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 Aria Till, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a certificate in English as a Second Language and graduating in spring 2026.
What grade would you like to teach and why? I’m all across the board. I want to teach between first and fifth grade, sixth through eighth grade, possibly high school, but I eventually want to be a college professor — hopefully at my alma mater!
Some grade levels make you specialize in one area. Is there a particular subject that speaks to you? I find that my love of teaching is not barred by subject: I could be in any placement. I am going to be completing my minors in social studies and specialized science, so those two areas in particular fascinate me. However, I find that my love of teaching is less so a subject area, meaning I am very flexible with wherever I go.
What inspired you to become a teacher? I’ve always had something in me that has told me I want to help others be even better than I could be. I have been given so many opportunities throughout my entire life, and I felt the best thing I could do is lift others up. In my eyes, there is no better way to lift someone up, give them a voice, and help them succeed than to provide a great education. It’s time I pass on the torch to ensure the next generation gets to be even better than I ever could.
Why did you pursue your teaching certification through UW–Madison? I started off looking for a high school certification and found out that was only a master’s program here, but I did not let that dissuade me. I thought about if the grades I taught really mattered to me, and realized that what matters is that I’m helping human beings become better people — so I enrolled in the School of Education and joined the Elementary Education program. I discovered that this is where I want to be.
I also chose the School of Education because this program is one of the top in the nation. In a world where teachers are coming and going at faster rates than in the past, I knew to withstand the profession and my best I needed the right toolbox — and the right toolbox comes from UW–Madison. I take a look at those skill sets I have, and I genuinely feel so prepared.
What has been your most meaningful learning experience — or who was the most impactful instructor — during your time in your program, and why? There are so many wonderful professors I can think of! Kerry Kretchmar is my School of Education cohort leader and supervisor and is absolutely amazing. She works with literacy as a professor and has such a beautiful view of students. Kerry Kretchmar is there to lift you up whenever you’re feeling down and supports us in everything we need. Also, Diego Román in the English as a Second Language program: Diego is such a wonderful individual and he has been a professor of mine since I started the program. I feel like I can go to him with anything. Lastly, Kathi Koppa! I visit her office, get sweets, and actually have a book she lent me. She’s like my mother in the School of Education!
Do you have any tips for students thinking about how to maximize their experience? Find a student-mentor if you can! I was an elder buddy in the School of Education’s Buddy Program and there are first-year courses you can take like CP125: The Wisconsin Experience. The School of Education makes sure you are not alone and there are advisors and support groups that are here to help. It may be tricky to start but the best you can do is find one place, stick with it, and let everything develop from there! There will be people around you who won’t let you fall; it just may take some time since you won’t have everything figured out right away. Also, introduce yourself to professors on that first day of classes if you can, or send a nice introductory email. That honestly gets you really far — farther than you’d ever think. In a sea of 100+ students, if you’re the one student who puts an email out they are likely to check on you.