The Teaching Press at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay merges education with hands-on experience. It offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the entire publishing process. This press, which is significantly supported by donor contributions, has become an extraordinary tool for student professional development and community engagement.
The primary goal of the Teaching Press when it was founded in 2017 was to equip students with the skills and experience needed to excel in the competitive publishing industry. “What I wanted to do was give students professional editorial opportunities to make them more competitive out in that big field of people from more prestigious schools,” said Meacham, who is the Director of UW-Green Bay’s Writing and Applied Arts program and The Teaching Press. At the Teaching Press, students experience all facets of publishing, from editorial work and design to marketing and distribution, making them well-rounded professionals ready to tackle industry challenges.
As the press got up and running and began to take on clients, Meacham realized its potential for bringing the stories of Northeastern Wisconsin to light. One early project was a book of poetry, “The Village and the Vagabond,” by Tim Weyenberg, a University Trustee and supporter of the Press. “What that made me realize,” said Meacham, “is there are stories of the region and work of this region that we can participate in highlighting and bringing to the public.”
While the Press operates partially on a fee-for-service model, donor support is crucial for enabling it to undertake culturally and historically significant projects that might not be commercially viable.
One of the most impactful projects to come out of the press was a collection of Hmong oral histories and folktales. Titled, “A Portrait of Grief and Courage,” the book arose from documentarian Sandra Shackelford’s interviews with Hmong refugees in Wisconsin. Shackelford’s project began with a woman named Pa Lee, who when they met implored her, “Please give me the words to tell my grief.”
The book’s publishing in December 2023 was celebrated with an emotional launch event attended by many community members, including the families of individuals featured in the book. Meacham said that seeing the impact on the families who saw their own stories in print was one of the greatest outcomes she could hope for from the Press. Even Pa Lee, who inspired the project, attended the launch at 87 years old and reunited with Shackelford after decades apart.
Looking forward, Meacham hopes to expand the reach and engagement of the Press. For example, through partnership with the Einstein Project—which shares a space with the Teaching Press in the Brown County STEM Innovation center—the Press was able to host a book-making workshop for local elementary students last year. It’s opportunities like that, Meacham said, which aren’t necessarily profitable, but are enriching to the community and culture of Green Bay.
Most importantly, Meacham said she hopes the Press will continue to provide opportunities for students. Teaching Press graduates are now applying their experience working in publishing or adjacent fields. Dr. Meacham said that those who publish through the Press or attend book launches are consistently impressed by what press interns are capable of.
Greg Neuschafer, who published his book “Lower Fox River PCB Cleanup Timeline” through the Press, was stunned by how well interns adapted to the challenge of printing his unique book. He said he hopes having publishing credits to their name will sow the seeds of future success. “Maybe my little project here, with these folks having their names on it, will open doors for them someday. I hope so,” said Neuschafer.
As Dr. Meacham noted, everything comes back to the students: “This press couldn’t exist without them and the work they’re learning to do.”
To support the teaching press, please visit https://www.uwgb.edu/teaching-press/ and navigate to the Donate button.