From Point to Purpose: Advancing Rural Education Through Partnerships with UWSP
Breakout Session
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Description
UW-Stevens Point’s School of Education maintains a truly symbiotic relationship with rural school districts, not only due to our location in the state, but also because we value the service rural schools provide to their communities. In this session we’ll share how we work with rural districts throughout the state through student-centered programing, development opportunities, and field experience partnerships, including initiatives we’re hoping to expand into additional schools. We also hope to solicit feedback from district representatives about how we can better serve rural districts and address the challenges they are currently facing.
PRESENTER: Dr. Perry Cook - Professor of Science Education at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
Dr. Perry Cook is a Professor of Science Education at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where he has taught since 1994. He currently serves as the Director of the Harju Center for Opportunities in Education and has served as the Program Coordinator for the Elementary Methods Block Program for the past 25 years. Dr. Cook’s research focuses on learner motivation and the impact of COVID-19 on education. He co-leads the WInSTEP program, promoting student environmental research, and has advised several education-focused student organizations. A dedicated educator and leader, Dr. Cook is committed to preparing future teachers and providing opportunities, especially for diverse and first-generation students in rural communities.
PRESENTER: Jesse Mossholder - Associate Lecturer, School of Education, UW–Stevens Point,
Jesse Mossholder is an Associate Lecturer in the School of Education at UW–Stevens Point, where he teaches courses in classroom management, trauma-informed practices, and elementary social studies methods. A former K–12 teacher and first-generation college graduate, Jesse draws on personal experiences to support and mentor future educators. He leads the Full STEAM Ahead summer camp for elementary and middle school students, advises the Aspiring Educators student group, and helped design UWSP’s Trauma & Resilience graduate certificate. His research explores mental health literacy in teacher preparation and the role of SEL in STEM education. Jesse is currently pursuing his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
PRESENTER: Kelly Seefeldt - Manages the Office of Field Experiences in UW-Stevens Point’s School of Education.
Kelly Seefeldt manages the Office of Field Experiences in UW-Stevens Point’s School of Education. In her role, she works with future teachers at all points in their educational journey: from graduate level teacher candidates with their own classrooms, student teachers and interns, to college freshman entering preK-12 classrooms for the first time as aspiring professionals. Having hosted practicum students and student teachers in her own classroom as a middle/high school English teacher, Kelly understands the rewards that come from mentoring future teachers, as well as the challenges. While connecting with districts to create practical experiences for UWSP students, her focus is on building mutually beneficial partnerships that give students an authentic understanding of how schools operate and all that the job of a teacher entails.
PRESENTER: Professor Krista Slemmons - Paleoecologist and limnologist in the UW-Stevens Point Department of Biology.
Professor Krista Slemmons is a paleoecologist and limnologist in the UW-Stevens Point Department of Biology. Her research examines how environmental change has influenced lakes over time. Slemmons is coordinator of the Natural Science Education program. On campus, she serves on the Biology Executive Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and the University Sabbatical Committee. Slemmons is coordinator for the Life Science and Biology Certificate programs. She also co-leads the UWSP WInSTEP program and contributes to the Full STEAM ahead program. As the Scribner Professor of Biology Education, she also works closely with the School of Education to mentor student teachers and collaborate with Education faculty members on the best methods to help improve science literacy.
PRESENTER: Emily Wahlquist - Outreach Program Coordinator for the Harju Center for Opportunities in Education at UW-Stevens Point.
Emily Wahlquist is the Outreach Program Coordinator for the Harju Center for Opportunities in Education at UW-Stevens Point. The Harju Center funded by a gift of $5 million from the estate of alumna Dorothea Harju, focuses on preparing future elementary and middle level educators, supporting rural schools, and advancing equity and inclusion in education. Emily brings over 15 years of experience in youth development, campus recreation, and student engagement. A UWSP alumna with a degree in psychology and a master’s in higher education leadership, she has held roles in academic advising, program coordination, and camp leadership. Her work centers on empowering students through inclusive, experiential learning opportunities.