Johnathan Wamsley

Johnathan Wamsley

For Jonathan Wamsley of Helena, the path to becoming an industrial arts teacher began long before college. Now a student at Montana State University–Northern, Wamsley is pursuing a degree in Secondary Education and Industrial Technology. The only program of its kind in the state.

“It was really the only option for me if I wanted to be a shop teacher, and that’s always been my passion,” he said.

Wamsley traces his interest in industrial arts to both family history and early classroom experiences. His great-grandfather was a shop teacher, and in high school, Walmsley assisted his own instructor with freshman classes. “Working as a teacher’s assistant at such a young age really sparked that passion,” he said.

Although his favorite area is carpentry, Wamsley has shifted his academic focus to machining and CNC technology, a field he describes as “fun and very connected to where the industry is heading.” He has also been an avid woodworker since sixth grade, bringing years of hands-on experience to his studies.

Outside the classroom, Wamsley is deeply involved in campus life. He began as a member of Chi Alpha and the Dungeons & Dragons Club before taking on leadership roles in both organizations. Encouraged by mentors, he applied to become a Resident Assistant and now oversees the Morgan 700 hall. He also serves as a senator-at-large on the ASMSUN Student Senate, where he chairs the Merchandise Committee.

“We’re working on getting apparel that senators can wear on campus, so students know we’re here and involved,” he explained.

Academically, one of Wamsley’s favorite classes has been Technical Drafting, a course he excelled in due to his high school background. He now tutors students in both drafting and math through Student Support Services. “I get more drafting students than math,” he said with a laugh. “Board drafting, the old-fashioned T-square and triangle; really teaches important foundational skills.”

Wamsley also works at Home Depot in Helena’s lumber department, a job that keeps him connected to the trades and occasionally brings him face-to-face with former teachers seeking project materials.

As he completes his Practical experience through classroom observations, Wamsley is moving steadily toward his ultimate goal: teaching industrial technology to freshmen at his former high school in Helena.

Northern, he says, has been the right choice.

“The community here is really tight,” Wamsley said. “I’d much rather be one in 35 than one in 600. The small classes make a huge difference.”

With campus events returning in full force, such as live-action Clue and the upcoming Bingo Night on December 3. Wamsley says MSU–Northern is regaining the energy it had before the pandemic.

Looking ahead, he hopes to bring that same sense of community and passion for hands-on learning back home.

“My dream is to teach industrial tech in Helena,” he said. “That’s where it all started, and that’s where I want to give back.”

Find out more about the MSUN Secondary Education Industrial Technology program!