School of Graduate Studies

Student Close Up

Matt Huettl

“Perseverance” is the word that comes to mind when talking about Matt Huettl. Matt began the Co-op program in 2009 and finished the program with certification for Director of Instruction/Pupil Services in July, 2015. What took him so long? During the time he began the Co-op program and finished it, he was deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. He married and had two sons born while trying to maintain his studies and pursue a degree in Educational Leadership.

He is presently working on additional certification as Principal and Director of Instruction. Currently, he is the Director of Special Education for the Clinton Unified School District.

Dr. Mason had a chance recently to sit down with Matt and ask him some questions about the Co-op program.

Why the Co-op program?

I obtained my Master’s degree from Whitewater in Special Education and felt I needed something more. I was the first in my family to graduate from college. I decided to pursue a second Master’s in Educational Leadership. This has become my foundation and incentive to keep going and seek a PhD from UW-Madison in Educational Leadership.

What was your take-away from the Co-op program?

Whitewater and Madison were extremely helpful and supportive of my obtaining an advanced degree in educational Leadership even though I had a lengthy road filled with much drama.

What is your advice to beginning students?

Stay the course and eventually you will graduate with a degree in Educational Leadership. If need be, share your problems with very understanding professors.