Page 14 - TTWISpringSummer2025

Leadership
Page 14 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaywi.com

Megan Sipiorski Named 2025 Wisconsin High School Social Studies

Teacher of the Year

honored as the 2025 Wisconsin High earned this prestigious recognition to presented annually to a full-time high
School Social Studies Teacher of the highlight the impact she’s making at school social studies educator who dem-
Year by the Wisconsin Council for the Middleton High School. This honor also onstrates excellence in the classroom
Social Studies (WCSS)! enables educators and students beyond and is recognized by colleagues for their
Ms. Sipiorski is being recognized our District to learn from her wonderful outstanding teaching. It honors educa-
for her exceptional work in social work.” tors who foster inquiry, inspire student
studies education, particularly with her “What sets Ms. Sipiorski apart is her engagement, and continuously seek to
innovative approach to simulation-based ability to create an environment where improve their knowledge and skills in
experiential learning through the Leg- civil discourse flourishes,” said Sarah social studies instruction.
islative Semester program. Through the Kopplin, WCSS president. “She teaches The Wisconsin Council for the
program, Ms. Sipiorski immerses her her students not only the importance of Social Studies is committed to enhanc-
students in the legislative process, allow- disagreement in democracy, but also the ing social studies education at the K-12
ing them to experience firsthand how tools to navigate these disagreements level by offering resources, networking
government operates and the critical role with respect and understanding. In her opportunities, and recognitions like the
citizens play in shaping public policy. classroom, students are encouraged to Teacher of the Year award.
In addition to teaching social studies, engage in thoughtful dialogue, listen to
Ms. Sipiorski serves as the advisor for diverse perspectives, and debate ideas in
Middleton High School’s Model United a manner that promotes mutual respect,
Nations club. even when opinions differ. This approach www.mcpasd.k12.wi.us
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School “Megan’s passion for education and fosters a culture of inclusivity and open-
District dedication to her students is inspiring,” ness, ensuring that every student feels
Congratulations to Middleton High said Middleton High School Principal valued and heard.”
School teacher Megan Sipiorski on being Peg Shoemaker. “I’m thrilled she has The Teacher of the Year award is

Global Educator of the Year Travels to Morocco; Inspires Students

This year, for the first time, the self-nomination is also an option so them have more confidence in what they
study abroad company CIEE invited the teachers who are making great efforts to can accomplish.”
Wisconsin Global Educator of the Year bring globally-focused teaching to their One way to measure that impact?
award winner to go and observe classrooms and schools can also Student success. This year, four of Resch
one of their high school go that route. The application Brownell’s Global Scholars students
study abroad programs. process is very self-reflec- received the statewide recognition of the
Jodi Resch Brownell, tive and makes you DPI’s Certificate of Global Competence.
Spanish educator and realize all of the ways This year, statewide the DPI issued 241
2023–2024 Global your teaching connects certificates, awarded in 40 districts.
Educator of the Year kids to the world.” And Resch Brownell continues
from School Dis- The Global to develop her and her students’ global
trict of Crandon, was Scholars program, competencies. Working with several
thrilled to be able to which Resch Brownell university professors, she is trying to
travel to Rabat, Morocco, brought to Crandon, is an bring more international and intercul-
to see two of CIEE’s incred- important vehicle for Wis- tural virtual exchanges to classrooms
ible programs in action. “We consin schools to help students through the COIL Rural CommuniTIES
were able to learn a lot about Moroccan reach the four internationally recognized project. “If more classrooms engage in
culture, including a visit to the Hassan dimensions of global competence: these no-cost experiences for students,
II Mosque, an Ashura celebration, a 1. Knowledge of local, global, and it will build global bridges for kids of
home visit, and plenty of interactions intercultural issues all ages and they will grow up knowing
with the students in the program. I was 2. Respect for diverse perspectives so much more about other countries and
so impressed with their program that I and worldviews cultures,” she said. She is also part of the
am now trying to encourage my own 3. Effective intercultural interaction inaugural cohort of the Stevens Initia-
students to do a summer study abroad,” tive’s Global Champions, a group that is
Resch Brownell said. and communication promoting virtual exchange worldwide.
Resch Brownell was nominated for 4. Actions to improve conditions The Global Educator of the Year
the award by former Global Educator and collective well-being Award isn’t just an accolade or a prize.
of the Year, Danielle Chaussee. Resch Crandon is the smallest school thus For Resch Brownell, it’s a confirmation
Brownell reflected on the nomination far participating in the Global Scholars of the importance of global education
and how it has informed her teaching. program, and Resch Brownell thinks it’s for all students. “I hope that they travel
2023 Wisconsin Global Educator of the Year, Jodi “As teachers, we need to do better at important that, “our students... [get] to to new places and are good ambassa-
Resch Brownell on her visit to the Hassan II Mosque in lifting up others and nominating col- see that people from rural areas can win
Casablanca, Morocco. Photo: Jodi Resch Brownell.
leagues for such awards. However, statewide awards like this and it makes
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