Full circle: Mizzou alumni Devan Foos inspires the next generation of storytellers
Devan Foos, BJ ‘17, has built a career rooted in passion and purpose. Now a journalism teacher at Platte County High School and a freelance writer, she was recently named this year’s Rising Star by the Missouri Interscholastic Journalism Association — an award that highlights her commitment to education and the meaningful impact she’s had on her students.
Foos began her career with internships in public relations for the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs. These early experiences helped shape her communication skills and broaden her understanding of the media world. While completing her master’s degree, she began to rethink her path. A journalism teaching position opened up at her former high school and the timing couldn’t have been better.
“Everything clicked together,” Foos said. “It was like all the work I had done at the journalism school came full circle. I felt so confident stepping into that classroom.”
Her time at Mizzou laid the foundation for her transition into education. As a teaching assistant for the Journalism School’s Communications Law class, she gained a deep understanding of content she now shares with her students — from copyright rules to the importance of credible sourcing. She also draws on her strategic communication background to lead the yearbook and bring visual storytelling and branding into the classroom.
In addition to teaching, Foos continues to write as a freelancer, working with local real estate agents. “Freelance writing helps me stay current, both creatively and with media trends,” she said. “That matters because I want my students to have the most up-to-date, real-world learning experience possible.”
Her teaching philosophy centers on hands-on experience, much like the Missouri Method she learned at Mizzou — learning by doing. She empowers students to see the importance of journalism by giving them real-world opportunities to apply their skills. A recent highlight includes getting her school featured on the Today show’s “Friday Morning Lights” segment after the football team went undefeated, showing her students firsthand how storytelling can make a real impact.
Foos said receiving the MIJA Rising Star award was humbling — especially after reading the recommendation letters submitted by her colleagues and students. “Seeing how much I meant to them felt so fulfilling,” she said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Looking ahead, Foos is excited about continued growth for her students, especially with upcoming updates to the school’s newsroom. She hopes to inspire them to take pride in their work and understand the power of journalism — whether they pursue it professionally or not.
“Not every student will become a journalist, and that’s okay,” she said. “But seeing some of them fall in love with the field — that’s the best feeling.”
Updated: April 16, 2025