Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom 2022 Outstanding Teacher -- Jessica Rettler, Tri-County Elementary --PRTP27

02/10/23 • 19 min

Today you’re meeting Jessica Rettler, the 2022 Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Outstanding Educator. Rettler is a fourth-grade educator at Tri-County Elementary School in Plainfield, Wisconsin. In this episode, Jessica will share several lesson ideas and resources on how teachers can connect with community assets and state and national organizations to create agriculturally engaging lessons. To see her extensive list of links and ideas, visit our website https://proudruralteacherpodcast.com/.

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An Update from the Rural Schools Collaborative -- PRTP26

In today’s episode you’re meeting Taylor McCabe-Juhnke, the executive director of the Rural Schools Collaborative. It’s important that our rural schools know who their advocates are and what resources they provide. Rural Schools Collaborative, also known as RSC, is certainly one of them. Across the county, there are 11 RSC regional hubs that align with their goals. The School of Education just happens to be one of those 11 – we are the Driftless Hub, supporting rural education in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois. In today’s interview, Taylor will provide you with an understanding of what RSC is and why their advocacy matters. You’ll leave this episode with yet another resource.

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EVERYONE Should be Paying Attention to Public School Funding in Wisconsin -- PRTP28

So today’s episode is a little different for me in that, even though I’ve already done the interview, I still feel I have a lot to learn about funding for public schools in Wisconsin. Back in the day, when I was teaching HS English, I didn’t think much at all about school funding. I had, for the most part, as far as I knew, what I needed to do my job. I certainly did not think about the bigger picture or how financial decisions made at the state level, might impact public education. I don’t think my experience is unusual. As the years have passed, I’ve grown to understand that funding public education is certainly a challenge that’s deeply impacting our rural schools. So in this episode, I’m honestly just asking questions about funding for public schools in Wisconsin. To kick off National Public Schools week, I’m introducing you to the executive director of the Wisconsin Public Education Network, Heather DuBois Bourenane. The interview itself is actually in two parts. Part 1 was just days before the Governor of Wisconsin, Tony Evers, released his proposed budget, and Part 2 was just days after. Heather will explain how funding in Wisconsin impacts public schools and how the Wisconsin Public Education Network is a strong advocate for public schools. If you’re new to learning about how public schools in Wisconsin are funded, this conversation will, hopefully, stir your mind to learn more. Be sure to check out the show notes for relevant links.

Do you want to learn more about how public schools are funded in Wisconsin?

Visit: https://www.wisconsinnetwork.org/