Bethel professors worked with me every step of the way to find placements in schools that were compatible with my interests. —Victoria Janzen ’10, teacher education
When you graduate from Bethel with an elementary education major or your teacher licensure in another area, you take your degree and Bethel’s reputation for educating excellent teachers.
Many of our graduates have received local, state and national teaching awards. At Bethel, you get the high-quality, specialized instruction available at large universities with a small college’s academic and lifestyle advantages.
Many Bethel College education graduates score 20 points over the “cut” score on the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam, the national teaching certification test. As a result, Bethel graduates are in great demand – some school systems even maintain a “standing order” for them.
Post-graduate careers include:
- Classroom teaching in public and private school systems of all sizes
- Administration (e.g., principal, assistant principal, superintendent)
- School Counseling
- Tutoring (e.g., Sylvan Learning Center; teaching English language learners [ELL])
- Coaching
- Preschool and early childhood services
- Camp counseling and camp directing
- Special education, including Adapted Physical Education
- Youth pastoring
- Reading specialties
- Bilingual education
Notable Alumni:
Brian Skinner, ‘12,
The 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year, Brian, is an interrelated special education and English teacher for Newton Schools USD 373 in Newton, Kansas. He currently serves as Newton High School’s special education department chair. Brian majored in History and completed teacher licensure at Bethel.
Kelsey Potter, ‘20,
A recipient of the 20-21 Distinguished New Teacher for Wichita Public Schools, Kelsey is a 6th-grade science teacher at Andover Central Middle School in Andover, Kansas. Kelsey majored in Biology and completed teacher licensure at Bethel.
Andrew Thiesen, ‘17
A 2023 Kansas Horizon Award for 1st-year teachers recipient, Andrew is the assistant director of bands at Garden City High School in Garden City, Kansas. Andrew majored in Music and completed teacher licensure at Bethel.
Nick Preheim ’19
After his first year teaching first grade at Hutchinson (Kan.) Magnet School at Allen, Nick received a 2020 Horizon Award from the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), recognizing “exemplary first-year teachers who perform in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding.” Nick majored in elementary education at Bethel.
Elizabeth Ratzlaff ’19
After her first year teaching English Language Arts at Moundridge (Kan.) Middle School, Elizabeth received a 2020 Horizon Award from the KSDE, recognizing “exemplary first-year teachers who perform in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding.” Elizabeth majored in English and completed teacher licensure at Bethel.
Jill Siebert ’17
After her first year teaching music and art at Hillsboro (Kan.) Elementary School, Jill Siebert received a 2018 Horizon Award from the KSDE, which recognizes “exemplary first-year teachers who perform in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding.” Jill majored in music and completed teacher licensure at Bethel.
Josh Chittum ’04
Josh has used his teacher education degree from Bethel to become a children’s program coordinator for a company that helps find housing for those with fewer resources.