At A Glance

Teachers might stand at the head of the class, but the good ones never stop studying. As an education student at Carthage, you will open your mind to diverse ideas and commit to lifelong learning.

Majors 

  • Elementary and Middle School Education (Grades K-9)
    Secondary (Middle and High School) Education (Grades 4-12)
    Special Education (K-12)

Minors 

  • Urban Education (K-9 or 4-12)

  • Educational Studies

Special Programs:

Carthage offers emphases in Art Education, Music Education, Physical Education, and Theatre Education.

View Degree Requirements

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.

 

  • image of Lillian Lewis in front of Lake Michigan in a white turtleneck and red heart necklace.

    “Carthage professors, in my experience, are outstanding individuals who truly care about their students’ success.”

  • Madison Bazylewicz '26

    “Everyone here really wants to see you succeed. So many faculty members are in your corner, ready to help. Knowing there are so many people here for you is a great feeling.”

  • Kelly Sibert

    “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.”

  • Lorelai Amborn '27

    “Carthage has 100 percent lived up to my high expectations and given me so many outlets to perform and watch my peers.”

  • Kiannah Hayes

    “I chose Carthage College because of the eagerness our professors and staff have to ensure students like me are successful.”

  • Eva Menzia '25

    “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.”

  • Braydon Barth '26

    “My professors and classmates bring about a culture that inspires me as a teacher to excel in my classes and in my work.”

  • Morgan Shetzer '25

    “I chose Carthage for its small class sizes, tight-knit community, and boundless opportunities in the Education Department. I felt truly valued from the moment I stepped on campus!”

  • Shawn Runningen '25

    “Carthage has the whole package. The beautiful lake view, small class sizes, and experienced faculty who are always willing to help if you are struggling.”

  • Alexyn Cervantes

    “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.”

  • Madison Payne

    “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.”


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.

Learn more about the Master’s Programs at Carthage

 

Scholarships for education students

Carthage awards one full-tuition-per year, renewable, Teacher Education Scholarship each year to an incoming freshman majoring in education. This scholarship is renewable for four years.

Learn more and apply


Department of Public Instruction Reports