Student Voices
Miranda Szcepanski, '11
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Natural Science with an emphasis in physical geography
Hometown: Suamico, Wis.
The first time Miranda Szcepanski visited Carthage, her tour guide was a student majoring in elementary education.
"She told me all about the program, the professors, and how education was in the top three majors at Carthage," Miranda said. "She also stressed all the wonderful opportunities I could get involved in with the surrounding area schools."
Now in her junior year, Miranda agrees with her first tour guide. Carthage education students get real experience in many different classroom settings, and work closely with professors who truly care about their success.
"The experience I have gained so far in lesson plan writing and methods of teaching is beyond what I expected," Miranda said. "I think the methods courses have provided me with a ton of opportunities to teach to students and reflect upon what works and what doesn't work. I love that the professors are pretty available and have experience that they can share with us. The program is definitely personal, and allows you to get as involved in the act of teaching as you want."
Miranda has worked with education professor Marilyn Ward since her freshman year, which has given her vast knowledge of children's literature. She is also president-elect of Student WEA at Carthage, the student branch of the professional education organization. "Student WEA has not only made me a more educated future teacher, but has allowed me to make numerous relationships that I will no doubt have forever and memories that will last a lifetime!" she said.
Career goal: "To teach in an upper elementary classroom in Wisconsin — and to never stop learning."
Miranda has wanted to be an elementary school teacher since she was in the third grade. "I love the idea of leading a whole class of students," she said. "I tutored other students since middle school, and many times I ended up helping re-teach what the teacher had discussed to classmates. I loved the feeling after helping someone finally understand something, or having it 'click.'"
She wants to show elementary school students that school can be fun — it's not all about testing and sitting in a desk, she said. In elementary school, "kids still possess a curiosity to solve problems and ask questions. This is a great way to build lessons. I love the energy they bring, and they make me smile."
Favorite class: Science Methods because of the experience she gained in the class. "I was able to plan and write lesson plans that I actually taught in their entirety. I was in a classroom regularly and really got to know the students. This experience put me in the most real-life situation of being a teacher. I got to grade projects, lead the class, and create lessons."
Toughest class: "French 301 class freshman year. I had not spoken French for a whole semester and was kind of thrown into an advanced French class. It was definitely difficult but worth all the time and effort I put into it."
Favorite spot on campus: "Either the sand volleyball court, or a tie between Marilyn (Ward)'s office and Lentz Hall 222."
Biggest surprises so far: "I have met so many wonderful people and have been able to participate in tons of activities. I can definitely say that I have met some of my best friends for life here."
Student Voices
Katie Crimmins, '12
"The experience I am getting in the field is far beyond what I had expected. When I am finished with my courses, I know I will feel well-equipped to student-teach because of the experiences Carthage has provided for me."
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Brian Beske, '12
"The Education Department is one of the largest departments at Carthage. That being said, I have never felt like a mere number or some student."
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Elizabeth Kryca, '13
Elizabeth believes that "having professors who will bend over backwards to help their students" is one of the Education Department's greatest strengths.
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Mallory Finnigan, '13
"I would wish to have an impact in as many of my future students’ lives and be that teacher that they come back and visit to say I made a difference."
Read more ...
Read student voices from graduated students.
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A special month-long period of study in January to experiment, create and dream. Read more ...
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