UWO instructor earns state Higher Ed Distance Educator of the Year award – Universities of Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh Lecturer Honored for Excellence in Distance Education

Introduction

Paul Sager, a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh (UWO), has been recognized with the 2025 Higher Education Distance Educator of the Year award by the Wisconsin Association of Distance Education Networks (WADEN). His work in delivering virtual college writing courses to high school students in rural Wisconsin exemplifies commitment to inclusive and equitable education, aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Expanding Access to Quality Education through Virtual Learning

Since 2021, Paul Sager has taught college writing courses to students in rural districts in partnership with Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESA) 10. This initiative is part of the Collaborative Academic Partnership Program (CAPP) at UWO, which provides academically capable high school students the opportunity to earn college credit concurrently while completing high school.

Key Features of the CAPP Program

1. Courses are primarily taught during the regular school day by certified high school teachers holding adjunct lecturer status with UWO.
2. Students earn both high school and college credit simultaneously, reducing time and financial costs associated with higher education.
3. The program promotes equitable access to higher education for students in rural and underserved communities, supporting SDG 4 and SDG 10.

Commitment to Inclusion and Student Development

Sager’s teaching approach emphasizes inclusion, student engagement, and academic growth. His dedication to accommodating diverse student needs fosters an inclusive learning environment where all voices are heard.

Student Testimonials

• “Paul is a professor who is willing to learn about his students and make accommodations,” a student from Blair-Taylor High School remarked.
• Students reported gaining improved writing skills and understanding the meaningfulness of each assignment under Sager’s guidance.

Sager expressed his passion for teaching and optimism about the future generation, highlighting the inspirational role students play in his work.

Impact and Outcomes of the Distance Learning Partnership

Since its inception in fall 2021, the partnership between UWO and CESA 10 has facilitated 436 enrollments across 10 school districts in west central Wisconsin. Courses offered include Writing 101, Writing 102, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Psychology, and Introduction to Engineering.

Benefits of the Partnership

• Expanded access to higher education courses for rural students who might otherwise face limited opportunities.
• Cost savings exceeding $120,000 for participating districts compared to full tuition fees.
• Support for SDG 4 by promoting lifelong learning opportunities and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure through the use of virtual learning technologies.

Jamie Kampf of CESA 10 emphasized that this collaboration exemplifies how partnerships can advance educational equity and prepare students for future academic and career success.

Recognition and Awards

In addition to Sager’s award, Mari Harger of the Colby School District was named K-12 Educator of the Year. Commemorative plaques were crafted by Claire Nikola, a student from Northwoods Manufacturing at Hurley High School, demonstrating community engagement and support for education (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals).

Both educators received $250 Amazon gift cards to support personal or classroom needs. This year’s awards considered nominations from 58 K-12 teachers and over 85 higher education instructors and professors.

About WADEN and Future Directions

The Wisconsin Association of Distance Education Networks (WADEN) is a collaborative organization comprising regional distance learning networks managed by CESA 3, CESA 10, CESA 11, and other consortiums. WADEN’s mission is to expand equitable access to K-12 and community education across Wisconsin through live video conferencing and virtual learning platforms, directly contributing to SDG 4 and SDG 10.

Author: Laurie Schlosser

Original article: https://www.uwosh.edu/today/127271/uwo-instructor-earns-state-higher-ed-distance-educator-of-the-year-award/

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on virtual teaching and distance education, improving access to quality education for rural high school students.
   • It highlights inclusive, equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The initiative targets rural students who may have limited access to higher education opportunities, thus reducing educational inequalities.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration between University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, CESA 10, and rural school districts exemplifies partnerships to enhance education access.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations, including rural students.
   • Target 4.6: Ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults achieve literacy and numeracy.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, or economic or other status.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Enrollment Numbers
   • The article mentions 436 enrollments since fall 2021 across 10 districts, which can be used as an indicator of access and participation in higher education.
2. Cost Savings
   • More than $120,000 saved by districts compared to full tuition, indicating economic benefits and affordability of education.
3. Student Outcomes and Engagement
   • Student testimonials about improved writing skills and inclusive instruction imply qualitative indicators of educational quality and student growth.
4. Number of Participating Districts and Educators
   • 10 districts and multiple educators involved indicate the scale and reach of the program, relevant for measuring partnership effectiveness.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: wisconsin.edu