Education Majors
Merging theory and practice, the Teacher Education Program cultivates highly competent, caring, and committed teachers. Carthage firmly believes in experiential learning, sending teacher candidates into local schools early and often to observe, plan, and teach lessons.
As firm believers in experiential learning, we send teacher candidates to local schools early and often to observe, plan, and teach lessons. By the time you begin the official student teaching semester, you will already have spent more than 100 hours in classrooms.
“The staff at every center on campus — whether it’s the financial aid desk, The Aspire Center, or the Registrar’s Office — are there to help you.”
“Other students should consider elementary education because it is arguably one of the most influential majors. Teachers are the ones who inspire students to take their desired life path and are their number one cheerleaders throughout that entire process.”
“The Music Department here at Carthage is pretty phenomenal. All of the music faculty are here for you and your success. Not to mention, music students here are excellent and are here for you!””
“I chose Carthage because one of my best friends attends Carthage, and he highly recommended both the education and theatre departments to me. The lake is a big bonus too.”
“Carthage gave me a family feel from the moment I stepped on campus. I’ve known from the beginning that I’m much more than just a number here.”
“Having positive relationships with the faculty here has helped me to create more opportunities for myself at Carthage, and it’s great knowing that I can reach out to any past or present professors if I need help.”
“Education majors have the power to create a better future for many people. We have the ability to help create an educated society, which is how all other future endeavors begin.”
Experiential Learning for students pursuing an education degree
Count on immersing yourself in local elementary, middle, or secondary schools throughout your time at Carthage — beginning with your first semester as a teacher candidate. Students have access to a variety of elementary, middle, and high schools in many different neighborhoods, giving students robust and diverse experiences in urban and suburban settings. The faculty is devoted to ongoing professional development, community involvement, and high-quality field experiences for their students.
Equipped to Innovate
Alumni of the Teacher Education Program teach in a wide variety of settings, primarily in southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois but also throughout the world. Others have gone on to work in children’s ministry or to pursue graduate studies in their specializations.
Carthage alumni regularly win county, state, and national awards for their caring, innovative approaches to teaching.
Recent honors include:
- Wisconsin Teacher of the Year — 2020
- Middle-Level Social Studies Teacher of the Year (National Council for the Social Studies) — 2013
- Wisconsin PTA Elementary Teacher of the Year — 2011
- Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching — 2003
Advanced Education
Carthage also offers graduate degrees, including a Master of Education program (with several areas of concentration) and a Master of Music in Music Theatre Vocal Pedagogy. Existing teachers can pursue add-on licenses in areas such as reading and English as a second language (ESL).