Not all students at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire can pinpoint exactly who or what inspired their academic or career path. But for December graduate Zoe Lewis, that answer is an easy one.
Her mother and siblings are the reason she has always known that special education teaching was the path for her.
“I have two siblings on the autism spectrum,” Lewis says. “I saw the impact on parents, especially my mom, over many years of being their advocate. I want to be a teacher who supports the whole family as part of a team supporting their child.”
“Good communication with families can make a major difference, and I have insight about what works,” Lewis says about leaning on her family’s experiences. “That’s what I will bring to the table.”
Student opportunities made campus choice easy
“I really never thought I’d end up at a Wisconsin school, but after one visit, I knew this was the place for me,” says the Savage, Minnesota, native about choosing to attend UW-Eau Claire.
Lewis says that the beauty of the campus hooked her right away, along with a feeling of home she immediately felt during her visit. Knowing that the university is nationally recognized for both undergraduate research and study abroad programming held significant sway in her mind, but one last option sealed the deal.
“The other deciding factor was that I did not want to give up singing in choir,” Lewis says. “Music has been a huge part of my life for a long time, and even as a non-music major, I’ve had abundant opportunities to sing and perform here.”
Student research aimed at career longevity
Lewis has a solid understanding of what families of special needs students face, and thanks to a student-faculty research collaboration in 2023-24, she is now well-prepared for the struggles faced every day by teachers in special education classrooms.
“Our project, mentored by Dr. Angela Jones, set out to examine the early childhood teaching environment and pinpoint key factors that are leading to educators leaving the field,” Lewis says.
Lewis eventually presented the project at the 2023 Division of Early Childhood International Conference in Minneapolis, the UW-Eau Claire 2024 Celebration of Excellence in Research and Creative Activity and the 2025 Research in the Rotunda event in Madison.
“Our key findings show that educators leave the field due to a phenomenon known as ‘compassion fatigue,’ along with experiencing low levels of both institutional support and meaningful collaboration with families,” Lewis says. Their findings have since been shared with early childhood education facilities in the Chippewa Valley in the hopes that “some of these issues can be improved and teachers will stay around longer.”
Dr. Angela Jones, associate professor of special education, was impressed with Lewis as a student researcher, one with “remarkable discipline, curiosity and methodological rigor.”
“The themes Zoe identified illustrate her technical skill and nuanced understanding of the emotional landscape of early educators navigating post-COVID conditions,” Jones says.
“Her analysis was both analytically strong and deeply respectful of the voices of early childhood teachers. The study highlighted how real-world working conditions intersect with purpose, relationships and mental load in ways that shape educators’ decisions to remain in or leave the field.”
Study abroad and campus involvement raised the bar for success
In addition to her proactive approach to her upcoming career, Lewis has also paid careful attention to the more personal ways she could practice self-care as a student and seek opportunities for growth and work-life balance. For her, music and a summer study abroad program accomplished those goals.
This past summer, Lewis studied British literature for six weeks at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England, an experience she says was life-changing.
“I knew it would be incredible, and the preparation from UWEC helped make it even more so,” Lewis says. “I recommend study abroad for anyone who can fit it in. There are many types of experiences with varying lengths of stay, and financial aid and scholarships are available. You learn about the place, the culture, and most importantly, about yourself. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity.”
Lewis also credits her vocal performance opportunities as another set of affirming student experiences.
“Being active in multiple choral groups on campus has truly been transformative,” Lewis says about her participation in Treble and Symphonic choirs, Cabaret and the Audacious a cappella ensemble.
“I’m still learning how best to create balance in my life and career, and doing things I love is a big part of that,” Lewis says. “I didn’t want to be a music teacher, but I also never wanted to have to give up singing — here, I didn’t have to.”
The a cappella community at UW-Eau Claire is strong, and the five ensembles often come together for performance and outreach activities. For Lewis, this community created an important avenue for community advocacy work.
“Our vocal groups have organized and hosted two major fundraisers for nonprofits in the community. We raised over $2,000 each, for the Wellness Shack and the Sojourner House, which both serve area populations in need. This fundraising work is now a solid tradition for Blugold a cappella, one that I’m so proud will continue for years to come.”
Dr. Karsten Powell, associate professor of special education, has worked with Lewis as her internship mentor in the Human Development Center and in connection with fundraising events. He says that in her time as a Blugold, she has consistently demonstrated the traits needed to not only succeed, but to change special education for the better.
“Zoe has a singular ability to engage those around her, drawing people in with her welcoming, open charisma and connecting deeply with peers, professors and students alike,” Powell says.
“These remarkable and intangible traits will undoubtedly be on display each day as she teaches and advocates for her students with disabilities.”
Lewis has recently accepted a special education teaching job in the Lakeville, Minnesota, public school district. When asked about entering the field of special education at what can be described as challenging times, Lewis shows once again that her strengths and attitude will take her far in a long-planned career.
“With all the changes happening, sure it’s scary, but it’s also a perfect and constant reminder to us all exactly why we are here — it’s for the kids. Not every career gives the opportunity to change a life, every single day,” Lewis says.
“Those of us who can maintain that focus are the special education teachers who will stick around.”
Written by UW-Eau Claire
Link to original story: https://www.uwec.edu/stories/uw-eau-claire-special-education-grad-inspired-family