Bio
Prior to joining UWSP, Polly has had experiences in a variety of educational settings as a school business manager, classroom teacher, literacy and math interventionist, reading specialist, migrant services coordinator, English Language Learner services coordinator, Title 1 coordinator, literacy consultant, university assistant professor in education, and educational field experience supervisor. Her research focuses on exploring opportunities for inclusivity in education. She is passionate about creating opportunities for all students, at all levels of education, to be successful in today’s fast-paced world by focusing on designing dynamic programming that meets the needs of individual learners.
Experience and Interests
Teaching
- Teaching Professor, UW-Stevens Point (2023-present)
- Assistant Professor, Morningside University, Sioux City, Iowa (2021-2023)
- Assistant Professor, Marian University, Fond du Lac, Wis. (2016-2021)
- Reading Teacher, Title 1 Coordinator, Migrant Services Coordinator, ELL Services Coordinator, Markesan, Wis. (2010-2016)
- Special Education Teacher, Green Lake, Wis. (2008-2010)
Research Interests
- Literacy
- Competency-Based Education
Professional Experience
- Business Office Manager, Green Lake School District, Wis. (2006-2008)
- Business Office Manager, Phoenix Group Insurance Agency, Ripon, Wis. (2000-2006)
Presentations and Publications
Presentations
- Manske, P. (2022, October 19). Faculty perspectives: Transitioning to student-centered learning in a competency-based education model. Competency-Based Education Network. Amelia Island, FL, United States.
Involvement
Campus
- Faculty Adviser, KDP (2023-present)
Community
- Substitute Teacher, North Fond du Lac School District, North Fond du Lac, Wis. (2023)
Professional Memberships
- Member, Wisconsin State Reading Association (2016-present)
- Member, Professors of Reading (2023-present)
- Member, Competency-Based Education Network (2019-2022)
- Board Member, Wisconsin Chapter – Learning Disabilities Association (2016-2019)
Fun Facts
Last book you read?
I just finished (re)reading the entire Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling.
Best advice you ever received?
The best advice I ever received was from my dad was a saying: “If it is to be, it is up to me.” These 10 two-letter words have always been the extra push I needed throughout my life to keep going even when I felt like I had hit my max.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A TEACHER! (or a computer programmer, or a business owner, or a lawyer, or a movie star …)
Favorite Quote?
If it is to be, it is up to me. (see above!)
One thing about your school that you are most proud of?
In education, we teach pre-service students about the importance of working collaboratively with others (and teaching students to do the same). In our department, we practice what we preach. It is this collaborative spirit that I LOVE about UWSP and the School of Education.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
My favorite part about teaching is seeing the AH-HA moment when a student of any age (5 … 25 … or 55) ‘gets it.’ That is so energizing for me as an educator.
A piece of advice for students in your school?
Choosing a career in education will not be easy but it will provide you with endless moments of satisfaction knowing that you’ve made a difference in a child’s life. Build relationships with all of your students. Start fresh every day. Even when things don’t go the way you planned, reflect and try, try again. You CAN and WILL make a difference!