Bethany College and MCCSEC Launch Innovative Scholarship Program to Address Special Education Teacher Shortage

June 4, 2024

LINDSBORG, KAN., MAY 29, 2024 — In partnership with the McPherson County Special Education Cooperative (MCCSEC), Bethany College is excited to announce the launch of the Pathway to SPED scholarship program. This initiative addresses the critical shortage of special education teachers in McPherson County by providing substantial support and guaranteed employment opportunities to local students pursuing careers in this field.


The Pathway to SPED scholarship program offers $5,000 annually to each selected student. The program includes financial assistance, paraprofessional positions during college, and guaranteed teaching positions in McPherson County upon graduation. This comprehensive approach encourages students to enter the special education profession and remain within their local communities, strengthening the local educational workforce.


Gannon Mosher, a junior from Chapman, KS, and Ashlon Stanford, a senior from McPherson, KS, are the first recipients of this scholarship. Both are currently enrolled at Bethany College, pursuing elementary education degrees with special education endorsements.


The McPherson County Special Education Cooperative oversees special education across several school districts, including Smoky Valley, McPherson, Canton-Galva, Inman, and Moundridge. The partnership with Bethany College is a strategic response to the urgent need for special education teachers, highlighted by the Kansas State Department of Education's report of 418 vacant special education teaching positions in 2023.


Alan English, Education Department Chair at Bethany College, expressed his enthusiasm for the program: "The Pathway to SPED program between the McPherson Special Education County Cooperative and Bethany is among the most proactive, forward-thinking initiatives I've seen to address the local shortage in special education. I couldn't be more excited to help fill a vital need for our local school districts!"


Megan Ladenburger, Assistant Director of Special Education, added: "Given the shortage of special education teachers across the country, we knew that we had to think outside of the box to problem-solve within our area. There is something to be said about the opportunity to 'grow your own,' so what better way to do that than to provide our own McPherson County students with this amazing opportunity? The partnership built between Bethany College Teacher Education Department and the McPherson County Special Education Cooperative is going to allow some of our very own students across the county to not only get a college degree at a very low rate but also to secure a job within their community and be able to give back to their own."


Gannon Mosher, one of the scholarship recipients, shared his excitement: "I am thrilled to be honored with the Pathway to Special Education Scholarship from the McPherson County Special Education Cooperative. This opportunity allows me to stay in a community I deeply care about while pursuing my passion for special education, inspired by my experiences as a volunteer Special Olympics coach and my mother's dedication as a special education teacher."


Ashlon Stanford, the other scholarship recipient, echoed this sentiment: "I am honored to receive the Pathway to Special Education Scholarship from the McPherson Coop. This scholarship allows me to stay in McPherson, where I developed my passion for special education in high school and supports my goal of becoming a special education teacher. I am grateful for this opportunity to continue my education and career in a community I love."


The Pathway to SPED program will expand in the coming years to include more students, particularly high school seniors in McPherson County, interested in pursuing careers in special education. This initiative will significantly enhance the local education landscape, providing vital opportunities for students and addressing the region's critical shortage of special education teachers.


Bethany College and MCCSEC's collaborative effort underscores their commitment to community-driven solutions and educational excellence. By investing in local talent, they ensure a brighter future for students and the broader community.


Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.

Bethany College Raises Over $168,000 for Student Scholarships

March 28, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Former Governor John Carlin Speaks to Bethany Education Students

March 27, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Bethany Backers Raises More Than $72,000

March 25, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 25, 2025 — Bethany Backers has achieved its most successful fundraising effort to date, raising more than $72,000—more than double any previous year’s total. Thanks to the generosity of over 200 donors, these funds will directly enhance the student experience at Bethany College. Each year, Bethany Backers selects a project based on student suggestions, with donations traditionally starting at $50. A portion of the funds raised also supports student scholarships. Past projects have included creating a mock courtroom for criminal justice students, adding additional seating in campus greenspaces, and purchasing games for common areas. The first project funded by this record-breaking total will be the purchase of new cardio equipment for the college’s fitness center, providing students with upgraded resources to support their health and wellness. Additionally, because of the unprecedented amount raised, Bethany Backers will be able to complete a second project, which will be determined through a vote among this year’s donors. “On behalf of the Bethany College Alumni Association, I want to extend my enthusiastic gratitude to every Bethany Backer who contributed to the 2025 “Swedes Around The World” campaign,” said Olivia Peterson, President of the Bethany College Alumni Association and a 2013 graduate. “This year marked our most ambitious project yet, and our alumni and friends exceeded our goals! Not only will this effort provide upgraded training tools for our student-athletes but, most importantly, it will encourage and motivate all students to move their bodies!” Peterson continued, “I especially want to thank Kelly and Alan Clayton for the generous $10,000 matching grant opportunity and Angie Gaeddert for her wonderful $25,000 gift in honor of her late husband, Dr. Wade Gaeddert. Their generosity inspired others to give and helped us fund the project in full. I am humbled by the collective spirit and commitment of our community. Bethany has shaped us all—and now, we’re ensuring that future generations of Swedes have access to the same transformative experiences. The future is bright, friends! Tusen täck!” The goal is to have both projects ready to launch when students return to campus this fall. Bethany Backers extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed, making this milestone achievement possible. For more information about Alumni projects and how to get involved, visit bethanylb.edu/alumni Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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