Nora Johnson ’25 begins teaching career in The Gambia • Carthage College

Most first-year teachers spend their inaugural year adjusting to a new classroom. For Carthage graduate Nora Johnson ’25, that classroom was more than 5,000 miles from home in The Gambia, a small nation known as “The Smiling Coast of Africa.”

Ms. Johnson accepted a position teaching second-grade students at Banjul American International School (BAIS), an international school sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Students and faculty represent countries from around the world, providing a truly global learning environment.

The opportunity came together during Ms. Johnson’s senior year at Carthage. Hoping to launch her career at an international school, she attended an international teachers fair in Iowa, where she interviewed face-to-face with a BAIS leader.

Recently, she shared highlights from her first year abroad with Professor Nina Weisling, chair of Carthage’s Education Department.

In her first year, Ms. Johnson taught a class of 12 students with the support of a full-time teaching assistant. The school provides housing within walking distance of campus, and several of her neighbors are fellow teachers.

A beach day in The Gambia, “The Smiling Coast of Africa.”Outside the classroom, she embraced Gambian culture through hands-on experiences. She celebrated Gambian Independence Day with the community, accompanied her students on a field trip to feed Gambian vultures, explored local produce markets, and enjoyed the country’s beaches.

Her experience included a Carthage connection, too. Ms. Johnson’s students became video-chat pen pals with a second-grade class taught by fellow Carthage alumna Lauren Klump ’25 at All Saints Catholic Academy in Naperville, Illinois.

Meet more Carthage education department alumni

This fall, Ms. Johnson will return to The Gambia to teach the same students, now in third grade, while taking online classes to obtain her ESL endorsement certificate.

“I am excited for the upcoming school year and can’t wait to see my students continue to grow,” she said.

Ms. Johnson, from Oak Park, Illinois, credits her family with encouraging her to pursue an international career. “My parents previously lived and worked overseas, so they were very supportive and encouraging throughout. They continue to be supportive and even came to visit me in The Gambia.”

Prof. Weisling believes Ms. Johnson’s journey reflects the confidence and preparation Carthage graduates gain through the teacher education program.

“She is a model of what students can accomplish at a school like Carthage. I cannot wait to see what her next journey entails,” Prof. Weisling said.

Carthage alumna Nora Johnson ’25 started her teaching career in The Gambia, allowing her to learn about another culture alongside with her students.Carthage education students broaden their perspectives through experiential learning, including classroom simulations, field experiences, student teaching placements, and J-Term travel courses.

“Anyone who wants to see the world has the opportunity, with experts and tons of support. I think most faculty encourage students to go on one J-Term trip,” Prof. Weisling said.

What began as a search for Ms. Johnson’s first teaching job became an opportunity to launch her education career on the other side of the globe, an experience she’ll remember for a lifetime.