NWTC instructor named state Higher Ed Distance Educator of the Year

Erin Cooper, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College part-time faculty member, was recently recognized for her work in teaching Wisconsin high school students.

Nominated by her students, she received the 2026 Higher Ed Educator of the Year Award from the Wisconsin Association of Distance Education Networks.

"It's a great feeling to be recognized by your students," said Cooper, who has been teaching American Sign Language classes virtually since 2015. "I am passionate about sharing this language and culture with students because it creates cross cultural connections and promotes equal participation."

Cooper has been teaching the courses as part of Start College Now. Through the program, courses are offered as dual enrollment opportunities to high school students, enabling students to receive both high school and college credit for their work.

"Erin embodies teaching excellence," said Cindy Bailey, NWTC K12 Pathways and Rural Community Impact director. "Because of faculty like Erin and our partnerships with K12 districts, NWTC is able to provide high-quality instruction in our rural communities."

Start College Now is just one of the ways the region's rural students can earn college credits while still in high school. NWTC offers several other dual enrollment opportunities including transcripted credit, advanced standing, high school academies, and youth apprenticeship. Classes and programs often change to align with local community and workforce needs.

"Our partnerships and offerings are constantly evolving," said Bailey. "We continue to look at ways to serve our communities and work with our K12 partners."

About the Wisconsin Association of Distance Education Networks (WADEN)
WADEN is a collaborative organization made up of regional distance learning networks managed by CESA 3, CESA 10, CESA 11 and a pair of consortiums. WADEN works to expand access to equitable K-12 and community education across Wisconsin through live video conferencing and other virtual learning platforms.