Jonathan Fritz

How Jonathan Fritz Found His Calling at CWU

For Washington native Jonathan Fritz, the journey to Central Washington University (CWU) began in high school.

Starting Ahead: How Jonathan Fritz Found His Calling at CWU

For Washington native Jonathan Fritz, the journey to Central Washington University (CWU) began in high school. Naturally drawn to mathematics, Jonathan started taking CWU classes through the College in the High School (CiHS) program. This program empowers high school students to take college-level courses from CWU without leaving their high school classrooms, allowing them to challenge themselves and explore advanced concepts early on.  

Through The CiHS program, Jonathan  found his way to Central, discovered his dream career, and got a head start on working toward his degree. However, since his exposure to CWU had only been at his high school, he needed to see it for himself.  

Jonathan attended a Wildcat Preview Day—an event dedicated to prospective students, allowing them to explore the campus, meet faculty, and envision life at Central. That’s when he knew that CWU was the school for him. 

“I ended up just really liking it. Just walking around, I could definitely see myself here,” he remembers. “I was like, ‘this would be such a perfect school.’” 

Building a Foundation for Teaching STEM 

Before arriving at Central Washington University, Jonathan knew he wanted to pursue a math-related degree. Eventually, he settled on a double major in Mathematics Secondary Education and Teach STEM, setting him on the path to becoming a high school math teacher. While separate degree programs, these majors complement each other, ensuring that Jonathan and other up-and-coming high school teachers have a well-rounded education, strong pedagogical skills, and real-world experience. Pairing these two majors also guarantees that Jonathan earns his teaching certification and endorsement.  

The experiential nature of the programs is one thing Jonathan has loved most about studying at CWU.

“The Teach STEM major is very hands-on. Very applicable,” he says. “So I feel like every class is like one more piece of the puzzle of what I need to have prepared before I graduate.” 

As a part of his degree programs, Jonathan has spent ample time teaching algebra and geometry to students in the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades at a high school in Wenatchee. Sometimes he’s supported skilled teachers, and at other times, he’s taught a whole day under their supervision. Over two quarters, he gained nearly 120 hours of in-class experience and valuable exposure to classroom management, curriculum development, and effective teaching strategies.  

Finding a Network of Support at CWU 

Jonathan’s in-class success can be directly attributed to the supportive nature of his CWU program and the strong sense of community within his cohort. Because his majors utilize a cohort-based format, he’s progressed through the program alongside the same classmates for nearly three years, building close relationships and sharing their ideas and experiences.  

“My program’s focus was on project-based learning,” Jonathan explains. “And so in class, we talk about where your students are in the curriculum and what project you can develop from that.” And each student has a different school placement, providing a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.  

“It was cool that everyone in my class at Central was doing somewhat of a different project because we were all in different schools,” he says. “And then I learned about other projects from [classes] that I wasn't even teaching.” 

Although Jonathan still has one more student teaching placement to complete in the fall, the college credits he earned in high school have allowed him to finish his bachelor’s degree in just three years. With this head start, Jonathan can launch his career as a high school math teacher and begin making an impact on students.  

Enrich Student Life Through Engagement 

Before venturing off to Central, Jonathan received one significant piece of advice—Do as much as you can in college. And he has taken that advice to heart. Jonathan has been proactive in his on-campus engagement, ensuring he makes new connections, follows his curiosities, and enjoys every moment of life at CWU.  

As a member of the Teach STEM Club, he’s had the opportunity to visit local elementary schools and help host STEM nights to inspire young learners and spark early involvement in science, technology, engineering, and math. He’s also shared his love of music by playing trumpet in Mariachi del Centro and performing around campus and at local events.  

And while Jonathan is not a first-generation student, he found community in CWU’s First Generation Student Organization. “I ended up really liking all the people there,” he notes. “And then I kind of just stuck with it and started doing more with them.”  

Through this proactive choice to get involved on campus, Jonathan has made his student experience unforgettable and created friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.  

Helping the Next Generation of Wildcats Discover CWU 

 Jonathan also carries his passion for helping high school students into his on-campus engagement. Inspired by his former tour guide, Danielle, he’s also worked as a tour guide for the last two years, showing prospective students around the school grounds.  

“I think it's a really fun job,” Jonathan notes. “I give lots of tours, and I want to be a high school teacher. So I get to work with high school students.” 

His excitement for Central comes through as he shares art pieces, sculptures, and mosaics scattered across campus and points out the remnants of the Wenas Creek Mammoth Project, which display mammoth bones discovered in the Wenas Creek Valley. He also shares the school’s rich history and his experience as a CWU student. 

But beyond these fun facts, his core mission is to support students in their college decision process and help ease their transition from high school. Since he was once in their position just three years ago, Jonathan can give trusted advice. He always tells students,

"If something sounds interesting, try it. Do it. Meet as many people as you can. Do as many things as you can."  

Planning for the Future 

While Jonathan is wrapping up his undergraduate journey, he intends to make Central Washington University part of his future.   

“I am looking to come back to CWU,” he explains. “We have a STEM leadership master's degree. That way, I can also teach those college and high school classes that set me ahead.” 

Jonathan's quest to serve students is ambitious. Eventually, he’d also like to earn an MEd in School Administration and build a robust skill set to grow as a culturally responsive leader and bring transformative change to school for the good of all students. “I'd love to be a school administrator one day. I think 20 or 30 years down the line.”  

With CWU’s training, professional support, and a lasting dedication to helping young learners, Jonathan has all the tools needed to create an impactful career and make a difference in his community.  

Discover the Possibilities at CWU 

Since 1891, Central Washington University has built a legacy of academic excellence and fostered a community where everyone is welcome. Just as it has for Jonathan and thousands of students pursuing their goals, CWU can be your starting point, too.  

With more than 135 majors, we offer well-rounded academic programs that challenge you, develop in-demand skills, and provide real-world experience. From aviation to theatre arts and everything in between, CWU helps you find your purpose and gives you the tools to unlock your potential.  

Ready to take the next step to become a Wildcat? Explore our admissions pathways to chart your course to Central Washington University.