On Dec. 18, UW–Madison will celebrate its Winter 2022 Commencement. We reached out to a few of our students who are graduating from programs in the School of Education to learn about their favorite UW–Madison memories and future plans. Following is a Q&A with Savanna Jo Roeder, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education/ESL and education studies.
Where are you from, and what brought you to UW–Madison?
I am from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. What brought me to UW–Madison is the amazing School of Education. UW–Madison is home to one of the best teacher preparation programs and since my career goal was to become a teacher, I wanted to be enrolled in the best program I could for my future students.
How did you choose your majors?
In high school, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do after I graduated. I did this by taking different classes and exploring my interests. My junior year of high school, I took an early childhood education class through my high school that would certify me to work at a daycare. I ended up really liking the content in the class and after I completed the coursework, I got a job working at a daycare with school-age students. I really enjoyed working with the students and it was honestly one of the most rewarding experiences I had encountered up to that point. From then on, I knew I wanted to be a teacher.
"What brought me to UW–Madison is the amazing School of Education. UW–Madison is home to one of the best teacher preparation programs and since my career goal was to become a teacher, I wanted to be enrolled in the best program I could for my future students."
What was your most meaningful experience at UW–Madison?
My most meaningful experience has been being a part of the UW Marching Band. The Badger Band has provided me with many opportunities to connect with communities, travel to new places, meet new people who I have formed meaningful relationships with, given me memories to last a lifetime, and provided me with endless moments of happiness.
What are your plans for the future?
Starting in January 2023, I am taking a long-term subbing position in the Middleton-Cross Plains School District as a third grade teacher. After the school year ends, I plan on finding a job where I can have a classroom of my own. I do plan to return to UW–Madison after I have a few years of teaching under my belt to earn my master’s degree in educational leadership and policy analysis through the Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation program.
You’re a UW–Madison expert now. What’s one thing every Badger should experience before they graduate?
I might be kind of biased since I am on the UW Marching Band, but every Badger should experience a game day in Camp Randall. Nothing compares to the electric feeling of being in the stadium on game day, showing school pride, spending time with your friends and thousands of other Badgers, and doing Jump Around after the student section race.