We are reaching out to students who are utilizing the UW–Madison School of Education Wisconsin Teacher Pledge program to pursue their goal of becoming an educator. Following is a Q&A with Brooke Redemann, who is working toward a master’s degree in special education. (Note: This interview was conducted in Spring 2021, when Brooke was still a UW-Madison student. As of the 2023-24 school year, she was teaching in Burlington, Wisconsin.)
Where are you from, and what brought you to UW–Madison?
I am from Burlington, Wisconsin, and returned to UW–Madison for graduate school after graduating (undergrad at UW) in 2018. When I decided I wanted to come back to school to get my teaching license, UW–Madison was my first choice!
What has been your most meaningful experience at UW–Madison?
Many of my courses entail working directly with children. Unfortunately, these assignments had to be adapted due to COVID-19, so I have not been able to work in person with any kids yet. Consequently, I am very much looking forward to the semester when I start student teaching. I believe that student teaching will be an extremely meaningful experience, since I will be overseeing my own students and putting into practice what I learn in the classroom.
What class or professor has had the greatest impact on you, and why?
While I have been enjoying all of my classes so far, the class that has had the greatest impact on me is RPSE 515: Access To The General Curriculum for Students With Disabilities, with Dr. Andrea Ruppar. This course emphasized that all students have the potential to be successful in school, and we as educators need to create opportunities for students to do so. Therefore, this course has further motivated me to try my best to help ensure that students have a positive educational experience.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
After graduating from UW–Madison in 2018 with a major in legal studies, I was unsure about my desired career path. I ultimately decided to get a job at a local elementary school as a special education paraprofessional while I considered my options. Throughout my two years of working at the school, I realized my passion for elementary special education. I am now enrolled in the MS Special Education Teacher Certification program with the goal of obtaining my teaching license.
"I hope to make a difference as an educator by being an advocate for all of my students. I want to provide them with an environment where they can be meaningfully challenged and ultimately succeed in school." — Brooke Redemann
How is the Teacher Pledge making it easier for you to pursue your goal of becoming a teacher?
After hearing about the Teacher Pledge (this past summer), I was eager to be involved. The Teacher Pledge is making it easier for me to pursue my goal of becoming a teacher by providing me with financial support in order to come back to school to obtain my teaching license.
How do you hope to make a difference as an educator in Wisconsin?
I hope to make a difference as an educator by being an advocate for all of my students. I want to provide them with an environment where they can be meaningfully challenged and ultimately succeed in school. I want my future students to view school as a fun and safe place where they can be themselves and grow as individuals.
What are your future plans?
My future plan is to become an elementary special education teacher somewhere in Wisconsin. I do not have a specific location in Wisconsin in mind, so I am excited to see what opportunities await me in the future.