When Justin Holland first toured Indiana State University as a high school senior from Greenwood, Indiana, he didn’t know exactly where his future would take him. He only knew that he loved history. He enjoyed reading historical stories and exploring the human experiences that have shaped generations.
During his campus visit, Holland found a place that felt like home: a close-knit campus community, supportive faculty, and a teaching program that aligned perfectly with his interest in history.
He didn’t need to visit anywhere else. Indiana State was the right fit, and the rest is, well, history.
Now preparing to graduate this spring with a degree in social studies education, Holland credits Indiana State with helping him become the kind of teacher he hopes to be: curious and committed to his students.
Holland speaks fondly about Indiana State’s Bayh College of Education, especially its small class sizes and the connections he has formed with professors and classmates. “It’s a little bit smaller, which is just my speed,” he says. “You really get to interact with your classmates and build relationships with your professors.”
Those close relationships have defined Holland’s academic journey. Alongside his coursework in the Bayh College of Education, he took numerous classes in the Department of History and sociology classes in the College of Arts and Sciences to master both the theory and practice of teaching social studies. Taking multiple courses with the same professors allowed him to constant, personalized feedback that deepened his understanding of complex ideas and boosted his confidence. Most importantly, these mentors showed him how to lead a classroom with professionalism and empathy.
“If I ever struggled, my professors picked me right back up. They helped me grow,” Holland adds.
Holland’s passion for teaching began with an interest in the subject matter itself. History was his favorite class in school, and a memorable sociology teacher showed him how powerful an engaging classroom can be. That experience inspired him to consider what he could bring to his own students.
His student-teaching placement in a high school world history class cemented that calling. “High schoolers have a deeper understanding,” he explains. “You can go further into the content and help them apply what they’re learning to what they see in the world.”
Sometimes, that connection begins with something small. Holland smiles as he recalls one student who rarely engaged in his class until he noticed Holland’s unique wristwatch.
“He collects watches with his dad,” Holland says. “That tiny thing opened a door. Every time I bring it up, he lights up. Now, he’s more engaged in the history lessons, too.”
His favorite topic to teach—the Protestant Reformation—opens the door to discussions about culture, religion, and how societies transform. “You get to dig into how Europe was transforming and help students understand different cultures and religions. That’s one of the best things history can give students – awareness, perspective, and curiosity about the world,” Holland says.
And it helps that Holland has visited many of the places he talks about in class. Through Indiana State, he traveled to Ireland for two weeks, and with his family, he explored Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. Standing on the beaches of Normandy with his father left a powerful impression.
“You can’t put it into words until you see it in person,” he reflects. “When students see that I’ve been to those places, they get more engaged with what I’m talking about.”
Reflecting on his final semester, Holland knows Indiana State has prepared him well. “Indiana State really makes you well-balanced,” he says. “The smaller class sizes help you hone your skills, and teaching throughout Terre Haute exposes you to different communities and experiences. Indiana State taught me how to show up every day and do my best.”
Now, he’s ready for the next step – his own classroom, his own students, and the chance to build a community of students who find meaning in the past and confidence in themselves as learners.
“That’s what it’s all about,” Holland concludes. “Engaging with students, connecting with them, and helping them grow. I can’t wait to get started.”