“Growing Together: Innovative Partnerships Between UW-Stevens Point and Wisconsin’s Rural Schools”
Learning Presentation
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Handouts
Audience:
This session would be beneficial anyone interested in preK-12 and higher ed partnerships, including but not limited to school district administrators, teachers, and higher ed professionals.
DESCRIPTION:
Strong rural schools and strong educator preparation programs depend on one another. At UW-Stevens Point’s School of Education, we partner with rural districts across Wisconsin to strengthen educator pipelines, expand professional learning opportunities, and create meaningful experiences for future teachers while responding to the evolving needs of local communities. This interactive session will highlight collaborative initiatives—including field experiences, student-centered programming, scholarship opportunities, and district partnerships—and explore how these efforts are helping build a resilient rural education workforce. Participants will also have the opportunity to share current challenges and help shape future collaborations that support rural schools across the state.
PRESENTER: Dr. Katie Anderson-Pence, School of Education and assistant dean of the College of Professional Studies
Dr. Katie Anderson-Pence, was named the head of the School of Education and assistant dean of the College of Professional Studies in June 2025. Anderson-Pence brings more than 20 years of experience as an educator, having served as an elementary teacher, district math specialist, university faculty member and most recently as associate dean for academic and faculty affairs at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
PRESENTER: Dr. Perry Cook is a 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: 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. She works with future teachers at all points in their educational journey: from graduate level teacher candidates with their own classrooms, to undergraduate student teachers, interns, and 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 of mentoring education students, as well as the challenges. While connecting and collaborating with preK-12 districts, her focus is on building mutually beneficial partnerships and providing authentic practical experiences for UWSP’s future educators.
PRESENTER: Emily Tschudy is the Outreach Program Coordinator for the Harju Center for Opportunities in Education at UW-Stevens Point
Emily Tschudy 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.