What do the following have in common: a death-wish ride on the largest roller coaster at Six Flags over Texas, advocacy for children’s literature, and travel in Germany? These are all part of the experiences of PCC education instructor, Rhonda Westerhaus, and her wild ride with teaching future teachers and advising international students.
Rhonda wears a lot of hats at Pratt Community College, and her duties begin with teaching. This enthusiastic woman teaches courses such as “Foundations of American Education,” “Children’s Literature,” and “Issues in Education.” Along with the courses she teaches, she is also Fort Hays State University coordinator for the 2+2 teacher education program, a joint offering between PCC and FHSU. This program allows Pratt area residents the opportunity to become teachers without having to travel extensively to other universities. Under Rhonda’s coordination, instruction, and her communication with area schools, PCC/FHSU students can obtain the coursework, the practical experience, and the student teaching necessary to become licensed elementary instructors.
Rhonda also is an avid supporter of international students. Through many years, she has sponsored Club International, hosted students from Japan and Africa, and offered at least a yearly cultural offering to Pratt. At times, this has been the spring International dinner, with a smorgasbord of international cuisine. At other times, the club has offered the dinner portion of dinner theatre when plays have been performed at PCC. She annually sponsors a US trip for International Club students, which has meant traveling to Chicago, Dallas, Disney World, and the like, all financed by the club’s fund-raising.
Her advocacy for international students came from her own experience as an international student in Austria when she was in graduate school at Bowling Green State University. Her travel in Europe and the times she has stayed with gracious hosts there influenced her to highlight the importance of cross-cultural education.
In addition to teaching education and sponsoring International Club, Rhonda continues to be both a Pratt and PCC volunteer. She is on the PCC Foundation Scholarship Auction Committee, the Endowment Committee, because she firmly believes that by offering students strong scholarships, PCC can give them opportunities for a strong education. She also volunteers monthly at the Christian Food Bank. This dynamic woman is also a board member for the Pratt Teen Center, and she teaches religion class to teens at Sacred Heart Church. Since she’s an early-morning riser, she even opens up for the fitness business, Curves, three days a week.
This vivacious PCC instructor has an active presence around town and around the college. You might even catch a glimpse of her on a roller coaster as she smiles and takes in the joy of travel with students!
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