Proud Rural Teacher

In this episode, we're heading to the Riverdale School District. The Riverdale School District is about 50 minutes north of Platteville. It encompasses several small towns, but most notably Blue River, Avoca, and Muscoda. The high school, where we're going today, is in Muscoda. The district itself is definitely rural with just over 700 students K12. You're joining me on this three-part tour with their agricultural education teacher, Kally Koch, to learn what their agricultural education department of one is doing and how the school district has supported her and her kids, and lastly how the community has historically wrapped around agricultural education. It's absolutely remarkable what they have for assets in the district. You're going to tour the following three places: 1.) the building at the high school, 2.) their school farm, And lastly, 3.) their brand new agricultural center, the Jack Meister Agricultural Center, is just 3 miles from the high school. This is definitely gonna be one of our longer episodes, so stick with me. Be sure to check out the show notes at proudruralteacherpodcast.com. I'll include a lot of photos to help match what Kally telling you and give you some inspiration. Stick with me. It's gonna be a good one. So, we're heading up to Muscoda, Wisconsin today to learn all about the agricultural education program and community support with the Riverdale School District. Visit the ProudRuralTeacherPodcast.com for photos and relevant links.

Today I'm talking with Dr. Jill Underly, the State Superintendent of Wisconsin Public Instruction. On July 5th, Governor Evers signed off on a two-year spending plan for the state of Wisconsin, and I've been following all sorts of reactions. On more than one occasion, I found myself thinking, "Gosh, I wonder what Dr. Underly thinks." So, here we are. This episode is a conversation with Dr. Underly to hear thoughts. To learn more about the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, visit https://dpi.wi.gov/. To read a full transcript of this podcast episode, visit https://proudruralteacherpodcast.com/.

This episode is all about trout in the classroom. I knew that an occasional agriculture teacher here and there might have fish in the classroom, but I had no idea that teachers all across Wisconsin are raising trout for their local communities, including in the Driftless region of Wisconsin. It happens to be a perfect classroom for such adventures. Today you're meeting three people. Kurt Meyer, a middle school science teacher at Fennimore Middle School, Ellen Meyer, a 7th grader in his classroom, and lastly, Scott Allen at the State Council Chair of Wisconsin Trout Unlimited. By the end of this episode, you'll know just about everything you need to get started with trout in your own classroom. To learn more about trout in the classroom, be sure to check our show notes, though you'll find relevant links to Trout in the Classroom, Trout Unlimited, and funding sources to get started with trout in your Classroom.

This is probably one of the most difficult episodes to weave together because back in my own K-12 teaching days, I think it’s fair to say that I could’ve done better to integrate indigenous perspectives and history into my English classroom. It’s something I look back on with regret. I know that in my own undergraduate studies, I learned very little about Act 31. The School of Education here at UW-Platteville has made it our mission to make sure our students truly understand the importance of responsive teaching practices and how to authentically and respectfully integrate education on the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of the 11 federally recognized tribes in the state. For me, that means immersing myself in opportunities like supporting our pre-service educators during their practicums in the Bayfield school district, attending book studies and workshops, and having honest, humbling conversations. Last summer I attended the virtual Wisconsin American Indian Summer Institute and this fall I joined in on a virtual book study on Anton Treuer's book “Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians but were Afraid to Ask.” All great opportunities. I was doing some research, recently, looking for Wisconsin K-12 examples of educators integrating Wisconsin indigenous history, culture, and contemporary issues into coursework. Most of my discoveries were from school districts adjacent to tribal land or where the student body was mostly Native American. I really had a hard time finding solid examples the further I looked south, for example. Now that could be simply because someone’s efforts were published online, but what if that true that the further we are from tribal lands or native nations, the less authentic our schools integrate education on the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of the 11 federally recognized tribes in the state. In order to prompt some discussion on this, I decided to reach out to Dr. Anton Treuer, professor of Ojibwe Bemidji State University in Minnesota, and Dr. Georgo Delbow, a social studies teacher in the Clinton School District, in Southern Wisconsin. If you’re in a school not near tribal land or native nations, I’m hoping you’ll feel inspired to tackle this work even if it's challenging and uncomfortable. And if you’re already working to appropriately integrate Wisconsin indigenous history, culture, and contemporary issues into your coursework, I’m hoping this episode inspires you to share your story as a way to inspire other teachers. Anton Treuer's Website George Dalbo's Website Wisconsin DPIs American Indian Studies -- Be sure to check out the upcoming events! Wisconsin First Nations -- Spend lots of time here! It's packed with resources.

On April 12th, the UW-Platteville School of Education hosted the Rurally Responsive Conference, which was sponsored by the Tommy G. Thompson Center for Public Leadership. The conference included a presentation by Dr. Sky Marietta, an assistant professor at the University of the Cumberlands and author of the book “Rural Education in America: What works for our students, teachers, and Communities.” Sky grew up in Appalachian Kentucky, the fifth of her parents’ seven children. She went to college at Yale, became a teacher on the Navajo Nation, and then received her doctorate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in child development with a focus on language and literacy. Today’s interview is just a short snip-it of what she shared on campus. Be sure to check our show notes at https://proudruralteacherpodcast.com/ for a link to her full presentation at UW Platteville from the 12th.

The spring in public school is pretty chaotic – field trips, state testing, prom, weather changes, graduation – you name it. It’s happening. As a way to throw a lifeline, I am using this episode to remind teachers about the diverse resources available from PBS Wisconsin Education. Tons of engaging material. Today you’re meeting Marci Glaus, the Education Communications Manager at PBS Wisconsin. She’s going to go over just…some tools they have to offer. Maybe you’ll hear something that can be a just-in-time lifeline for your classroom this spring. And if you like what you hear today, be sure to join us for a live webinar on April 17, 2023 at 4pm with Michael Hartwell, Education Engagement Specialist with PBS Wisconsin Education. There he’ll give you a visual tour of many of the tools mentioned today. Check our show notes at ProudRuralTeacherPodcast.com for more information on that as well as links to the PBS Wisconsin Education resources mentioned in this episode.

It’s no secret that Wisconsin is facing a teacher shortage. This episode features an alliance of rural schools in Wisconsin that have banded together to recruit and attract teachers. The school districts of Cambridge, Lodi, Sauk Prairie, and Wisconsin Heights were awarded a $264k Workforce Innovation Grant from the State of Wisconsin to implement a multi-layered approach to helping alleviate their workforce problem. In this episode, you’ll meet the DA from Wisco Heights, Dr. Jordan Sinz, MS/HS Principal and grant administrator, Elizabeth Dostal, and a grant recipient – student teacher and future agriculture and technology education teacher, Abby Kucken. In this episode, you’ll learn how these four districts created a multi-layered approach and how it’s already benefiting others. Districts like Cambridge, Lodi, Sauk Prairie, and Wisconsin Heights are setting a trend – competitive teacher recruitment needs to be part of your district’s hiring strategies. Listen to this episode to hear they created the GROW cooperative and be sure to check the show notes for links at https://proudruralteacherpodcast.com/.

So today’s episode is a little different for me in that, even though I’ve already done the interview, I still feel I have a lot to learn about funding for public schools in Wisconsin. Back in the day, when I was teaching HS English, I didn’t think much at all about school funding. I had, for the most part, as far as I knew, what I needed to do my job. I certainly did not think about the bigger picture or how financial decisions made at the state level, might impact public education. I don’t think my experience is unusual. As the years have passed, I’ve grown to understand that funding public education is certainly a challenge that’s deeply impacting our rural schools. So in this episode, I’m honestly just asking questions about funding for public schools in Wisconsin. To kick off National Public Schools week, I’m introducing you to the executive director of the Wisconsin Public Education Network, Heather DuBois Bourenane. The interview itself is actually in two parts. Part 1 was just days before the Governor of Wisconsin, Tony Evers, released his proposed budget, and Part 2 was just days after. Heather will explain how funding in Wisconsin impacts public schools and how the Wisconsin Public Education Network is a strong advocate for public schools. If you’re new to learning about how public schools in Wisconsin are funded, this conversation will, hopefully, stir your mind to learn more. Be sure to check out the show notes for relevant links. Do you want to learn more about how public schools are funded in Wisconsin? Visit: https://www.wisconsinnetwork.org/

Today you’re meeting Jessica Rettler, the 2022 Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Outstanding Educator. Rettler is a fourth-grade educator at Tri-County Elementary School in Plainfield, Wisconsin. In this episode, Jessica will share several lesson ideas and resources on how teachers can connect with community assets and state and national organizations to create agriculturally engaging lessons. To see her extensive list of links and ideas, visit our website https://proudruralteacherpodcast.com/.

In today’s episode you’re meeting Taylor McCabe-Juhnke, the executive director of the Rural Schools Collaborative. It’s important that our rural schools know who their advocates are and what resources they provide. Rural Schools Collaborative, also known as RSC, is certainly one of them. Across the county, there are 11 RSC regional hubs that align with their goals. The School of Education just happens to be one of those 11 – we are the Driftless Hub, supporting rural education in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois. In today’s interview, Taylor will provide you with an understanding of what RSC is and why their advocacy matters. You’ll leave this episode with yet another resource.

Bellevue Iowa is a beautiful town in Northeast Iowa, tucked right along the upper Mississippi river. Bellevue high school serves just 365 in grades 6-12. Today you’re meeting Matt Jaeger, a teacher at Bellevue High School, to learn about Bellevue Big. Initially, I thought Bellevue Big was perhaps an alternative or charter school, but as I was researching for the interview, I realized that Bellevue Big is part of the high school’s course offerings for all juniors and seniors, and it inspires students to solve real problems and create something impactful from scratch. Physically, Bellevue Big is not at the High School, and that’s by design. Hm…I don’t want to steal any more of Matt’s thunder. As you’re listening, be thinking of how you could bring this back to your high school. There are lots of great ideas here! Please visit www.proudruralteacherpodcast.com for photos, resources, and contact information.

Today I had the honor of meeting Ryan Steuer, executive director of Magnify Learning, a Project Based Learning organization who trains teachers, coaches, and principals across the country. He’s also the author of a new book to be released soon, PBL Simplified. You can find him all over the internet – both youtube and podcasting all speaking to the benefits of PBL and how you can integrate it into your classroom. Now you’re probably wondering why I’d include this on a podcast about being a rural teacher. There’s a lot of overlap between place-based education and project based learning. For example, design thinking, inquiry-based learning, and learner centered activities are 3 principles of place based education. Without a doubt, those exist in project based learning too, and depending on the project, the other 3 principles can cross over too. PBL and PBE, two of my favorite acronyms in rural education. So today’s interview is with Ryan, from Magnify Learning. What is PBL? Pre-Order Ryan's Book "PBL Simplified" Magnify Learning

Our rural school districts in the Driftless Region are creating dynamic opportunities that are responsive to community needs and set children on paths for valuable future careers. Dodgeville High School recently hired Max Frommelt as their STEAM educator. Dodgeville is south of Madison along 151. His charge was to create a stem-rich curriculum focused on digital production. In this episode, you’ll meet his principal to learn why this direction, his students to learn how it’s been impactful, and of course, you’ll hear from Max on how the process evolved. Max has also been named to the Rural Schools Collaborative’s Young Educator’s advisory council.

As part of our work as the Driftless Region Hub, the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin Platteville is issuing a call for a "Portrait of a Rural Teacher." We are looking to feature alumni, who currently serve in rural education, on our website with the idea of giving future teachers an inspiring vision for their future. This includes those who started out in the classroom, but have since then moved into different roles. Please consider sharing your story. You can find the form on our website http://www.proudruralteacherpodcast.com.

When you think of Wisconsin Dells, I'm guessing the first thing that might come to mind would be the water parks and resorts. Located in southern Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells draws in well over 4 million visitors a year. Despite that huge tourist draw, the permanent resident population is actually much smaller. Matter of fact, Wisconsin Dells High schools enrollment is just 558 students. A few months ago I was able to take a group of pre-service teachers on a tour of the high school as I heard it was recently built and rather unique. Honestly, I was so caught off guard. Not only is it aesthetically beautiful, with natural light, flexible space, and ample room, the spaces are so carefully placed. One area that really caught me off guard was the family and consumer education spaces. I think back maybe 12 or 15 years ago, I noticed a trend of schools eliminating their family and consumer education departments, but Wisconsin Dells has moved the other way. They've bolstered that department, but think about it. Many of their students head into the hospitality industry during high school or after graduation. The space they've created is responsive to their community. Today you're meeting Erin Michalsky, family and consumer education teacher at Wisconsin Dells High School. Please check out our show notes at HTTP://www.proudruralteacher.com for photographs and related links.

It's been a while since I've headed up to Minnesota for an episode and this one certainly did not disappoint. Today, I'm featuring two teachers in the Goodhue School District, just north of Rochester by 40 minutes. Goodhue is certainly rural with a total K12 population of just over 720 students. I found this story by happenstance, really. I wanted to do a story on a school in the driftless of Minnesota that paid special attention to engagement with the outdoors or conservation. Sometimes these stories are hard to find because I'm several counties away, so I jumped on Twitter and begin searching “fishing Minnesota kids” – just those three words. And there I found a tweet From Goodhue teacher Robbie Abner tweeting about the Goodhue Fishing Club, and oh my, did that lead me to a great story. Come with me to learn how teachers Robbie Ebner and Matt Halverson are connecting kids with land in three different ways, and after you’re done listening, be sure to read the show notes for relevant links. What is Envirothon? Envirothon in the Goodhue School District "Area Students Excel at Envirothon Competition." Goodhue-Bellchester Messenger. 15 Jun 2022. 'There is always time to go out fishing': Goodhue Fishing Club growing love of the sport in students. Post Bulletin. 12 April 2022. Robby Ebner on Twitter Matt Halverson on Twitter

Today's podcast episode takes you on a journey to Potosi, Wisconsin where you’ll meet a group of both students and adults all dedicated to three missions, all of which benefit the school system and the community. Potosi Is a rural community with a long history back to the early 1800s. For this entire episode, we are on location in the downtown area In mid-February. The temps are nice but there's still snow on the ground. Potosi Main Street is probably 3 miles and has a gradual slope downhill toward the river. To me, Potosi represents the landscape of the Driftless and that the main street seems nestled in a hallow with homes and businesses tucked against the rock. It’s definitely representative of what we this of as the driftless landscape. We start out at the Badger Trail Huts to learn how students are partnering with community members to improve this historically relevant trail that will offer yet another destination stop for visitors to the area. On our walk, you’ll meet Superintendent Kurt Cohen, Science teacher Matt Eastlick, community member Larry Kalina, and students Logan Uppena, Connor McKillip, Emily Bierman, Logan Kruser, and Ethan Kerkhoff. You’re learning about three projects. 1.) how students are learning about concepts in science while improving their community by working on the Badger Trail Huts and 2.) how students will be supporting the creation of the Potosi Driftless Information Center in downtown Potosi & lastly, 3.) how students are helping install a prairie on school property. We start out at the bottom of the Badger Trail huts. Talk a walk with us!

In today’s podcast episode you’ll learn about an interdisciplinary project between two classes in high school, social studies and band. I realized, though, that as the interview was unfolding, our guests were also noting the importance of teachers having dedicated collaboration time with colleagues to engage in meaningful conversation about student learning. You will be meeting two educators from Platteville high school in Southwest Wisconsin. High School Band teacher, Kevin Cooley, and Social studies teacher (at the time), Jake Crase, created an interdisciplinary experience that allowed students to study both the historical context and the related music of an event. Even if you’re not a history or music teacher, I’m sure you’ll find this episode interesting as they provide solid inspiration that interdisciplinary connections and planned collaboration time truly matter. Resources Related to the Project: Jake & Kevin's HyperdocGeneral Info on Hyperdocs Resources Related to PLCs: https://www.allthingsplc.info/https://www.allthingsplc.info/evidence/https://www.allthingsplc.info/plc-locator/us Many thanks to Kevin Cooley & Jake Crase for the commitment to education and willingness to tell their story and to Brad Brogley for the resources on PLCs.

In today’s podcast episode, you’re hearing from Wisconsin State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly. Last April she was elected as Wisconsin’s 28th state superintendent. After taking office just a short 6 months ago, Dr. Underly has been busy guiding Wisconsin public schools through a very challenging fall. In this episode, Dr. Underly will share a message of grace and support. To learn more about initiatives at the state level, please visit https://dpi.wi.gov/.

This episode actually goes back to the spring of 2020, when our kids were sent home for virtual learning. It’s not an era I’d like to revisit, but I do want to share this one moment. As we head into a new year, I want you to remember that even a small act of kindness can improve the life of a child and that there’s something very special about rural communities in that we collectively wrap-around our kids. Today you’re meeting teacher, Megan Clerkin, and some of her sweet 1st graders from Doudna Elementary in the Richland School District in Southwest Wisconsin and an amazing grandmother, Deb Stuckey. When the 1st graders were sent home, back in 2020, Grandpa and Grandma Stuckey noticed the kids were having a hard time holding their iPads up for zooms and activities, so they decided to build custom, wooden iPad stands not just for their kids, but for the whole class. To see photos of the iPad stands, visit our website at HTTP://www.proudruralteacherpodcast.com. This episode is such a great reminder that in our rural communities we watch over each other. We raise all kids as if they were our own. I’m hoping you leave this episode feeling reaffirmed that together we can collectively solve problems and support our kids.