For over 150 years, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Education has stood as a cornerstone in educator training. Since its inception as the state’s first Normal School in 1866, UW-Platteville has proudly upheld a tradition of excellence, dedicated to delivering top-tier educational programs. Our commitment to quality ensures that aspiring educators are well-prepared for impactful careers.
Within our career education program for rural middle school students, you will delve into essential educational theories and proven instructional practices. This robust foundation equips you to effectively address the diverse learning needs you’ll encounter in your classroom. More than just preparation, our dynamic program is designed to cultivate you into a proactive agent of positive change within both school environments and the broader communities you will serve throughout your career.
Learning takes place in small, engaging classes led by our team of dedicated faculty. Crucially, you’ll gain hands-on experience through student teaching opportunities and volunteer placements in local schools. This practical application solidifies your skills and builds real-world confidence.
Rural Education Expertise: A Place-Based Approach
Our education programs are uniquely structured around a place-based framework with a distinct focus on rural education. This emphasis is directly aligned with the fact that 80% of our graduates embark on teaching careers in rural communities across the Midwest and the nation. Place-based education is a student-centered methodology that forges strong connections between classrooms and local communities. By strategically leveraging the inherent strengths of local contexts, particularly within rural settings, our educators empower students to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the world around them. This approach demonstrably boosts student engagement and fosters an environment where students feel genuinely supported and challenged in ways that resonate deeply with their lives.
Regardless of your ultimate career path, our place-based framework will provide you with the indispensable tools and refined skills necessary to excel as an impactful educator. UW-Platteville’s comprehensive teacher preparation program is specifically designed to enable you to make a significant positive influence on your students’ academic progress, as well as their crucial social and emotional development.
