Leah Ebener
Leah Ebener
Class Year
’16
Current home
Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Major(s)
Elementary Education and Spanish
Current Position
Teacher for the Kenosha Unified School District, Roosevelt Elementary School
Leah Ebener ’16 is an elementary school Spanish teacher who independently developed a Pre-K through fifth-grade elementary language curriculum for the Kenosha Unified School District.
She believes that the diversified courses she took and the supportive relationships she developed with professors at Carthage helped prepare her for her teaching role.
Throughout college and beyond, Ms. Ebener accepted multiple awards for her outstanding work. She received the Lynn Loewen Spanish Award of Excellence in fall 2013, the Elementary Student Teacher of the year in fall 2016, and the WACTE Early Educator Award in spring 2017.
How did Carthage prepare you?
“Through my courses and diversified studies, I was constantly having to make connections across content areas to truly be successful. In addition to gaining a strong academic foundation from the rigorous coursework, Carthage also taught me the value of relationships. The faculty are so supportive and engage with students at such a personal level that those connections allowed me to continue growing outside of the classroom.”
How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?
“Being the only elementary language teacher in the district, when I started my position, I had nothing. I independently wrote and developed a Pre-K through fifth-grade elementary language curriculum. This process required lots of critical thinking, application of theory, viewing the situation from multiple perspectives of various stakeholders, and communication with colleagues through collaboration.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“My favorite Carthage memories are from my time being involved with the Music Department. The Music Department staff have relationships with one another that make them seem like family. These relationships are emulated in the students in the music education classes and ensembles. The professors are each so wonderful and so genuine with all students; they inspire us to be better.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Take advantage of every opportunity Carthage offers to get involved. These experiences are what set Carthage apart from other schools and shape your college memories.”