From a small rural high school in Nezperce to a career shaping educational opportunities across Idaho, Katie Mosman’s journey has come full circle. A 2009 graduate of Nezperce High School, Katie first discovered Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) as a freshman eager to explore new subjects beyond what her school could offer. Nearly two decades later, she’s helping create those same opportunities for the next generation of Idaho students.
A Small School, Big Ambitions
Growing up on her family’s farm outside Nezperce, Idaho, Katie had big ambitions that extended beyond her rural community. She made the most of her high school years, participating in FFA, Student Council, Business Professionals of America (BPA), and numerous other activities, eventually serving as Idaho State FFA Secretary during her senior year. Still, she wished for the opportunities available at larger schools. “I was involved in nearly everything my small school had to offer, and still I wanted more,” Katie recalled.
During her freshman year, her guidance counselor introduced her to IDLA. “I still remember the sheet of paper,” she shared. “I carried that paper in my backpack for the rest of the semester, pulling it out to look at all the possibilities.”
One Course, Lasting Opportunities
In spring 2006, Katie enrolled in her first IDLA course, Digital Photography, sparking a passion that continues two decades later. “The best part of that class was when we shared photographs on discussion boards and talked about one another’s work,” Katie explained. “I loved seeing what my classmates were creating and getting inspired by their ideas. The class was online, but the work sent me out into the world and challenged my creativity.”
Katie became her school’s unofficial photographer, capturing sporting events, dances, and senior portraits. Her photography eventually led to contests, published images, and paid media work with National FFA. “One elective through IDLA helped set me up for paid travel across the country and opportunities to work with professionals,” she reflected. “I couldn’t have predicted any of that when I signed up.”
IDLA also gave Katie access to Spanish courses that her school couldn’t otherwise offer. “IDLA wasn’t replacing the teachers and school I valued. It was helping them offer more, decades before virtual schools became common.”
Finding Her Place in Education
After graduating, Katie attended the University of Idaho to study Agricultural Education, following in her family’s footsteps as a third-generation agricultural educator. Her passion for teaching centered on helping students discover strengths they might not recognize in a traditional classroom. “A kid struggling in geometry might excel in welding. A shy kid, as I had been, could grow through the leadership development opportunities,” Katie shared.
During seven years teaching agricultural education at Idaho high schools, Katie emphasized hands-on projects, leadership development, and real-world experiences. “My favorite moments were when students exceeded their own expectations, accomplished something meaningful to them, and felt genuinely proud of themselves.”
Bringing Her Journey Full Circle
In 2021, Katie stepped away from classroom teaching as she prepared to welcome her first child. Wanting to continue working in education while spending more time with her growing family, she found her way back to IDLA.
She began as a contracted OnRamp grant coordinator before joining the Curriculum team full-time the following year. Today, Katie develops online courses, contributes to instructional design practices, and trains other curriculum writers. Her projects have included Animal Science, Personal Finance, and Beginning Drawing, with Entrepreneurship among her current work.
Her experiences as both a student and teacher continue to influence how she approaches course development. “I constantly think about ‘Student Katie’ sitting in a classroom somewhere like Nezperce. Every lesson and assignment I write is framed with her in mind.”
Katie focuses on creating lessons that encourage students to explore their communities and apply what they’ve learned beyond the classroom. “An online class doesn’t have to confine learning to a computer. I want the work to matter after the assignment has been submitted.”
Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
Today, Katie lives in Grangeville with her husband and daughters. As a parent and educator in rural Idaho, she remains passionate about ensuring students have access to educational opportunities regardless of where they live.
“A small school’s course catalog tells you what it has the staffing and enrollment to offer. It does not tell you what its students are capable of,” Katie explained. “There are still kids like I was all over Idaho, ready for more. The opportunities need to reach them.”
Although her younger self dreamed of traveling the world, Katie has found fulfillment in the rural community she now calls home. “I didn’t end up here because my world stayed small. I had the chance to see more of it, and I chose and built this life intentionally.”
From taking IDLA courses as a freshman in Nezperce to developing them for students across Idaho, Katie’s journey has come full circle, allowing her to pursue meaningful work while raising her family in the community she loves.
