Introduce Yourself! (WIPPP) by Victor Escalona-Aldana

2024-10-28 19:32:34 UTC

Hi, my name is Victor Escalona; I am a fourth-year PhD student at ELPA and the teacher assistant for this program.

I am from Chile, and I worked at the district level over there. I came to Madison in 2019 to pursue a Master's in Public Affairs, also here at UW-Madison, and since then, I have lived here with my wife and three kids.

I like hiking and biking, especially the bike path from my house to campus, but most of all, I love spending quality time with my family.

My research interests include questioning what schools should do, especially from parents' perspectives. I am an advanced user of Excel and Zotero (a citation manager you would love if you give it a chance). I treasure the work we do in this program, so please let me know if I can help you with anything related to it.

2025-03-14 20:42:02 UTC

^{Hola! My name is Yolanda Ziarnik. I am a Bilingual, Cross-categorical Special Education Teacher. I am originally from Nicaragua and have been living in USA for 18 years. My husband and I have lived in Colorado, Florida, New Mexico and Wisconsin. Both of our children were born in this beautiful state of Wisconsin.}

^{I have a degree in Political Science and I have both a general education and a special education lifetime teaching license 1-8. My interests include literature, learning, space, and exploration. My family enjoys spending time together in road trips across the country. I have a passion for aggressive inclusion and equity across many fields. Being a part of this program is important to me on a very personal level and I have confidence that once I complete it, I will contribute to make a positive influence many in peoples' lives.}

2025-03-26 03:46:09 UTC

My name is Robert Knox and I am excited to begin this journey! I am the 7-12 Band and Choir teacher at Florence Middle/High School in Florence, WI, about 2 hours north of Green Bay on the border of Wisconsin and Michigan. I have been in this district for fifteen years. I also teach driver’s education and am the advisor of the speech team and quiz bowl team, as well as serving as the union president for the Florence Education Association. I received my Bachelor’s of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 2009. My wife (who is my colleague in the music department in Florence) and I live in Florence with our dog Muddy Buddy. We enjoy traveling in our RV and playing music. I hope that, through this program, I can develop skills to be a better leader in my school and my entire community, and to continue to advocate for the importance of public education in our society!

2025-05-06 01:08:06 UTC

Hello! My name is Jennifer Mosansky. I am a 7th grade Special Education Teacher in the Elkhorn, Wisconsin School District. I live in Twin Lakes, Wi which is near the Illinois border with my husband, Jeff, and our two dogs. We have three grown children, but we are already empty nesters. We love to travel and are constantly planning our next adventure. I am a die hard Chicago Sports team fan and will proudly root for my teams whenever they play! I am passionate about this profession and I am ready to elevate my skills and take my career to the next level. My favorite part of what I do is creating life-long relationships with students and their families and seeing my students years later and having them tell me something great that they are doing or reminiscing about when they were in class with me. It's amazing to see them grow and to see how far they've come. I can't wait to go on this journey with you all!

2025-05-11 17:22:55 UTC

My name is Cindy Carter. I teach Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Integrated Science and Fab Lab at Stoughton High School. I have taught in Stoughton since 2004. I grew up in Madison, graduated from Memorial High School, and received my undergraduate degree in Chemistry from UW-Madison. I worked for a chemical company for a short time before returning to Madison to get by master’s degree in chemistry with a focus on inorganic chemistry, materials science and nanotechnology. After that I received my teaching certificate. I am married with two sons. This fall, my oldest son will start college at UW-Madison and my youngest will start high school. As a family we love to travel, cook and do things outdoors. I am deeply committed to advancing equitable and inclusive education, and I’m excited to explore how this program will prepare me to further that goal.

2025-05-12 19:56:12 UTC

Hello all! My name is Brittney Schultz, and I am a first grade teacher in Verona, Wisconsin. I absolutely love teaching, and love being at a different district than my kiddos attend(ha!), so I feel lucky to have found my home here. I have taught many grades between my roles in Special Education and regular education, but just took a spot where I will be staying in first grade for the foreseeable future after being a 'bubble' and having to bounce around due to allocation. I feel passionate about early intervention, and having systems in place that help support the reality of the school day. I feel mental health and behavioral needs have changed our special education system so much, but our system hasn't changed enough to support it. I just want to be the best advocate I can be for my students and their families. Excited to begin this next step!

2025-05-13 02:07:06 UTC

Hi!! My name is Elizabeth Morrison! I'm originally from Naperville, IL but came to UW Madison for undergrad and never left! I have dual certification to teach both gen ed and special ed. I've taught elementary special education at Orchard Ridge Elementary in Madison, WI for 4 years now. I've had 3 different principals in my 4 years of teaching and have seen firsthand how much impact the principal role has on teachers, students, and the community. I'm passionate about equitable education for all students and fostering a school culture where all staff feels included, supported, and appreciated. I'm also getting married this July!! Excited to meet everyone :)

2025-05-14 21:44:06 UTC

Hello-hello! My name is Jeannie, I teach middle school Orchestra in the suburbs of Chicago, and enjoy anything active and nature. I am passionate about lifting others up, making people smile, and creating a positive & inclusive environment for everyone. I have my Bachelor's and Master's in Instrumental Music Education and teach piano and Pilates on the side for fun :) I am both nervous and excited to get challenged by and grow through this program. I hope to make a positive impact serving the communities around me with the professional skills gained from this reputable program that supports social justice. I wish I could be with you all in the friendly neighbor state of WI but am sure I will visit. I heard the farmer's market is up again around the Capitol! Post pictures! :)

2025-05-15 00:26:50 UTC

Hi! My name is Maggie Watkins. I currently live in Scottsdale, AZ with my husband and our dog, but I am originally from the Milwaukee area (and moving back in June!). I attended the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, where I studied Political Science and Technical Writing—and decided I wanted to become a teacher! I applied to Teach For America, was accepted, and placed in a Title I charter school in Phoenix, where I taught 2nd grade. During that time, I earned my master’s degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. I am passionate about instilling a love for learning in students, fighting for educational equity, and ice cream! Madison and education run deep in my family - my great-grandma, grandma, and mom all attended UW-Madison and became teachers...and, as my dad says "if you want to be a Badger, just get another degree!" I’m excited to keep learning and growing so I can be the best educator and future leader I can be for my students and community.

2025-05-15 00:39:47 UTC

Hello!

My name is Shannon Olson. I am from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. I went to UW Oshkosh for my BSE. I moved to Appleton after graduating but ended up getting a job in Oshkosh. So, I eventually moved back. I was a substitute teacher for two years after graduating. Then, I started teaching third grade. This school year was my first-year teaching special education. I run a cross categorical program, but many of my students have autism or intellectual disabilities. Next year, I will be teaching an Intensive Services ID/Autism program.

I have two master's degrees. My first master's degree was from UWO where I studied literacy. My second master's degree was from UW Superior where I got my special education license. I am pretty sure this will be my last master's program!!

One reason I chose this program is because it is completely online!

2025-05-15 01:13:27 UTC

Hi everybody! My name is Madison Edgren, and I am a 24 year old science and technology (engineering) teacher at Pilgrim Park Middle School in Brookfield, WI. This is my third full year of teaching, and my first full year in this position. Prior to this, I worked in Johnson Creek, WI as a 6th grade math teacher. I have my Bachelor of Science - Education with a minor in specialized science from UW-Madison, though I worked at and took classes in the College of Engineering. My passion is teaching STEM in a way that inspires thoughtfulness as well as creating equitable access to a high quality engineering education for all students. This is what drives me to seek administrative certification, which I believe will allow me to create and run this type of program or non-profit in the future. In my free time I like to do DIY projects, travel and read on my kindle :) I look forward to learning with you!!!

2025-05-19 19:42:26 UTC

My name is Mike Schuetz and I am excited to begin this adventure. Though most of my experience in the principal's office comes from my high school years, I look forward to being on the other side of the desk. I am currently the Behavioral Specialist/Director of Special Education at Prentice school district, which is a small rural community in Price County. My wife and I both are educators within our district. Between raising our four out of seven children that are still home and time spent at school, we enjoy traveling and riding motorcycle. I am a Marine Corps veteran and former probation/parole agent that became a special education teacher. I look forward to this program giving me more tools to become a well equipped leader. I hope to become a leader that sets the groundwork for a school community that is open, honest and equitable to all children!

2025-05-20 17:31:59 UTC

Hello everyone! My name is Laura Covelli. I am currently teaching Integrated Technology in one of Kenosha's high school Academies, as well as, 2D, 3D, and Drawing AP Art courses on the comprehensive side. This year I have taken on our department lead, high school department lead, and became a mentor. Along with these new rolls I began collaborating with our credit recovery/failing seniors, counselors, and assistant principal. I have a BFA, a Masters in Education, as well as recently obtained my ELL license and have been teaching since 2002 in various rolls and schools. I took five years off to raise my two kiddos, but also started my own business teaching art and volunteering. I have a passion teaching just about anything through the use of the arts and love making life long connections. When I am not teaching, creating, or gardening I am busy with my kiddos' extreme sports: horses and dirt bikes. I am a little nervous taking on more, but very excited and thrilled for this opportunity to grow and continuing learning how to advocate for all.

pignottiwojt — 2025-05-23 14:37:15 UTC

Hi everyone! My name is Gianna Pignotti-Wojtak and I am from Kenosha, WI. I currently teach 5th grade at Ruth Harman Academy. We are departmentalized so I teach Reading, Writing, and Word Study. Next year, I will bumping up to Middle School Math! This is my first year teaching! I received my degree in Elementary Education from Carthage College. I am a cheerleading coach in Lake Villa, Illinois, so my days consist of teaching all day long. I love my sweet puppy Mojo and enjoy to chat about him anytime. I am beyond excited to be a part of this group, and hope to continue my development as a teacher. I have always really connected with the idea of being a life long learner, and no shock I am coming back to get another degree after finishing my first. I look forward to working with all of you, and creating a space of people that will continue to serving children everyday:)

2025-05-30 17:13:47 UTC

Hello, great to meet everyone. My name is Rob Van Dyke, I am originally from Kaukauna, WI but currently teach in Kenosha at Mahone Middle School. In addition to teaching I also coach Basketball and Football at the High School. I began teaching 8th grade math and am now currently teaching Mahone's STEM program. It is my 10th year teaching STEM. I choose this program because I am very interested in Educational leadership. I currently work on our guiding coalition and have had the advantage of being a part of decisions in our school and our community. I look forward to learning and collaborating with other educators, in addition the different types of leadership styles and what people have experienced. In addition I look forward to learning the ins and outs of educational leadership from our instructors. When not teaching I enjoy being outside, sports and hunting/fishing. I am looking forward to starting the program with you all.

2025-06-04 14:46:59 UTC

Hello everyone!
My name is Aaron Day. I am originally from, and currently reside in, Milwaukee, WI. I recently completed my third year as a College and Career Advisor for 9th–12th grade students. In addition to that role, I’ve also worked with students needing credit recovery support. This fall, I’ll be stepping into a new position at our school as the Dean of Social and Emotional Learning!

I earned my undergraduate degree from UW–Madison and couldn’t be more excited to return. "You must learn from the best to be the best!" I chose this program to grow more confident in my leadership abilities. I’m eager to deepen my knowledge of school leadership and explore various effective leadership styles.

Before entering the field of education, I worked with socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and cognitively challenged youth, ages 8–17, in a variety of settings and roles—including residential placements and juvenile detention.

Outside of working with youth, I enjoy connecting with nature through hiking, biking, or simply being near the water. I’m also an avid baseball fan (Go Brewers!) and a proud supporter of local teams. One of my bucket list goals is to see the Brewers play in all the MLB stadiums!

I look forward to connecting with everyone and am truly excited to be on this journey together.

On, Wisconsin!

2025-06-17 18:06:12 UTC

Hello everyone! My name is Katrina and I’m a new resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a native of the DMV (DC, MD, VA) I began my teaching career in Maryland, working in 4th grade general education. I transitioned into Montessori education after 4 years and have certifications in both elementary and secondary Montessori education. I enjoy digging into curriculum and instruction, as well as working towards sustainable practices for educators. During the summers I enjoy cooking up a storm, trying my hand at gardening and spending time with my family.