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 Lindsey Kourafas, who graduated in 2024 with a BS in Educational Policy Studies.
How did you get interested in this field/major?
I have been interested in education from a young age, but before coming to UW I had no idea just how expansive the field could be. Although I had worked with students and in schools throughout my life, when I arrived in Madison I quickly recognized how different the educational landscape was. This contrast sparked my interest in education policy, and I became fascinated by the ways that educational systems can vary so significantly.
I am confident that pursuing this program at UW was the best decision I could have made to deepen my learning and practical knowledge of education. I would certainly not be where I am today if not for this major. The incredible faculty and staff who have supported me throughout my time at UW, and the friends I have made through the program and my EPS classes, have been nothing but exceptional.
What are you doing today (professionally, or where are you pursuing further education)?
I currently split my time between two roles, teaching STEM at a middle school in the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and working for a Wisconsin State Assembly member who is a member of the Committee on Education. Additionally, I am fortunate to maintain a number of opportunities that I was involved with as a student at UW, including teaching and performing with a theater education program through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and participating in research with the UW Community Arts Collaboratory Research Lab through the Wisconsin Center for Educational Research (WCER).
What was your most meaningful experience with the EPS program?
During my time as an EPS student ambassador, my friend and I had the opportunity to speak with an admitted PhD student who was visiting campus and uncertain about whether to attend. After our conversation, she shared that our enthusiasm for the department and program ultimately solidified her decision to choose UW. It felt rewarding to know that someone much more experienced in their life and education valued our voices and perspectives, which truly highlights the supportive and welcoming spirit of the EPS community.
What class or professor had the greatest impact on you, and why?
One class that had a meaningful impact on me was EPS 545: Philosophical Conceptions of Teaching and Learning, taught by Professor Harry Brighouse. This class was unique compared to other EPS courses because of its theoretical focus, and by design it required us to argue in favor of perspectives that we did not initially agree with. I found that this type of learning — being challenged to defend opposing viewpoints — helped me see the merit in ideas I would have otherwise dismissed, and it has certainly benefited me in all areas of my life.
Have you participated in any research, study abroad, or community service? What did you participate in and could you talk a bit more about those experiences?
I participated in research with the UW Community Arts Collaboratory Research Lab through WCER. The Collaboratory partners with organizations across Dane County who provide artistic experiences for youths facing barriers to accessing the arts. The studies I am currently involved in measure social-emotional learning (SEL) outcomes for elementary-aged students participating in performing arts programs and teacher growth driven by arts integration and SEL training. Additionally, I volunteered as a tutor at a high school in MMSD and as a science instructor through the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, which offers educational programs for children and families.