Hometown
Mount Horeb, WI
Undergraduate degree & university
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Employer
Verona Area School District
Job title
Classroom Teacher, Principal Designee
What drew you to pursue a master’s degree from UW–Madison?
This degree was an opportunity to expand my impact for students, and with the current climate, a focus on educational equity and how policy can affect a student’s experience felt like a natural and compelling path for the additional licensure. UW-Madison has a reputation for excellence in the education field, and I knew being a Badger could increase my hiring opportunities.
What was your most meaningful experience/impactful class or faculty member during your time with the WIPP program?
Conducting both school- and community-based equity audits was a transformative experience. It reinforced the vital connections between whole-child development, systemic impact, and community-based support, while highlighting the deep relationship-building required to sustain a school community. A defining element of this program was the constant, rigorous intellectual push from its leadership. Tina Salzman modeled exceptional, concise, and supportive communication. Both Tina Salzman and Ain Grooms cultivated a learning environment rooted in continuous, deep critical thinking. Through their nonjudgmental yet incisive questioning, they consistently challenged me to look beyond surface-level observations. They didn’t just ask for analysis of equity in theory, but pressed me to translate those insights into practical and actionable strategies. Every discussion forced me to examine why systems exist as they do and how to apply meaningful, sustainable solutions.
What skills did you learn about and have you found most useful? Can you describe them and how they’ve helped you?
Embracing a mindset of curiosity was a core expectation of the program and has proven to be the most practical takeaway. Beyond analyzing root causes, I learned to translate research and empirical evidence into actionable, high-impact strategies for students. Collaborating with my principal during field experiences and participating in district-level leadership meetings significantly broadened my perspective, transforming my practice from day one.
What advice do you have for someone who is pursuing this degree?
Leverage your network: Reach out to program alumni for insights and take full advantage of the faculty’s support. The professors are exceptionally approachable, helpful, and invested in your success.
Build strong administrative relationships: Cultivate a collaborative working relationship with your building principal early on, as you will partner closely with them throughout your field experiences.
Consider time management: Establish a clear reading and coursework calendar from day one to manage the rigorous workload effectively.
Anything else that’s important about yourself or your studies that you want to share?
The support of the faculty and staff throughout this degree made all the difference, and I am excited to graduate and embody the leadership principles the ELPA program instills. Beyond the academic content, the strength of my cohort was extraordinary. The deep professional network I built through this program will positively shape my career for years to come.