As a first-generation college student, Associate Lecturer Jesse Mossholder overcame homelessness thanks in part to his professors, who enabled him to persevere and graduate. Now, the associate lecturer is the one working to identify ways to ensure that all students’ needs are met in the UW-Stevens Point School of Education.
“So much of my effort as a professional in education is to do whatever I can to pay back the services that I have received,” said Mossholder. “I work hard to identify proactive pathways that address mental health concerns among my students.”
Jesse Mossholder, associate lecturer of education, received a 2024 University Excellence in Teaching Award.
His classes tackle difficult topics that encapsulate the current struggles of K-12 teachers, which requires a delicate approach. Providing resources that promote academic and social/emotional growth throughout each semester is what continues to inspire Mossholder. This includes a weekly check-in for all his courses that provides students with an opportunity to self-evaluate their stress levels while also being able to share celebrations and challenges.
Mossholder has referred more than 100 students to Counseling Services and the Dean of Students while at UWSP, often training them to self-assess stress levels and foster an environment where they feel heard, supported and respected.
“Students often arrive early and stay late to engage in reflective discussion, not shying away from difficult and controversial topics in the education field,” said Professor Perry Cook. “It is not uncommon for there to be a line outside Jesse’s office door during and after his regular office hours as students share their heart for reaching children, bear their souls and seek wise counsel in their growth as educators.”
Addressing student mental health is a central component of what Mossholder strives to provide as an instructor. “Equipping our preservice teachers with the skills and knowledge to serve the needs of others is paramount in every course that I teach.”
For Megan Steffens, an elementary education and Spanish double major from Seymour, Mossholder’s encouragement in EDUC 205 – Pluralism for Educators inspired her to become more involved in the community.
“With his assistance, I became involved with the Ethiopian Community Development Council to offer free photography to local refugee families,” said Steffens. “This course was transformative for me, and Mossholder’s teaching affirmed that I had made the right choice in becoming an educator.”
In his K-12 teaching career prior to working at UWSP, Mossholder emphasized promoting resilience, mental health awareness and equity. These same values are woven into the fabric of the courses he teaches at the college level. He does not shy away from hard conversations, but instead leans into them. “I firmly believe that integrating my K-12 teaching background, along with research in Educational Foundations coursework, is essential for crafting meaningful and authentic learning experiences for aspiring educators,” he said.
Mossholder hosting a student panel for an Educators Rising event.
For his efforts in developing and inspiring highly effective educators, Mossholder has earned the 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award at UW-Stevens Point.
In just under three short years, Mossholder has taught no less than 11 different courses for the School of Education and helped develop the trauma and resilience graduate teaching certificate. He is also the co-adviser for the Aspiring Educators student organization and co-leads Full STEAM Ahead, a summer program for 7th and 8th grade girls at the UWSP at Marshfield campus.
Outside the classroom, Mossholder serves on several campus committees and nonprofit boards, including the Wisconsin chapter of the National Alliance of Multicultural Education (NAME) where he collaborates with other Universities of Wisconsin faculty to identify meaningful pathways for providing authentic and impactful experiences related to equity and inclusivity in education.
“He is a professor who teaches with transparency, authenticity and contagious positivity,” said Steffens. “His teaching strategies empower students to not only be inspirational teachers, but to live a life true to their authentic selves.”
Through his own educational journey, Mossholder has found a home in the classroom and at UWSP. “UW-Stevens Point has a strong reputation for developing highly talented educators and I am proud to be a Pointer.”