Isabel Pauc '17

Major: Elementary Education (Early Childhood Education and Special Education emphasis)


What made you choose this major?

I have always had the desire to help people, and I have always had the sense that I wanted to be a teacher. I didn’t know how badly I wanted to be teacher, however, until I started in the teacher education program at Carroll. It was then that I realized my passion for education and knew for certain that teaching was my path. I love working with kids, and I love seeing the pride on a child’s face when they learn something new. I learn from kids every day and I hope that I can help to make the world a better place for them.

What opportunities have you had to work closely with a faculty member and what impact has that had on your education?

Carroll has small class sizes and students can receive personal attention from faculty. In my experience, I have had the opportunity to really get to know my professors. I got to partner with one of my professors during our day of teaching at Hillcrest Elementary and it greatly impacted my education. From working one-on-one with a professor, who also was a middle school teacher, I saw that we never stop learning. My professor showed me the true meaning of being a life-long learner.

What’s one unique experience you’ve had relating to the coursework for your major?

I was given the opportunity to be a “Teacher for the Day” at Hillcrest Elementary during the fall semester of 2016. My class and I designed and taught lessons throughout the day to the classes at Hillcrest while the teachers were doing professional development. It was an incredible opportunity to be able to be a “real teacher” for a day, and a classmate and I even got to talk to a reporter from the Waukesha Freeman beforehand about our upcoming experience. It boosted my confidence in my professional ability, and reaffirmed my passion for teaching.

How has Carroll enriched your growth as a person outside of the skills you’re learning in the classroom?

While my main focus at Carroll has been education, I also have a passion for photography. I have been able to take a couple of photography classes at Carroll to help inform my outside of school photography endeavors. If I wouldn’t have taken those classes, I probably wouldn’t have been able to realize my love for photography.

If you were recommending your major to a prospective student, what would you tell them?

If I were to recommend my major to a prospective student, I would tell them that education is a fun and rewarding major and the professors at Carroll make it personal and individualized. I have learned so much about education and teaching from the incredible professors, and their passion fuels their students’ passion.

Why did you choose to attend Carroll University?

I am extremely happy with my choice to attend Carroll University. I don’t think I could have received the type of education that I am getting anywhere else. The Carroll community is welcoming and friendly, the class sizes are small, and the professors are helpful and available. The education department has become my home during my college experience.

Learn more about the Elementary Education program

“My professor showed me the true meaning of being a life-long learner.”

— Isabel Pauc '17

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