Jackrabbit in the spotlight / Serving as drum major helps prepare future math teacher

Maegan Questad has learned that teaching can take many forms. Sometimes it means explaining a difficult math concept to a classmate. Other times, it means standing in front of the Pride of the Dakotas, conducting a rehearsal and helping hundreds of musicians move as one. 

For Questad, a senior mathematics major with a teaching specialization, those experiences have become part of the same journey to become an educator.

Questad, originally from Sioux Falls, is a second-year drum major for the Pride of the Dakota’s Marching Band. On top of her classwork and her involvement in the marching band, she is a student teacher, a math tutor and is involved in wind symphony, women’s choir and multiple other student organizations. 

Questad has dreamed of being a teacher since middle school. She originally considered becoming a music teacher, but she soon realized the many responsibilities that job would entail. Eventually, she decided that math education would allow her to pursue teaching while keeping music as an important personal passion.

Finding her place at SDSU

Questad described SDSU as the perfect place for her to receive a higher education. The unique math education structure offers the opportunity to gain deep math content knowledge while also learning teaching skills. This program paired with the abundance of musical opportunities is what prompted Questad to enroll. 

“We have a very specialized math education program that nowhere else in the surrounding area offers…,” said Questad. “You get a math degree, and then you also take math education courses and education classes.”

Sharon Vestal, professor and coordinator in the mathematics and statistics department, is Questad’s academic adviser and faculty mentor. Vestal described Questad as an extremely hard worker, always willing to help with anything and a great problem solver. 

“She has a genuine interest and excitement about learning mathematics and diving deep into the ‘why’ behind everything. She is always wanting to learn, always willing to learn and works hard,” said Vestal.

More than a drum major

Questad served as a drum major in high school. Since it was a very demanding role and she missed playing her instrument, she never planned on doing it again. After two years of playing the mellophone in the Pride, she received encouragement from Kevin Kessler, director of bands and assistant professor of music, to audition for the role. 

Although she was hesitant at first, she rediscovered her love of conducting and leadership through the audition process.

To become a drum major in the Pride of the Dakotas, Questad completed a competitive audition and interview process. She recalled receiving the email informing her that she got the role. Even though it was late at night, she immediately called her father to tell him the news. She describes it as “one of the coolest things I’ve gotten to do here,” said Questad.

The role of drum major comes with many more responsibilities than most people realize. They are responsible for conducting, communicating during rehearsals and performances, and managing logistics. On gamedays, they are responsible for coordinating equipment, ensuring clear communication and serving as a visible representative of the band.

“We’re the magic little fairies who get everything done behind the scenes,” said Questad.

Balancing a full a schedule

Beyond the classroom, Questad is involved in many activities. Some of these include South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Jack’s LeaP for Math Success, and Bible study. As a very involved student, she needs to manage her time very wisely. Questad relies on her color-coded calendar to carefully organize each commitment. 

“Students in extracurriculars, student-athletes, I find that they are always better at time management because they don’t have a choice,” said Vestal.

Questad describes herself as someone who takes advantage of every opportunity. However, balance is one of the biggest challenges she has had to manage. She has needed to learn when to push herself to do more and when to take a step back and take care of herself. 

“I’m not good at balancing my schedule,” said Questad. “I’ve always overloaded myself because I want to do everything,”

The teacher she is becoming

Questad’s involvement in music directly connects to her teaching skills. As a drum major, she is constantly communicating expectations, teaching and reinforcing marching fundamentals and helping others learn and improve. The leadership, communication, and organization skills she has learned in the pride will directly transfer to her classroom.

“Education and leadership kind of go hand in hand because so many of the key skills from both are intertwined,” said Questad.

Vestal explained that Questad has grown into an exceptional future teacher through her time at SDSU. From helping classmates work through difficult math problems to taking initiative in group settings, she is adaptable, organized and determined.

Additionally, during her summer work with Washington High School’s marching band, she has learned to handle unexpected situations and gain hands-on experience working with students before entering her own classroom.

Looking ahead

Questad plans to graduate in May 2027 and return to SDSU for one more year to complete her master’s degree in mathematics. After her schooling is complete, she hopes to teach high school level math and potentially teach dual-credit courses.

Whether she is conducting a marching band or teaching a classroom, her goals remain similar: helping others to learn, holding people to high standards and creating a supportive community. Her time and involvement at SDSU are what shaped her into the educator she has become.

“My life has been forever changed for the better because of all these organizations,” said Questad.