Q&A WITH NICOLE RESCH

Editor’s Note: The Enterprise & News recently chatted with 2011 Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School graduate Nicole Resch, daughter of Andy and Judi Resch, of Birnamwood. She recently received a Herb Kohl Foundation Teacher Fellowship for her ability to inspire a love of learning in students, her ability to motivate others and her leadership and service within and outside the classroom. The fellowship program was established by Herb Kohl, philanthropist and businessman, in 1990. To date, Kohl’s foundation has awarded $17.8 million to Wisconsin educators, principals, students and schools.

Q: What college did you attend, what was your degree and what year did you graduate?
 

A: I attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and graduated in May 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. I am licensed to teach first through eighth grades in Wisconsin.
 

Q: Is this your first teaching job?
 

A: Yes, this is my first teaching job. I teach seventh- and eighth-grade English language arts at the Elk Mound Middle School in Elk Mound. I am also the seventh- and eighth-grade track coach and serve on a variety of school programs. Two years before getting this position I did a practicum at the elementary school in Elk Mound with Sarah Larson, a fourth-grade teacher, who was a fabulous role model for me.
 

Q: Your award from the Herb Kohl Foundation is for $6,000. Does that go directly to you or does it need to be spent in the classroom?
 

A: The $6,000 goes directly to me to use toward my classroom or education. I am going to use that money toward grad school. I will be graduating from Viterbo University (in La Crosse) next January with a master’s in special education. With that degree, I am also earning my cross-categorical license to teach special education.
 

Q: Who or what inspired you to become a teacher?
 

A: While I was growing up, I had various teachers and adults recommend teaching as a career for me, but I really wanted to be a sports journalist. It was always my dream to be on the sidelines at Lambeau Field every game day. However, it did not take me long to decide — about a month into college — that journalism was not for me. A year and a half later, I just knew that an office-type job or any kind of computer-based job was not for me either. I have always loved kids and when I looked into my future, I knew my heart would be happiest in the classroom.
 

Q: How did WBHS prepare you for college and beyond?
 

A: Two teachers stick out to me the most when I think of high school: my ag teacher Brenda Brady and my English teacher Joanna Fradrich. Both of these ladies always pushed me to work toward my highest potential. Brenda taught me so many life lessons through FFA and agriculture education. I feel confident in my public speaking abilities and leadership skills because of the challenges that FFA posed. Joanna taught me to love learning and that learning can be flat out fun. She taught me that it’s OK to step out of your comfort zone and advocate for everyone. Both of these educators inspire what I do in my classroom each and every day, and I hope that one day, my students can think of me in the same light that I think of them.
 

Q: What is the Elk Mound Middle School Leadership Club?
 

A: I started the EMMS Leadership Club last year when our community suggested that we introduce more after-school activities that are not sports-based. I talked to my principal about creating an after-school club that gave back to the community. It is open to any and all seventh- and eighth-grade students. At meetings, the students decide what it means to them to be a good leader and how to give back to our community. Then we simply give back to the community in the ways they brainstorm. This year we made over 20 tie blankets to donate to the Foster Closet, we volunteered at Ruby’s Pantry, wrote letters and made Christmas cards to soldiers overseas, created Christmas cards and valentines for children at St. Jude and we have shoveled around the village on three different occasions. Last year, on top of just volunteering around the community, I also brought in three local speakers who shared their stories about becoming a leader. It’s truly amazing what my kids come up with, within this club.
 

Q: How does the “Universal Design for Learning” play into your professional philosophy for teaching?
 

A: UDL is something I am truly passionate about and a large part of my philosophy of education. UDL is something that I believe should be incorporated into every classroom. It is simply creating modifications and accommodations to every assignment and lesson that you teach so that students of all ability levels can still master the objective. To make UDL more understandable, think of it this way: Every public place you travel to has a ramp for wheelchair access, however, not just people in wheelchairs use that ramp; the ramp is open to everyone. UDL accommodates all learners, not just learners with typical capabilities. Learning about UDL and teaching my first year with a co-teacher in my room is actually what inspired me to get my master’s just one year into teaching. My master’s degree is widening my knowledge in special education so that I can apply what I learn in all settings, not just a special education room.