Cassie is a secondary education major working as a substitute teacher in a local district while she also earns field experience teaching in middle and high school social studies courses as part of her major. “The classroom teachers have been so welcoming and helpful,” she says.

Cassie transferred to Viterbo from a larger, public university. She was searching for a college experience and a campus where she felt at home and welcome. “I loved all the professors and students I met here,” she shares.

Not only did she find the personal atmosphere she was hoping for, Cassie was thrilled to find Viterbo and the secondary education program the perfect fit for pursuing her dreams of becoming a high school social studies teacher. “The professors and other department faculty go out of their way to help you, whether it is about education or if you just had a bad day.”

“I also think that the hands-on field experience in each education class is beneficial. Almost all education classes offer 10 hours of field experience, including when you go to a school and observe or help in a classroom. I think this is very beneficial because, from your freshman year, you are in a classroom, helping you decide if this major really is for you,” Cassie explains.

Cassie always knew teaching was the career for her. Growing up, she loved to play school with her friends and family. To those who know her, it’s no surprise that Cassie is following her dream. Cassie looks forward to providing her real-life students with a community of fellow learners, experiences, and teachers that will all play an important role in creating well-rounded people and citizens.

Cassie enjoys the Positive Classroom Environment course (Educ 390). She explains that the course focuses on behavior management and how to implement programs, such as PBIS, into her future classroom. “I think this class ties everything we have learned in our other education classes together nicely and is a class not enough teachers take.” “Behavior management is one of the many things first-year teachers say they wish they have more experience with,” she adds.

Cassie believes Viterbo's education program stands out from the competition.

"I like this program because the class sizes are small and the professors all have real teaching experience, they are not just professors. We meet about once a month with influential people in the community, such as with a school principal, and learn about different topics in education. We get tips from retired teachers, interview tips, and so much more."
Cassie is from Mukwonago, Wis. and she plans to graduate from Viterbo University in 2024.