Graduation is a time for reflection and celebration of many achievements –– and this year is no different.
Carly Winner will graduate as part of the Class of 2020 with a double major in environmental studies and elementary education. However, Winner’s time as an undergraduate will continue until her student teaching field experience with the Madison Metropolitan School District finishes in June. Winner looks back on four years of undergraduate studies at UW-Madison and forward to an exciting career as an environmental educator.
How did you choose your majors?
My majors are environmental studies and elementary education, with a certificate in leadership. My interest in the environment sparked at a young age. I initially intended to pursue two degrees in the sciences. However, after joining the Nelson Institute Community Environmental Scholars Program, I gained an interest in the human connection to the environment. I love the cheer and curiosity that children bring to the table and have always loved working with them. So, I was drawn to the idea of giving hands-on environmental educational experiences to students. After discovering this mix of interests, I knew that doing two majors at UW seemed like the perfect fit. The School of Education provided me a place to feel supported and welcomed in the education field.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to work in the field of environmental education or in a public school setting in math and science curriculum areas. I hope to create engaging science curriculum and give all students outdoor experiences that bring them connections to, and happy memories of, the field of science.
COVID-19 has affected so many things. How has your field experience at the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) changed?
Currently, I am continuing my student teaching semester at an MMSD middle school where we engage in virtual learning through several different means. We post pre-recorded lessons, readings, videos, journal templates, and are currently creating guidelines for a climate project. We understand that our students have different schedules and responsibilities at home and have therefore been communicating individually or in small groups to better support individual needs. I am grateful in this time to have the support from my cooperating teacher, administration, and my supervisors at the School of Education as we try to navigate these new systems.
What will you take away from this challenging time?
COVID-19 has taught me the joy and value of supporting others. I often struggle with electronic communications and rely on face-to-face interactions to check in with those dear to me. In particular, with my students, it’s hard not being able to sit next to them and work through a math problem or perform a science experiment. There is true value in the personal connections that we gain with so many in our lives. Most importantly, I believe that COVID-19 has brought to light the incredible systems of support that we have in place –– and areas of much-needed growth. Our food pantries, healthcare industry, and other essential systems have been hit hard by this pandemic, and this has shown how detrimental it is to entire communities when all individuals are not rightfully and fully supported.
You’ve accomplished something amazing. How will you be celebrating graduation?
I’m hoping to celebrate graduation with a nice sunny day outside, hopefully on my porch with my roommates who are also graduates. When the Madison Metropolitan School District finishes up school in June, my real “end-time,” I hope I’ll be floating down the river somewhere and swimming!