Hometown
Stoughton, WI
Undergraduate education
Sociology & Communications, UW-Whitewater; Elementary Education, Concordia University -Wisconsin
Employer
Stoughton Area School District
Job title
5th Grade Teacher- Team Lead
What are your career aspirations?
My career aspirations are to become an Elementary School Principal.
How are you using what you learned in the Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation Program (WIPP) on the job?
It is hard to pinpoint one thing because there isn’t just one thing that I have learned that makes me say – “I am doing this now because of this program.” That said, the program has been transformational for me – it has taught me to look differently at our educational system and better understand so many things. It has prepared me for my next step, when I choose to take it, as an educational leader.
What experiences shaped your decision to pursue a master’s degree in educational leadership?
I have worked in the classroom for a number of years and realized that I was ready for the next step in my professional career. I have worked hard as a classroom educator to create change, but as an administrator and building leader, I will be able to create change that impacts an entire school rather than a classroom or grade level.
What attracted you to the WIPP? Did you consider anywhere else?
I looked at a few other programs, but everyone that I looked at seemed to not measure up to what I was looking for. The equity focus really aligned to my personal beliefs and educational philosophy, and I appreciated that it was online and accelerated. It was the perfect fit for me!
What was your most rewarding experience at the WIPP?
I think finishing, to be honest. To walk away from the program with a Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Wisconsin Principal license is something that was rewarding and that I am proud of.
What was your most challenging experience at the WIPP?
Well, to be honest, just getting started was challenging. There was some time between my last undergraduate degree and starting this, so it was intimidating to start. Once I started, though, it was such powerful learning that I enjoyed the work – I enjoyed the time with my cohort. As a teacher, coach, husband, and dad, time management was often the most challenging. I needed to schedule time to do the coursework well.
Why would you recommend the WIPP to a prospective student?
Yes. I have recommended it to several colleagues, one of which is in the program now and one that plans to start next year. I don’t regret it at all!
Are you involved in any volunteer activities?
I believe in the importance of volunteering. I am heavily involved in the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers, which is a high school group that performs Scandinavian dances, the Viking Games – Syttende Mai Strongman Contest, Stoughton basketball, and I also serve as the DJ for local school events.
If any WIPP alumni, faculty members, or friends have helped you with your career path, who was it and how did he or she assist?
There were so many good educators, Dr. Sheila Briggs and Dr. Tina Salzman were pretty exceptional and influential on my learning.
Is there anything you’d like to add or emphasize?
I am so thankful of the support I have received in this program from my family and friends, especially from my wife Pam and our two boys, Tyler and Ethan. Their support made this journey possible. I would add that the University of Wisconsin has such strong name recognition – even when we were in Norway people knew the quality university I was attending.
Favorite book, podcast, app, …
A book I love is called Quiet Strength, by Tony Dungy. I always admired that he was a successful coach who didn’t need to yell and scream at his players.
People would be surprised to know that I …
I really enjoy the sport of Strongman and have participated in many events over the years throughout Wisconsin and Illinois