The UW–Madison School of Education Wisconsin Teacher Pledge is dedicated to strengthening Wisconsin’s teacher workforce. It pays the equivalent of in-state tuition and fees, testing, and licensing costs for all teacher education students who “pledge” to teach for three or four years at a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school in Wisconsin after they graduate.
As of the end of November, 758 students have taken the Teacher Pledge — and this fall there are 350 Pledge alumni who are already in classrooms and teaching in 87 public school districts and 14 private schools across Wisconsin.
To learn more about the program and its impact, the School of Education’s communications team spoke with sisters Cloey and Lindsey Braatz, who both have used the Teacher Pledge.
Cloey graduated in May of 2023 with a BS in elementary education and a content focus in English language arts. She is now a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Academy teacher in her hometown of Watertown, Wisconsin. Her younger sister, Lindsey, is a junior who started the Elementary Education program, with a focus on early childhood education and educational policy, this fall. Both sisters chose to attend UW–Madison because of its “highly ranked School of Education” and closeness to home.
Following is an edited Q&A with the sisters talking about their decisions to become teachers, how the Teacher Pledge has helped them pursue this goal, and more.
Did you always want to be a teacher? Did your sister or other family members influence this decision?
Cloey: I have always wanted to be a teacher. My family members did not influence this decision, however, they always supported my passion for equitable education for all students in Wisconsin.
Lindsey: I always knew I wanted to work with kids, but I didn’t know in what form. My sister definitely had an influence in my decision, as she was the one who truly exposed me to the career of teaching.
Are there any advantages to having sisters who are also studying to become teachers/are already teachers?
Cloey: There are so many advantages to having a younger sister that is studying to become a teacher as I begin my career. I can always reach out to her for advice and guidance. She also understands the climate of educational institutions today.
Lindsey: It is nice to have someone close who you know can relate to your successes/struggles. Additionally, I have been able to gain a lot of insight from my sister regarding curriculum, behavior management, etc., which will be helpful when I begin my practicum/student teaching.
How has the Teacher Pledge made it easier for you to pursue your goal of becoming a teacher?
Cloey: The Teacher Pledge allowed me to choose a district that aligned with my values and beliefs without having to pay great attention to the district’s compensation model.
Lindsey: The Teacher Pledge will allow me the opportunity to seek employment at a school that aligns with my values, beliefs, and educational goals without having to worry about compensation.
Was there a class or professor that left a lasting impact on you?
Cloey: My supervisor for student teaching, Ann Ward, has left a lasting impact on me. She taught me how to advocate for myself and reach out to other professionals when extra support for students is needed.
Lindsey: Although I’ve only been in the program a short time, Professor Emily Machado has had a large impact on me and my aspirations as an educator. Professor Machado has encouraged me to think critically about education and the impact I want to have in education.
What do you like most about being a teacher?
Cloey: I love building relationships with students, which ultimately allows them to thrive in my classroom. Middle school students are going through a unique phase in their life and they need someone they can trust. I have gotten to see my students grow as individuals and students already in the school year and it has been the most rewarding thing about my job so far.
How are things going in the classroom? Do you feel like you are making a difference?
Cloey: Everything is going wonderful as of now! My team has been a tremendous help between adjusting to teaching middle school and STEM content. I feel like I am making a difference most days I am at work. Some days are difficult, but my students, coworkers, and students’ parents have reached out to tell me how I am doing a wonderful job. These positive messages prove I am where I should be.