In the Classroom, On the Field
The chance to play football and become a teacher, along with a bit of influence from his older brother, swayed Easton McCafferty’s decision to attend Midland University.
His initial plan was to attend a trade school, but his desire to keep playing the sport he loved got him thinking in other directions.
“I had already started taking some classes to prepare myself for trade school, but in the spring of my senior year, I started having second thoughts and realized I wanted to keep playing football. Once I saw it as a possibility, that was the driving force behind my decision.”
As he started looking at places to continue his football career and his education, he was able to get a little inside information about Midland from his older brother, Christian, a 2023 Midland graduate who was a member of the cross country/track and field teams.
“I would hang out with Christian, and I got to know some of the football players through him. It was great to have that connection, and when I started, I already knew several of my teammates because of him.”
Being a four-year member of the Midland football team has been one of his biggest blessings. “Being on the football team is the best. They are all great dudes, and I have been able to live out my dream of being a student-athlete.”
When it came time to pick a major, teaching seemed like a natural fit for Easton. “I wanted to do something where I could impact others. I love teaching, and I truly believe I found what I want to do.”
His decision was reinforced early in his Midland career through field-based experiences where Midland Education students spend time in a variety of classrooms. “My field-based hours have been one of my highlights. It has been incredible to interact with students. It has made teaching so much more fun.”
Easton hopes that a teaching career can lead to some coaching opportunities as well. He currently helps coach Special Olympics football in Fremont, along with coaching basketball at the Fremont Family YMCA. “I love coaching and it’s given me another way to connect with students.”
As an Education Studies and History major, Easton’s road to teaching will look a little different than others. After graduating next May, he will spend a year as a paraprofessional before getting his teaching certificate. His goal is to land somewhere in the area as a secondary teacher eventually.
“It’s a little more extended program, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ve enjoyed every second of my time at Midland. It’s been a blessing to be here.”
Easton McCafferty is a senior Education Studies and History major from Omaha, Nebraska.
