Accelerated Elementary Education Degree Celebrates First Graduates
On Monday, December 4, Clarke University’s Education Department hosted a banquet for its fall 2023 student teachers. Among those recognized were the first nine graduates of Clarke’s new Accelerated Elementary Education Degree.
Launched in spring 2022, the program allows professionals in the field such as substitute teachers and paraprofessionals to complete the degree requirements for a teaching licensure. This first cohort completed their degree and reading endorsement in just 18 months. Another five students will graduate in May 2024, after selecting to add a special education endorsement to their academic plan.
Among the December graduates was Deanna Harding. Deanna worked as a paraprofessional in Lancaster, Wisconsin for nine years before discovering the Accelerated Elementary Education program.
When this program launched, I knew it was my time. It’s been a lot of hard work, but every moment is worth it. From the Clarke faculty and the other students to my family and my cooperating teacher during student teaching, there were so many people guiding me on this journey. I am so proud of all I’ve accomplished.
Along with the Accelerated program, the banquet acknowledged seven traditional undergraduate students who completed their student teaching this semester. For the first time, attendees were allowed to bring their families and cooperating teachers to the banquet.
“Many of you gathered here tonight did not get a high school graduation because of COVID. For our Accelerated Elementary Education students, you took time away from your families and your lives to earn your degrees,” said Professor of Education Paula Schmidt. “We are so honored to be here to celebrate you and all you’ve accomplished. I cannot wait to see this amazing group go out into the world and spread their awesomeness.”
Fall 2023 Education Graduates
Annette Barton, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Accelerated Program
Kimberly Converse, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Accelerated Program
Cameryn Day Cox, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Shawn Deisinger, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Accelerated Program
Jessica Dawn Gintz, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Accelerated Program
Deanna Mary Harding, Bachelor of Arts in Accelerated Elementary Education Program
Brenda Lynn Jakel, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Accelerated Program
Anthony Kelchen, Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a double major in Secondary Education
Gina Laughlin, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Accelerated Program
Isabel Grace Manning, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Jordyn Marie Pfeiler, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Abbigail A. Prucha, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Accelerated Program
Mabel Trujillo, Bachelor of Arts in Accelerated Elementary Education Program