KMC partners with Newman University to provide a unique opportunity for students pursuing a career in Education. 

Students enrolled in the Sr. Kathleen Gilbert, BVM Teaching Academy will experience multiple and various aspects of a teacher's role in K-12 academics and special education in both a public and parochial setting including lesson planning, education learning theories, and thinking skills. The majority of their time, however, will be spent in the field observing practitioners in school buildings.

Students will attend class at both KMC and Newman University and earn both high school and college credit. Students completing this course will have an introduction to college level education courses as well as valuable time in the field.  Students must also successfully write a Philosophy of Education Statement upon completion of the coursework and field experience and earn a passing grade in order to receive credit. 

Students accepted into the Sr. Gilbert Teaching Academy must be able to provide his/her own transportation, have earned at least an 80% in ALL of the following classes prior to his/her senior year:  English III, Algebra II, US II, and a year-long science course beyond Biology, which was completed in the student's junior year. 

The program's namesake:

Sr. Kathleen Gilbert, BVM served as principal of Mount Carmel Academy from 1968 until its merger with Chaplain Kapaun Memorial High School in 1971. She was also the principal of Kapaun Mt. Carmel from 1974-1986. Sr. Kathleen died October 6, 2009.

“The BVM’s set a tone for high standards, perseverance, excellence and refinement during the 110 years they served the Diocese of Wichita,” said Superintendent Bob Voboril in a press release following her death. “For 15 years, Sr. Kathleen was the face of Kapaun Mt. Carmel; she was a symbol of years of outstanding achievement by KMC scholars and athletes.”