More than 300 enthusiastic high school students from 35 school districts across the state were in full force as they explored future career opportunities in education at the 2025 Educators Rising State Conference and Competitions Friday, March 7, hosted by the UW-Stevens Point School of Education. [View Photos]
Themed “In It Together,” the summit included speakers and optional competitive events where students can showcase their developing career-related skills.
This is the fifth year in row UWSP has been the host institution for the event, demonstrating how the Harju Center for Opportunities in Education at UW-Stevens Point aims to empower learners though collaborative, inclusive and sustainable opportunities.
Brian Collins, the 2024 Wisconsin State Teacher of the Year, served as this year’s keynote speaker with a talk focusing on how educators impact their students, communities and future generations. Breakout sessions were facilitated by distinguished educators, with several colleges and professional organizations taking part in a recruitment fair. A number of competitive events and contests were held about lesson planning, leadership, public speaking, research and ethics. The top two scoring contestants in each competitive event qualified for the national competition.
Educators Rising Wisconsin, coordinated by the Wisconsin Education Association Council, is a network of educators and students who promote teaching careers and support future educators. The organization has grown to 98 chapters across the state and is part of many districts’ Grow-your-Own teacher recruitment strategies.
“Educators Rising helps students prepare for education careers in multiple ways,” said WEAC President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen. “More than half the teachers who go into the profession leave within five years, and they often report feeling unprepared and finding a lack of support in the classroom. Through Educators Rising, the educators of the future can start getting that support and preparation while they also develop leadership skills and confidence.”
UW-Stevens Point education students and faculty volunteered and took part in a panel at the event.
Since 1894, the School of Education has been the hub of teacher preparation programs at UW-Stevens Point. It prepares future teachers majoring in early childhood education, elementary education, physical education or special education. The School of Education also supports students seeking certification in K-12 and secondary education.
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