trains great teachers. However, we want to enhance teacher education majors’ experiences by giving them the opportunity to observe in diverse classrooms in districts other than where they grew up.”

This short “study away” experience has already been successful for students at Fort Hays State through the Rural Field Experience that FHSU’s Noyce Scholars participate in. The Stramel donation will take this a step further by helping anyone in the teacher education program, regardless of their major.

Dr. Chris Jochum, chair of the department, said this stipend will greatly influence students. 

“The generosity and commitment that the Stramels have shown to our students is not only a reflection of their dedication as educators, but also shows their passion for providing our students opportunities that will undoubtedly help them as future educators,” he said. “Most importantly, they will have a positive impact on their own students.”

Michaela Strecker, a Fort Hays State University senior studying elementary education, said the experience would certainly help to expand her horizons beyond her hometown of Minneola.

“I grew up in a very small community in southwest Kansas,” said Strecker. “So being able to see a diverse, urban school district would be an eye-opening experience. The opportunity to travel would greatly benefit me as a teacher by giving me more insight into a completely different teaching style and way of life in general.”

To learn how you can join the Stramels in supporting FHSU’s Department of Teacher Education, please contact the Fort Hays State University Foundation at 785-628-5620 or foundation@fhsu.edu. For additional information, please visit https://foundation.fhsu.edu or https://www.fhsu.edu/teachereducation.