"The most rewarding part of being an instructor is knowing I'm making a difference in my students' lives. Helping them graduate, build successful careers, and provide ethical patient care is incredibly fulfilling." -- Sara Taft, Dental Hygienist instructor/program coordinator
Some members of the WCTC faculty, at one time, sat in the very same seats their students do today. These alumni spent time working in their respective fields, and they returned to WCTC in a teaching capacity to share their knowledge with the next generation. Check out how Sara Taft and Brandon Bergner are helping prepare students for rewarding dental hygiene and fire/EMS careers in this ONLINE BONUS CONTENT!
BRANDON BERGNER – Fire/EMS instructor and clinical/field coordinator
Brandon Bergner, a graduate of WCTC's Paramedic Technician associate degree program (and later, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh’s Fire and Emergency Response Management program), has returned to his roots.
His career in fire and EMS included time at a small volunteer department and expanded into a larger career organization. He served in different roles such as firefighter, EMT, apparatus operator, paramedic, lieutenant and training chief throughout his career. And now, he's back at WCTC sharing his extensive experience with aspiring first responders as an instructor and clinical/field coordinator.
Mentoring at the origin
“I have always enjoyed education and training throughout my time in fire and EMS,” said Bergner, who, while working in the field, also assisted WCTC students with national registry testing. “This position allows me to be in the role more regularly and continue to develop new providers. I can now mentor at the origin, and we can continue to put great providers in the field.”
In his current role, Bergner is the crucial link between WCTC students and a vast network of healthcare providers. He manages student placements across five major hospital systems along with several fire and EMS agencies throughout Southeast Wisconsin. He arranges diverse clinical experiences, from emergency departments to specialized units, such as the neonatal intensive care (NICU), forging strong partnerships that ensure students receive valuable experience.
A shared connection
Bergner’s shared experience with students translates into a unique connection. He's not just an instructor; he's a mentor who understands the challenges they face. He recalls the late nights, the intense study sessions and the pressure of real-world scenarios – because he lived them.
"I remember being in the classes, the struggles of balancing work and school with the rigor of the academic program,” he said.
Having experienced those challenges firsthand, Bergner is now dedicated to empowering his students and providing them with the necessary support and guidance to successfully navigate their academic journeys.
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SARA TAFT – Dental Hygienist instructor/program coordinator
When Sara Taft graduated from WCTC in 2003 from the Dental Hygienist program, teaching in the program where she once was a student was never a part of her plan.
After working for a few years as a dental hygienist, both in general practice and periodontal specialty settings, she furthered her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from St. Petersburg University and had considered a career in research. Upon completing her capstone project – which involved teaching at WCTC – she soon discovered her calling: “I found great fulfillment in working with students in both didactic and clinical settings, and I knew this was the path for me.”
She returned to WCTC in 2008 to teach on a part-time basis. In 2015 -- the same year she earned her master’s degree from East Tennessee State University -- she took on a full-time faculty position at the College, and a few years ago, added the role of program coordinator. All the while, she has continued to practice clinically, and it’s something that directly impacts her students.
Combining theory and real-world knowledge
“I incorporate real-life scenarios and practical examples into my teaching,” Taft said. “This helps students connect theoretical knowledge to real-world applications, reinforcing how the concepts they learn will support their future careers. These hands-on applications also promote critical thinking skills, allowing students to apply their knowledge effectively when treating patients.”
Additionally, her practical experience deepened her clinical expertise and enhanced her soft skills, all of which shaped her into the instructor she is today. “The diversity of these practice settings provided valuable insights that I now bring into my teaching,” she said.
Taft's own experience as a WCTC student has given her a unique perspective, allowing her to empathize with current students, understanding the challenges they face and the anxieties they may feel. As an educator, she is passionate about supporting her students along their academic path.
"The most rewarding part of being an instructor is knowing I'm making a difference in my students' lives,” she said. “Helping them graduate, build successful careers, and provide ethical patient care is incredibly fulfilling. It's a privilege to contribute to the dental hygiene profession."