The UW–Madison School of Education offers academic excellence in areas spanning the arts, health, and education. We are a proud community of innovative leaders, creative thinkers, and fearless trailblazers. Our talented students are committed to making their college experience a meaningful journey that aligns with their interests and helps them achieve their future goals.
Following is a Q&A with Autumn Itzen, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Special Education with a certificate in Special Education Cross-Categorical K–12 and graduating in spring 2026.
What grade would you like to teach and why? I am open to a wide range of grades from elementary to middle school. I want to teach students with the most significant support needs because I want to ensure their belonging in the school community.
Why did you pursue your teaching certification through UW–Madison? UW–Madison has always been a top school for education degrees, and from meeting with advisors early on I could feel that they care about students and their success. They have classes that touch on different components, specifically special education teachers’ need to expand their knowledge on how to support students and their educational rights.
What inspired you to become a teacher? Since second grade I have felt drawn to becoming a special education teacher. I experienced how inclusion and peer relationships can change people’s lives, and I wanted to create that environment for students.
What has been your most meaningful learning experience — or who was the most impactful instructor — during your time in your program, and why? Teaching students how to read, especially given the widening gap and ACT 20, was an area that was important for me to grasp entirely. Dr. Beverly Trezek’s reading course explicitly taught me how to systematically teach students to read and write using the science of reading. She taught the importance of the “why” behind the content, which reinforced its significance.
What role did the Teacher Pledge play in your decision to come to UW–Madison? During my research, I found out about the Teacher Pledge. The Teacher Pledge has helped reduce the financial burden of tuition and led to more time to participate in clubs and more classroom-based hours. I am really grateful for the opportunity to save money on my degree given the Teacher Pledge.
Do you have any tips for students thinking about how to maximize their experience? In classes, I would recommend being a part of class discussions as much as you can. Answering questions or adding some of your experiences is going to help you solidify knowledge and expand your learning. I would also recommend getting involved with clubs or organizations on campus. There are so many to choose from, and I have loved making friends as well as being a part of a smaller community. Lastly, I would stress the importance of making the most out of your practicum and student teaching experiences. This is your time to ask questions, learn your own philosophy, and possibly decide a grade or area you would like to pursue.
Can you tell us about a time when an academic advisor helped you? I transferred into UW–Madison and the academic advisors were extremely helpful in answering all of my questions. I am a person who wants to have everything very planned out. Throughout my time, I have had meetings about specific courses which would meet requirements, continuing education opportunities, and information about the multitude of other resources UW–Madison has for its students.