Graduates of the UW–Madison School of Education are enjoying successful careers in fields across the arts, health, and education — and we are excited to share what they are doing today.
Following is a Q&A with Benjamin Martinson, who graduated in 2021 with a BS in Physical Education.
What is your name, what teacher education program did you graduate from, and when did you graduate?
Ben Martinson; 2021 BS in Physical Education, minor in Health Education, concentration in Adapted Physical Education; School of Education and Department of Kinesiology.
What school are you currently teaching at, and what grades/subjects are you teaching?
Granite Ridge School (upper elementary school) grades 3–5, Physical Education Teacher; Monona Grove School District in Monona, Wisconsin.
Why did you pursue your teaching certification through UW–Madison?
UW–Madison was the closest institution near me offering a physical education teacher certification program. The program accepted my transfer credits from another university (I previously attended Bethel University in Minnesota). Being a parent and working full time, my advisors helped me plan a flexible schedule with occasional night courses, both at UW–Madison and Madison Area Technical College.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I’ve always imagined being a teacher, even from an early age. My first career was not in education, and my first bachelor’s degree was in Economics and Finance. Even though my first career was not in education, I always considered teaching to be a possibility for myself, regardless of the content area or age of the student base.
What do you enjoy most about being a teacher?
I like having fun with people, while teaching important life lessons at the same time. In my experience, youth are receptive to leadership and appreciate the chance to be part of a learning community. Adults can often miss opportunities or struggle to find new opportunities to be part of a learning community after completing their formal education. I appreciate the chance to contribute to such a community in my current stage of life.
In what ways did your teacher education program prepare you well to take on your first teaching job?
Practical experience and consistent, quality feedback from experienced and respected physical education teachers prepared me well for my first teaching position after graduation.
What was your most meaningful learning experience or who was the most impactful instructor during your time in your program, and why?
When I say “consistent quality feedback from experienced and respected physical education teachers,” I really mean “Cindy Kuhrasch.” She is wise, intelligent, humble, quick to listen, and slow to speak. She’s hard-working, kind yet firm, patient yet accountable, and instills a growth mindset in her students while maintaining high expectations for her students and above all else, herself. Every day I teach, I am drawn to follow the example Cindy Kuhrasch has demonstrated for me.
What impact did connections or friendships with fellow students in your program have on your learning?
I am still close to the classmates that remain in the greater Madison area, and I am currently in a graduate program with a couple of my former classmates. We have a rich relationship where we can draw from our shared experiences in the undergrad program together while also having engaging conversations about our current experiences. When I need a sounding board for current challenges, I can go to them for ideas and support.