Ready to Teach: Carlie Mauss’s Path at ISU
Recent Iowa State graduate Carlie Mauss spent her college years focused on one clear goal: becoming the best teacher she can be.
In spring 2025, the Cedar Rapids native earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish. Throughout her time at Iowa State, she immersed herself in hands-on experiences, including the ISU 4U Promise program, a program that not only supports young students in pursuing higher education but also gave her valuable insights into classroom strategies and real-world teaching experiences.
Mauss developed a passion for education early in life, and majoring in Elementary Education felt like a natural fit. Her Spanish minor opened doors for her to connect with more families and led to a transformative six-week study abroad trip in Valencia, Spain.
“It was one of the highlights of college for me,” she shared. Living with a host family helped improve her language skills, while traveling and learning about new cultures expanded her global perspective—something she brings back to her own teaching philosophy.
One of her favorite academic experiences was Foundations of Literacy, an education course taught by Professor Jennifer Stover that deepened her understanding of literacy instruction—an area she’s especially passionate about.
“It’s fascinating the ways in which the mind learns to read and write,” Mauss said, adding that she enjoys finding fun and engaging ways to inspire young readers and writers.
From tutoring in Ames elementary schools to building connections in smaller cohort classes, Mauss has embraced every opportunity to grow her skills. She is now excited to begin her role as a first-grade teacher, where she hopes to create a welcoming classroom and foster strong, positive relationships with her students. Iowa State, she said, has provided her with the tools, experience, and confidence to take that next step.
“Iowa State is a great choice because it provides an innovative and exciting learning environment,” she said. “It has been some of the best and most formational years of my life.”