Faculty

Alan McCutcheon

Assistant Professor
10 Sped Program

Alan has over twelve years of experience in education and special education leadership. For five years, he served as the PK-21 school psychologist for the Arcadia School District, in Arcadia, WI. He has most recently served as the Director of Special Education and Student Services for the School District of Altoona for the past six years. He has an Educational Specialist (EdS) Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, in School Psychology, as well as an EdS from Concordia University in Superintendency, and holds a license in special education and pupil services administration from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He lives in Eau Claire with his wife and four children and enjoys spending time with them and attending their events and activities. 

Erin Schiltgen

Consultant/Instructor
10 Sped Program

Erin is excited to be part of the Educate-WI team. She currently is the Director of Student Services in Hudson. She was previously the Assistant Director of Student Services and Special Education Instructional Coach and has 14 years of experience as a special education teacher at the elementary and middle school levels. 

Chris Sadler 

Assistant Professor
WiscAd Program

Chris Sadler has been an educator since 1998 enjoying a diverse set of roles (8 years teaching, 12 as principal, and 2 as HR director) in education during those 22 years. Chris graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Studies leading to certification to teach in grades pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade. Chris then moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he taught kindergarten in a very rapidly growing school district outside of Atlanta. While in Atlanta, Chris earned a Master of Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University (and met his wife who also was in the program as a 1st grade teacher). Chris moved back to Wisconsin where he taught 4- year-old kindergarten in Adams-Friendship, and then kindergarten in Nekoosa.

In 2006, Chris earned a Master of Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin- Superior and was fortunate enough to be named the principal of Humke Elementary School in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. From 2010 to 2015, Chris served as the principal of the Marshall Early Learning Center in the Marshall School District. In 2015, Chris became principal of CH Bird Elementary School in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin where he and his family have lived since 2010. Chris earned his PhD. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2016, in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. Chris’ dissertation and continuing work are focused on creating systems and structures of support for teachers and administrators in achieving equitable academic and social outcomes for all students. Beginning in July of 2018, Chris took on the challenge of being the Director of Human Resources and has loved every minute of it. Chris has been an instructor for the WiscAd program since the fall of 2019. 

Chris and his wife Erin have three children, Kate, Ben, and Grace. Chris loves to watch his kids play sports, play sports himself, hang out with friends, and be outside in any way possible

Shelly Severson

Assistant Professor
WiscAd Program

Shelly Severson serves the School District of Black River Falls as the Superintendent of Schools. She considers herself lucky to have spent most of her career in the Black River Falls community. She began in 1994 as a vocal music teacher for six years, then left for two years to be an assistant principal in a neighboring community. Once she returned in 2001, she served 11 years as an elementary principal and the past seven as the Superintendent. Shelly received her bachelor’s degree from Silver Lake College, master's from Marion University, and her doctorate from Edgewood College, all in Wisconsin. 

Shelly has always appreciated the opportunity to work collaboratively when doing the great work of public education. "Engaging families, strengthening business partnerships, celebrating the people within the organization, all while creating new opportunities for students to shine, is the important work that we do." 
Shelly and her husband, Larry, who is a special education teacher, have two college age sons that are joining the "family business" of education.

John Sample

Assistant Professor
WiscAd Program

Born and raised in Arizona, John has completed his 34th year as an public school educator. His career has been diverse and illustrates the extremes that have molded his leadership philosophy. John earned his bachelor and master’s degree from Arizona State University and his doctorate from Edgewood College. He was a special education cross-categorical teacher for 20 years teaching students of all disabilities, ages 3 through 12th grade, from locations including inner city Phoenix to a remote Alaskan village to Central Wisconsin. John genuinely enjoyed his years as a Special Olympics volunteer and his experiences coaching football, wrestling, and track & field. He was the Director of Special Education and Pupil Services eight years for Merrill Area Public Schools and retired after six years as MAPS Superintendent. John strongly believes that all students can learn, that relationships matter and is grounded in the formula E+R=O. John’s wife Kim is an elementary art teacher in Merrill and is deserving of the highest level of recognition as his best half since 1993. He has one grown daughter, a granddaughter and enjoys cooking, traveling and outdoor activities. 

Jacalyn Amant

Instructor 
Project Teaching Program  

Jacalyn Amant has been working in the field of education for over eighteen years. She taught high school English for the first eight years and for the remainder of her time she has served as a high school reading specialist and literacy coach at Baraboo High School. Jackie also teaches graduate courses for educators during the summer months, and is a literacy consultant for other Wisconsin school districts. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with family.