Greta (Wollmer) Barrett claims UW-Whitewater Capstone Award

December 18, 2024

Greta (Wollmer) Barrett, a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's School Psychology - EDS program and native of Milwaukee, WI, has earned the 2024 Outstanding Capstone Award from the university's School of Graduate Studies.

Barrett's project, titled "Classroom Factors that Support Students' Sense of Belonging," examined the strategies used by a set of seven teachers to help support students' belonging, which is linked to higher academic success and higher functioning cognitively and socially.

"It's incredibly validating to know that the work I put in to become a better student - and an even better practitioner - has paid off," Barrett said. "I was blessed with the opportunity to learn from a uniquely talented group of faculty who supported my journey to discover the type of school psychologist I would be."

As part of UW-Whitewater's school psychology program, she earned an MSE in school psychology in 2022 and an Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S) last May. Barrett, who holds her provisional license in school psychology, is currently in her second year working as a school psychologist for Swallow School District in Hartland, which recently posted the top score in Wisconsin for overall accountability by the Department of Public Instruction.

Barrett's practicum site was the Elmbrook School District, where she collaborated with school psychologist Katie Bachman to complete academic and behavioral interventions, evaluate students for special education or other support, consult with teachers, engage in professional learning on best practices, and make efforts to adjust school-wide systems to more effectively serve students, staff, and families.

"My project was a labor of love, and at times I felt like I had lost direction, but the outcome was impactful for the teachers I worked with and for myself," Barrett said. "I am truly grateful to Katie, as well as the other students, staff and families I worked with, for making my practicum experience meaningful and impactful."

During her time on campus, Barrett served as a graduate assistant and represented the School of Graduate Studies on the university's Segregated University Fee Allocation Committee (SUFAC), which approves budgets to fund more than 100 activities, programs, and student organizations on campus.

Prior to UW-Whitewater, Barrett graduated with a B.S. in psychology from UW-Stevens Point.

Each of UW-Whitewater's graduate programs was able to nominate one capstone project completed between fall 2023 and summer 2024 for consideration for the award. Nominated capstone projects were assessed on the following criteria: analysis, evaluation, explanation, perspective taking, and synthesis.

UW-Whitewater's School of Graduate Studies provides numerous opportunities to grow student expertise, expand career options, and increase lifetime earning potential at an affordable cost. Opportunities include master's programs, graduate certificates, and a doctoral degree program.