Shows
Proud Rural TeacherA Tour of the Riverdale HS Agricultural Program with Kally Koch - PRTP35In 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...
2023-08-0950 minProud Rural TeacherDr. Jill Underly's Thoughts on the Newly Signed Wisconsin State Budget -- PRTP34Today 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/.
2023-07-1916 minProud Rural TeacherTrout in the Classroom: Excellent Tools for Learning -- PRTP 33This 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...
2023-06-2342 minProud Rural TeacherWhat if We Truly Loved Justice? Conversations with Dr. Anton Treuer and Dr. George Dalbo -- PRTP32This 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...
2023-05-1246 minProud Rural TeacherInterview with Sky Marietta -- PRTP31On 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...
2023-04-1516 minProud Rural TeacherPBS Wisconsin Education: A Wealth of Resources -- PRTP30The 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...
2023-04-1119 minProud Rural TeacherThe GROW Cooperative: an Exemplary Model for Competitive Teacher Recruitment -- PRTP29It’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 K...
2023-03-3030 minProud Rural TeacherEVERYONE Should be Paying Attention to Public School Funding in Wisconsin -- PRTP28So 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...
2023-03-1738 minProud Rural TeacherWisconsin Ag in the Classroom 2022 Outstanding Teacher -- Jessica Rettler, Tri-County Elementary --PRTP27Today 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/.
2023-02-1019 minProud Rural TeacherAn Update from the Rural Schools Collaborative -- PRTP26In 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 RS...
2023-01-1517 minProud Rural TeacherBellevue Big: A Unique Educational Opportunity -- PRTP25Bellevue 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 t...
2023-01-0427 minProud Rural TeacherPBL & PBE, a Perfect Pair! -- PRTP24Today 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 bas...
2022-12-1214 minProud Rural TeacherDodgeville High School: Full STEAM Ahead -- PRTP23Our 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 School...
2022-10-1245 minProud Rural TeacherA Call For Your "Portrait of a Rural Teacher"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.
2022-09-1900 minProud Rural TeacherFamily & Consumer Education -- A Responsive Approach at Wisconsin Dells High School -- PRTP22When 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...
2022-09-0923 minProud Rural TeacherConnecting Students to the Outdoors in Goodhue, Minnesota -- PRTP21It'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 b...
2022-07-0928 min
Proud Rural TeacherCollaborating with Community Partners in Potosi, Wisconsin -- PRTP20Today'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 Dr...
2022-04-0731 minProud Rural TeacherInterdisciplinary Learning at Platteville High School -- PRTP19In 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 a...
2022-03-0427 minProud Rural TeacherA Conversation with State Superintendent Dr. Underly — PRTP18In 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/.
2022-02-0421 minProud Rural TeacherKindness From Richland Center -- PRTP17This 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 R...
2022-01-0212 minProud Rural TeacherDeep Learning in Decorah, IA -- PRTP16Decorah, Iowa is a beautiful town, rich with connections to water and the land. Decorah is in NE Iowa just west of the Mississippi, right on the edge of the Driftless region. The Upper Iowa River snakes thru town, and over time the residents have embraced this geographical feature. Over the summer, I traveled to Decorah for a workshop and noted the historical charm, appreciation for outdoor recreation, how they’ve adjusted to living along the river. In this episode, you’re meeting Zach Fromm, Instructional Coach, from the Decorah School District. The work in the Decorah school district is q...
2021-11-1525 minProud Rural TeacherEcoliteracy SCHOOL: A Collaborative Program in Minnesota's Great Outdoors -- PRTP15If you’ve ever wanted to ponder ways to connect students with the great outdoors and environmental education, stay tuned. This will be quite a treat. Today you’re meeting Megan Barnett Schimek a HS science teacher from Pine Island, Minnesota and Jessie Barnett, a student-based faculty member in public health at the University of Minnesota Rochester. Their collaborative spirit and commitment to environmental awareness, public health, and place-based education is commendable. Today you’ll learn about the collaborative partnership between their students -- it’s quite an impactful experience.
For relevant links and details, please visit http:/ww...
2021-04-2246 minProud Rural TeacherProject Based Learning Makes an Impact at Coon Valley Elementary - PRTP14Today we're going back to the flooding of Coon Valley in 2018. The area endured over 12 inches of rain in just a few days. To complicated matters, multiple dams broke in already saturated areas. The evening of August 27th was unforgettable as residents were awoken in the middle of the night to evacuate. Emergency management performed over 350 rescues and 46 roads were closed in just Vernon county. Farms, business, homes, community spaces, and roads were devastated. The students in today’s episode were all old enough to remember that night and no doubt, it left an impact. So when Erica Manix, 4th...
2021-04-0222 minProud Rural TeacherTaliesin Preservation: Providing Connection with the Driftless - PRTP13If you live in the Driftless, you’ve certainly heard of Frank Lloyd Wright and maybe even, prairie style architecture. You can see evidence of his work throughout southern Wisconsin in cities like Madison and Milwaukee, but one of the most historically significant locations is in Spring Green, Wisconsin. There you’ll find Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, studio, and garden sanctuary. In today’s episode you’re meeting Caroline Hamlen, director of programs for Taliesin Preservation. They provide extensive outreach to bring the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and the concept of organic architecture to our local schools. I...
2021-03-2424 minProud Rural TeacherTower Rock Elementary: An Exemplary School for Place-Based Education -- PRTP12Today I’m speaking with Terri Anderson, 1st grade teacher at Tower Rock elementary school in the Sauk Prairie School District in Wisconsin. With just 220 students, Tower Rock has served a rural farming community, and Agriculture continues to be part of the fabric of this school. Today, Terri is going to share with you lots of examples of how the educators at Tower Rock Elementary school provide hands-on, interdisciplinary learning through relevant lenses like agriculture and local geography with consistent and deep connection to their community. Their work truly exemplifies what it means to provide place-based education. So, as yo...
2021-03-0724 minProud Rural TeacherAgriculture Education Moves Forward in Maquoketa, Iowa -- PRTP11Today you’re meeting a former student of mine, Cassie Miller and her colleague Matt Lansing from Maquoketa high school. Initially, I asked for this interview because I read a recent facebook post from Cassie’s singing the praises of their FFA alumni and the construction progress made on their new Ag learning center, but as the interview went on, I was blown-away, really, by the level of support and opportunity these two educators provide their students. Maquoketa High school is in eastern Iowa, approximately halfway between Dubuque to the north and Davenport to the South. The high school has...
2021-02-1126 minProud Rural TeacherTransition Plus & Culver's = an Impactful Partnership - PRTP10Today you’re meeting three wonderful people who have developed opportunities for students in the Baraboo school district for over the 15 years as part of a program called Transition Plus. Just to give you geographical context, Baraboo is 15 minutes south of Wisconsin Dells. In a nutshell, the Transition Plus program provides services to students with educational disabilities and transition needs in post-secondary education, training, employment, and independent living to promote a successful transition from high school to adult life. Students are paired with businesses to learn new skills, make community connections, and earn income. One of the partnerships happens to...
2021-01-1717 minProud Rural TeacherCreating Opportunity and Sharing Joy through Music in Viroqua, Wisconsin -- PRTP9This episode of the Proud Rural Teacher Podcast is part of the Stories from the Driftless Series, a series dedicated telling the digital stories of the teachers in the Driftless Region. The series is made possible thanks to a grant from the Rural Schools Collaborative. The grant is part of RSC's I am a Rural Teacher campaign, a national advocacy effort that is supported by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Today we are talking about opportunity, community support, and the love of music in the Viroqua school district. Set in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, the...
2021-01-0320 minProud Rural TeacherJust a Quick bit of NEWS! -- PRTP 8This episode is just a quick drop of news regarding the new podcast series: Stories from the Driftless.
2020-10-2303 minProud Rural TeacherCapture Those Farming StoriesStaying current with last week’s theme of digital storytelling, I wanted to share with you another example of the importance of recording our history. As part of a class assignment, one of my students, Jalen Schmitz, chose to learn how to use Soundtrap to record an interview with his grandfather about his time as a farmer in Lancaster in Southwest Wisconsin. It’s such a nice example of how we can leverage technology to facilitate conversation and capture a piece of our rural heritage. I’m hoping you’ll feel inspired by Jalen’s work and interview someone who has a...
2020-05-0415 minProud Rural TeacherStories from the One Room Schoolhouse DaysFor the first half of the 20th century, if you were a kid in Southwest Wisconsin, you attended a one-room school. K-8, one room, one teacher. You walked miles to school throughout the seasons, and spent a tremendous amount of time with the same group of people. In Grant County, by 1912, we had 201 one-room schoolhouses, but by the end of the WWII, schools began consolidating. By 1950, most were gone. Today, some have been converted into homes, but many have been lost. Something though, that hasn’t are the stories. Today you’ll meet a dear friend of mine, Ron Weie...
2020-04-2513 minProud Rural TeacherFunding Opportunities Through the Rural Schools CollaborativeIn this episode you'll meet Gary Funk, Director of the Rural School Collaborative. The RSC's mission is "to build sustainable rural communities through a keen focus on place, teachers, and philanthropy." Today, we are focusing on two funding and support opportunities for educators -- the National Signature Project Award and the Grants in Place Fellows program.
To learn more about the RSC, visit their website at https://ruralschoolscollaborative.org/.
2020-04-1613 minProud Rural TeacherAn Interview with Laurie Heimsoth: 5th Grade Teacher in Southwest WisconsinToday's podcast episode features Laurie Heimsoth, a 5th grader teacher at Mineral Point Elementary in Southwest Wisconsin. Laurie, like many teachers, has moved her class to remote learning at home. Mineral Point is considered a rural area where not all kids have access, but Laurie has done a great job preparing her crew for this change in environment. Listen to hear how she is making the transition. :-)
Laurie's email: laurie.heimsoth@mp.k12.wi.us
2020-04-0515 minProud Rural TeacherWhy Learning About Our Rural Heritage Matters: An Interview with Jerry AppsIn this podcast episode you'll meet Jerry Apps, Wisconsin author, speaker, and storyteller on Wisconsin history, agriculture, and our rural heritage. Over the years, I've read his books, blog posts, and I've been able to hear him speak. I'm always left feeling a sense of gratitude for rural Southwest Wisconsin. His words are important to share because it reminds us that where we live...matters, and we should be fostering that narrative. As you listen to this episode, I am hoping that you'll be able to gather some ideas of how you can facilitate learning about our past, our...
2020-04-0317 min
HALELUJAH GOLDEN PAPUAShape Learning with Maps and Creation Tools - GTP108Jessica Brogley is one of the few educators in Southwest Wisconsin who is a Google for Education Certified Trainer, Innovator, and Google Streetview Certified.
2020-03-0237 min
Google Teacher PodcastShape Learning with Maps and Creation Tools - GTP108Google News and Updates Autocorrect now available for Google Docs on web Smart Compose in Google Docs now generally available Edit your new Google Sites faster with a revamped Settings menu Google Maps 101: how contributed content makes a more helpful map The Suite Life: 4 tips for a more manageable Gmail inboxFeatured ContentJessica Brogley currently teaches courses in educational technology in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin Platteville. Prior to this, she served in the Platteville School District as the Instructional Technology Support Specialist and the Digital Communication Specialist for three...
2020-03-0237 minProud Rural TeacherRecruitment & Retention Pays Early DividendsThis fall our School of Education has developed a new position called "Recruitment & Retention Specialist." For a small School of Education in a rural area, this type of investment is important as we strive to support our students through their undergraduate career and encourage incoming freshman to consider education as a career. Kayla Murphy joined the school of education this fall to lead the charge. Listen to discover how Kayla has developed programming, redesigned a student center, collaborated on cross-departmental outreach, and increased prospective student traffic as our students prepare for entering teaching in rural areas.
Kayla's...
2020-02-2812 min
Proud Rural TeacherEpisode 1: IntroThis first episode provides an overview of the mission of the Proud Rural Teacher podcast.
2019-10-1602 min