Susan Inman did not begin her career planning to become a teacher. In fact, her professional journey started in business, working as a buyer for a department store. Even in that role, though, something else began to emerge. “What I turned out to be in that role was a trainer,” she says. That realization, paired with a growing desire to serve others, ultimately redirected her path. “What I found along the way was that I really enjoyed helping people … and teaching, I believe, is the best way to meet that goal.”
Inman went on to earn a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from the University of Oregon. Before joining Bushnell, she served as a teacher, administrator and policy leader at the regional and state levels, including work with the Oregon Department of Education. These experiences continue to shape her approach to preparing future educators, particularly in how she connects policy, practice, and the realities of the classroom. Her approach has been formed through years of working alongside students and educators, when she has seen firsthand that effective teaching begins with a clear understanding of who you are and how you serve others.
Today, Inman serves as field placement coordinator, licensure specialist, and instructor for Bushnell’s School of Education. Her work reflects that same throughline: preparing students to step confidently into the classroom and serve others well.
We connected with Inman to learn more about her approach to teaching, how she supports students through the licensure process, and the perspective she offers as they grow into the responsibilities and calling of being educators.
Teaching with Clarity and Calling
Inman’s approach to teaching is rooted in a distinction she returns to often, one that shapes how she engages students preparing for their own teaching roles. “We have our conversations around what they want to be, not what they want to do,” she explains. For her, teaching is not simply about preparing students for a profession, but about helping them understand the kind of educator they are becoming.
Faith plays a central role in that process. Whether through prayer, classroom conversations, or one-on-one advising, Inman integrates faith as a steady source of support for students who may feel uncertain about their path. She sees confidence and self-awareness as essential qualities for future educators and believes those traits grow as students gain clarity in how they are called to serve in their classrooms.
That emphasis carries into her coursework. Rather than focusing only on content, Inman prioritizes helping students understand the purpose behind what they are learning. “I think understanding why we’re doing something… is the most critical aspect,” she says. This perspective shapes even the most technical subjects she teaches, from grammar and syntax to her favorite course, school law. In that class, she challenges students to think carefully about ethics, responsibility, and professional boundaries, concepts she sees as foundational to their development as educators.
Experience that Supports Future Educators
Inman brings decades of experience in education to her role at Bushnell, spanning classroom teaching, administration, and state-level leadership.
At Bushnell, that experience translates into practical guidance as students prepare for licensure and step into their own classrooms. Inman coordinates field placements, guides students through the licensure process, and teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses. Her work ensures that students not only understand educational theory, but also gain the hands-on experience needed to succeed.
She is keenly aware of the stress that students face as they near graduation. “It can be a lot of pressure,” she says. “Having someone that’s gone through that process… is really important to lean on.” Her goal is to provide steady guidance during a pivotal moment in each student’s journey.
Inman hopes students leave her courses knowing one thing clearly: “I’m here to help and support them.” Success, she emphasizes, looks different for each student, but her commitment remains the same: to help them reach it.
Students interested in teaching or school counseling can learn more about programs within Bushnell University’s School of Education and the pathways available for licensure and classroom experience. To find out more about Inman’s journey, see here.