“Growing Your Own: How Educators Rising Can Strengthen Rural District Teacher Pipelines”
Learning Presentation
Presentation Date:
Presentation Time:
Location:
Handouts
Audience:
This session would be beneficial for anyone interested in grow your own programs, specifically Educators Rising. Recommended for school district administrators & teachers.
DESCRIPTION:
Teacher shortages continue to challenge rural school districts, making it more important than ever to inspire the next generation of educators. Join representatives from UW- Stevens Point’s School of Education, the Harju Center for Opportunities in Education, and rural school partners (or Wisconsin’s Educators Rising leadership) for a panel discussion on how Educators Rising chapters are helping students explore careers in education while strengthening local teacher pipelines.
Panelists will share their experiences launching and growing chapters, lessons learned, and the impact they’ve seen in their schools. Small grant opportunities for funding new and existing Educators Rising chapters as well as Rural School District Professional Development efforts, from the Harju Center will also be explored. Whether you’re just beginning to explore Educators Rising or looking to expand an existing chapter, you'll leave with practical ideas, resources, and connections to support your district’s efforts to grow future educators.
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: 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.