Maia Reissner wanted a career in education ever since the third grade.
“I had a fantastic teacher who showed me hands-on learning and the social-emotional aspect of education,” said Reissner, a 2023 elementary-middle education graduate of the UW-Eau Claire.
She chose UW-Eau Claire because of the program’s historic reputation. However, the Rib Lake native ended up benefiting most from a brand-new initiative.
Going into her student teaching semester, Reissner researched placement opportunities and learned about funding through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Workforce Innovation Grant UW-Eau Claire received in 2021.
“We were able to be placed in a district where housing was available to us. I applied for the scholarship, and it was a very easy process,” Reissner said.
She student taught at two schools in the Rice Lake Area School District, thanks to a new grant-funded apartment building, Glenwood Commons.
[Adapted from: WEDC grant helps students live and teach in rural communities Jan. 24, 2024, Rice Lake Chronotype]
