Madison Elementary School Teacher Brittany Rodgers is an Outstanding Educator
Brittany Rodgers, a first-grade teacher at Lake View Elementary School and a member of Madison Teachers Inc., is a WEA Member Benefits and WEAC Outstanding Educator. She will be recognized during the March 3 Wisconsin Badgers women’s basketball game against Michigan State at the Kohl Center in Madison.
Rodgers loves being a teacher.
“I work with six and seven-year-olds and I enjoy the different parts of the day,” Rodgers said. “I love being able to turn a student’s day around by just giving them a hug or showing them a smile. The look on their faces when they have a moment of clarity and understand what we are working on makes my heart happy. I love seeing students helping other students and being kind to one another. I love the people I work with as well. They make the days flow smoother and easier sometimes. Lake View has a great community of support for everyone there.”
Rodgers has wanted to be a teacher since she was six years old. Her reasons for wanting to teach evolved as she matured, but the seed was planted early, and the plan didn’t change.
“When I was six, I wanted to be a teacher for the treats that are brought around on birthdays,” Rodgers said. “Over time, that has changed. When I was going through school, I had some amazing educators that helped me to make the decision I wanted to be a teacher like them. In middle school and high school, I loved helping classmates or younger students when they needed it. As I got older, I wanted to help make a difference in people’s lives daily and I thought teaching would be a great way to do that.”
Rodgers is proud to tell people she is a teacher at Lake View Elementary School, where the students and the school community motivate her to continue in the education profession and work through the challenges that present themselves. She said, “I am motivated by many things. My family and friends motivate me to be a better person. My students help motivate me to be a better teacher. I get motived when I want to be able to reach all my students and families. I learn something new every year. All kids come to me in different ways, and I want to be ready to let them know I am here for them, and I will be here to help them.”
Rodgers is also a proud member of MTI, WEAC and NEA. What she values most about the union is its commitment to advocating for all students.
“Being a part of a group that speaks up for kids’ learning conditions and making schools better for all children is the union’s goal and that is why it is a great group to be a part of,” Rodgers said. “They fight for the rights of all children, regardless of ability, income, or race. They support an individual and help you feel like you are not alone with anything you do.”
Rodgers’ MTI colleague Martha Netzloff nominated her for recognition as a WEA Member Benefits and WEAC Outstanding Educator. For Netzloff, Rodgers is the embodiment of everything a great teacher should be.
“I’ve worked with her for years, but this year I’m in the classroom with her and team teaching,” Netzloff said. “She is inspirational, dedicated, and creative. Just the kind of educator I’d like to be.”
The Outstanding Educator program is sponsored by the UW Athletic Department, WEA Member Benefits and WEAC.
