Winona State College of Education

04/07/2026

It takes a village to make sure our students have the hands-on experience to be ready for their careers. We're grateful for our regional partners who welcome our education students into their schools for field experience! Huge thank you to Winona Area Public Schools for being one of our amazing partners.

03/16/2026

If your work supports children, adolescents, or families, continuing your education can expand both your impact and your career opportunities.

Winona State University recently launched a fully online Master of Arts in Child and Adolescent Studies, designed for educators and professionals working in youth-focused roles across education, healthcare, social services, and community organizations. The program features an accelerated format with one 5-week course at a time, making it possible to balance graduate study with a professional schedule.

Our first cohort begins this August, and we’re currently accepting applications. The priority admission deadline is April 1 for the first round of review. (We will continue to accept applications after that, until the program is full.)

We’re also hosting a virtual information session on March 18th from 11-11:30AM where you can meet faculty, learn more about the program, and ask questions.

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/KLP6685KDe

If you can’t attend live, you can still register and we’ll send follow-up materials afterward.

Questions about the program? Email [email protected].

03/14/2026

☺️

03/03/2026

Congratulations to Peter Johnson!

Peter Johnson, Innovative Arts Teacher at Pine Island Middle School and current doctoral student in Winona State University’s Education Doctorate program, has been named the 2025–2026 Educator of the Year by STEM Forward!

He received the Outstanding Educator Award at the 34th annual STEM Forward Gathering, held in partnership with Southeast Service Cooperative. The event honors exceptional STEM educators across southeast Minnesota, with five regional nominees recognized this year.

STEM Forward—formerly RAMSP—brings together K–12 districts, colleges and universities, and community partners including IBM, Mayo Clinic, The Hormel Institute, and Workforce Development, Inc. to strengthen STEM education through collaboration and innovation.

Peter shared:
“My goal is to show what is possible in a classroom today when we intentionally focus on a growth mindset, creativity, and intrinsic motivation… Student creative confidence, joyful learning, and real agency are not accidental. They are the result of intentional design, and they are possible in every school.”

We’re proud to celebrate Peter’s achievement and the impact he’s making in the classroom and through Winona State University Graduate Studies. 👏✨

02/13/2026

Why does teaching matter? 🌟

This video beautifully captures the impact educators have — not just in classrooms, but in lives. Stories like this remind us why preparing future teachers is so important.

Thank you to our students for sharing their voices. Winners will be announced soon — stay tuned!

👉 Tag or name an educator who inspired you and made a difference in your life.

02/10/2026

Why WSU? 🎓

Community, support, and a shared commitment to education are at the heart of this story. We love hearing how our students found their place — and their purpose — here at Winona State.

More Power of Why stories are coming soon, with winners announced at the end of the series 🎉

👉 What made you choose WSU (or what would make it your choice)?

02/06/2026

Why teaching? 💜

For this student, the answer is rooted in purpose, impact, and a deep belief in the power of education. This video is a reminder that teaching isn’t just a career — it’s a calling.

Stay tuned as we continue sharing The Power of Why over the next two weeks and celebrate the voices shaping the future of education.

👉 What inspired you to choose (or consider) teaching?

02/03/2026

The Power of Why 🎬

Back in the fall, we invited our College of Education students to share their why —
Why teaching.
Why WSU.
Why teaching matters.

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be sharing the incredible video submissions we received from future educators who stepped up to tell their stories 💜

Each video highlights the passion, purpose, and heart behind choosing a career in education. At the end of the series, we’ll be celebrating all of our winners 🎉

Stay tuned — and get inspired.

01/20/2026

This week is Paraprofessional Recognition Week, and we want to take a moment to thank the paraprofessionals who make a difference every day. Your dedication, compassion, and behind-the-scenes support help students thrive and classrooms succeed. We are grateful for all that you do. 💜

01/15/2026

We are so excited to start our first cohort in August! For more details about this program, you can visit https://www.winona.edu/academics/programs/child-adolescent-studies-masters/

Check out our brand new program!

Priority Registration Deadline is April 1st!

Don't miss out on a great opportunity to expand your educational journey!

09/23/2025

College of Education "The Power of Why" Video Contest!

Share your story in a 15–45 sec vertical video answering one of the following:
- Why teaching?
- Why WSU?
- Why teaching matters?

Gift cards, energy drinks, or WSU swag prizes for 4 lucky winners!
🎉 Random Participant Winner – anyone who submits is eligible!
📝 Storytelling Impact Award – for the most authentic, inspiring message.
🎨 Creativity Award – for the most original, engaging video.
🌟 Engagement Award (Honorable Mention) – for a video that sparks great conversation and attention.

⏰ Deadline: Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 8:00 a.m.
📌 Submit here & see full guidelines: https://forms.office.com/r/5VHcBLXwLN

Don’t miss your chance to inspire future educators and win awesome prizes! 💜

07/31/2025

Coming Soon! Shape the Future of Education at WSU

Join us August 14th at Winona State University’s Education Village for an exciting, one-day AI in Education Symposium — where innovation meets impact.

Three Dynamic Tracks:

1. AI in Instruction: Practical tools + strategies for your classroom

2. Emerging Tools (AI + XR): Dive into the future of education tech

3. AI Ethics + Law: Explore the legal and ethical challenges of AI in schools

🎤 Keynote: Dr. Sadie Gunnink
Award-winning educator + founder of Rise Evolved, Dr. Gunnink brings hands-on strategies to help teachers reclaim time and reignite joy—with humor, heart, and AI-powered insight.

🍽️ Lunch provided

🚀 Spots are filling fast — Register now: https://wsu.mn/44T5DXa

📧 Questions? Email: [email protected]

Let’s shape what’s next in teaching + learning. Be there.

(Sponsored by WSU Foundation + Magic School)

This event aims to attract current PK-12 educators, undergraduate aspiring teachers, and education professors. The symposium will feature th