“Growing Your Own: How Educators Rising Can Strengthen Rural District Teacher Pipelines”
Learning Presentation
Presentation Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Presentation Time: 10:10 - 11:00 AM
Location: WOODLAND/Trillium
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.
PANELIST: Valerie DeVries-Polman, Wisconsin Rapids School District - Educators Rising Teacher Leader
Meet Valerie DeVries-Polman, a dedicated educator and leader who has been a driving force in educational development with Educators Rising since 2016. As a long-standing member of the planning committee, Valerie has consistently contributed to shaping impactful educational initiatives. Her commitment is evident in the success of student performance at the local and state level, including nurturing student national qualifiers and finalists since 2016.
Valerie’s influence extends beyond individual student achievements, fostering a strong talent pipeline. Currently, Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools have seven staff members, along with four from surrounding areas, proudly trace their professional journeys back to Valerie’s guidance and mentorship. Valerie is passionate about creating enriching learning experiences and environments that empower the next generation of learners and leaders.
PANELIST: Sephanie DeVries, CESA 5 - Educators Rising Regional Chapter Leader
With nearly a decade of experience in education, Stephanie DeVries is dedicated to helping students explore and prepare for their future careers. Her professional journey spans from teaching agriculture in her small hometown district to serving as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Consultant at CESA 5. In her current role, Stephanie leads CESA 5's regional Educators Rising chapters across ten schools, supports students in the Youth Apprenticeship program, and actively engages stakeholders to promote CTE opportunities. Drawing directly from her classroom background, she specializes in adapting practical strategies to support advisors in smaller districts. Her favorite part of the job is being able to empower students as they discover their career paths.
PANELIST: Jeffery Baas Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) Instructional and Professional Development Director
Jeffery Baas, Ed.D., is the Instructional and Professional Development Director for the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC). With 38 years of service to Wisconsin's public schools, Dr. Baas has worked as an elementary teacher, a special education teacher, school administrator, and literacy specialist. He earned his bachelor's degree at UW-Madison, a master’s in curriculum design at Aurora University, and a master's in educational leadership at Concordia University. His doctorate is from Cardinal Stritch University, where his research focused on literacy development in young people.
PRESENTER: Michele Cornelius Rhinelander School District Director of Human Resources
Michele Cornelius is an experienced human resources leader with over 25 years in the profession. She currently serves as the Director of Human Resources with the School District of Rhinelander, where she brings together her HR expertise and passion for developing strong, engaged employees and future educators. Michele has been instrumental in the creation and establishment of the Educator Rising Club at Rhinelander High School, helping inspire and support students who are considering careers in education. Through this work, she is committed to strengthening the educator pipeline and providing students with meaningful opportunities to explore a profession in education.