Hundreds of high school students from across Wisconsin came together at UW-Stevens Point March 4 for the 2026 Educators Rising State Conference and Competitions, a day designed to inspire the next generation of teachers and connect them with mentors peers and pathways into the profession. [View Photos]
Hosted by the School of Education and the Harju Center for Opportunities in Education, the conference invited students in grades 9-12 to “Grow, Teach, Lead into Greatness.” Throughout the day, participants explored what it means to choose a career in teaching through a mix of keynote inspiration breakout sessions optional competitive events and a robust recruitment fair featuring 16 colleges and professional organizations.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Ana Celia Báez, the 2025 Wisconsin State Teacher of the Year and Wisconsin School Counselor of the Year, headlined the event with a keynote focused on the transformational power educators hold within their classrooms and communities. Báez has served as a bilingual school counselor at South Division High School in Milwaukee for more than a decade and is a proud WEAC and Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association member. Her passion for equitable education and ensuring students feel seen and valued resonated with the future educators in attendance.
UWSP alum Jacob Barth ’25, a sixth grade teacher at Thorp Elementary, was the closing speaker. Barth, who held multiple leadership positions during his time at Point, encouraged the younger students to get involved at every level of their education.
Hands-On Learning and Professional Connections
Students participated in breakout sessions led by distinguished educators from across the state. Sessions highlighted real-world teaching practices and gave students space to explore their interests in subjects such as leadership, instructional skills and student support. The college fair offered a unique opportunity for students to connect directly with higher education partners and learn about teacher preparation programs matched to their goals.
Competitive events allowed students to showcase their developing skills in areas tied to future classroom practice, from lesson planning to communication and problem solving.
Building Wisconsin’s Teacher Pipeline
Educators Rising-Wisconsin, coordinated statewide by WEAC and supported by the WEA Academy, plays a key role in cultivating a diverse and passionate educator workforce. By helping high school students explore teaching early, the organization strengthens the pipeline of future teachers who reflect and serve their communities.
“The future of public schools requires the next generation of teachers to come to the job prepared and with purpose,” said Peggy Wirtz-Olsen, teacher and WEAC president. “Our Educators Rising participants represent the hope and heart of public education. They are doing their part so every child has committed and qualified teachers.”
Katie Anderson-Pence, head of the School of Education at UW-Stevens Point, echoed this message. “The Educators Rising conference is a powerful example of what is possible when schools higher education and communities across Wisconsin work together,” she said. “We are thrilled to host this conference at UWSP.”
A Legacy of Educator Preparation at UW-Stevens Point
Since 1894, the School of Education has served as UW-Stevens Point’s hub for teacher preparation, supporting future educators in early childhood education, elementary education, physical education, special education and K-12 or secondary certification. The Harju Center further strengthens this mission by addressing educational inequities across Wisconsin with a focus on rural teacher preparation and access to high quality training.
