Striking the right chord: From mock interview to music classroom
Madison Vogel celebrates her graduation, marking the final note in a journey that began with a mock interview and led to a full-time role at Schoolcraft Community Schools.
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—When music education student, Madison Vogel, walked into a mock interview during one of the College of Education and Human Development's professional development days, she expected a chance to practice. What she got instead was a life-changing opportunity.
Hosted multiple times throughout the year by the College, professional development days are designed to prepare future educators completing their final internships for the realities of the profession. From mock interviews with practicing administrators to expert panels and hands-on workshops, these experiences help students build confidence, sharpen their skills and create meaningful connections in the field.
For Vogel, one of those connections changed everything.
During a mock interview session, Vogel met Matt Dailey, principal at Schoolcraft Junior/Senior High School, and Matt Webster, assistant superintendent for Schoolcraft Community Schools. Knowing the district had teaching openings, both administrators attended the career day hoping to connect with future educators.
“We value the partnership with WMU and appreciate the opportunity to contribute to meaningful learning experiences for students while seeing if any students might be of service to our school community,” says Dailey . “The recognition of a Michigan university engaging with local schools demonstrates a commitment to pairing prospects with potential careers.”
Webster was initially scheduled to interview Vogel, but after only a short conversation, he immediately encouraged her to meet Dailey as well.
“From our initial interaction with Vogel, we felt she had the interpersonal skills, energy and outlook on education that would be a good pairing in Schoolcraft,” explains Dailey. “What was most impressive to us was how thoughtful and invested Madison had been in her work at WMU with an intentionality around moving her undergraduate learning into immediate practice.”
Impressed by her professionalism, passion for music education and thoughtful approach to teaching, Schoolcraft administrators quickly invited Vogel to take the next step: visit the district and lead a lesson.
What happened next confirmed their instincts.
After an on-campus interview, she eagerly agreed to teach a lesson at the school—with less than 10 hours’ notice.
“She promptly told me that she was available the next day,” says Dailey. “With less than ten hours’ notice, Madison planned a 45-minute lesson for our kids, engaging them from the moment they entered the rehearsal space by saying, ‘Today we are going to be a choir.’”
Students immediately connected with her energy, confidence and love for vocal music. They didn’t just participate—they lit up.
“Not only did our interview team want her as a colleague, but our kids were also drawn to her energy,” Dailey said. “While Vogel’s back was turned to our kids following her lesson, our students came up to me compelling me to hire her on the spot.”
That classroom moment became the beginning of Vogel’s career.
Vogel has officially been hired by Schoolcraft Community Schools, where she will lead the 6th–12th grade choral program. What started as a mock interview through a professional development day experience transformed into a real classroom opportunity—and ultimately, a full-time position.
As Schoolcraft works to revitalize vocal music opportunities at the junior/senior high school level, district leaders believe she is exactly the right fit.
“As we awaken a vocal music experience at the junior/senior high school that has been in hibernation, Madison is the ideal person to bring the energy for an exciting and engaging experience for our kids,” Dailey said.
Her story reflects the power of hands-on learning and the intentional partnerships WMU creates between students and school communities across Michigan. Experiences like professional development days are more than practice—they are stepping stones to real futures.
“We are fortunate to have a dependable connection with Western Michigan University so we can not only provide encouragement to aspiring educators, but provide pathways for students to move their aspirations into positions of impact and influence with our kids,” says Dailey.
It’s a great day to be both an Eagle and a Bronco—and Vogel will surely make an incredible impact on her students for years to come.
Bravo Madison!
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.