The Wisconsin Mathematics Council, the Wisconsin Mathematics Education Foundation and the Madison Community Foundation announced that Nicholas Mohrhauser has been awarded the 2026 John Janty Memorial Scholarship.
Mohrhauser, of Hammond, received the third annual John Janty Memorial Scholarship on May 6 at the Wisconsin Mathematics Council Celebration Banquet in Green Lake.
He is a graduate of St. Croix Central High School and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls May 9 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics education. Mohrhauser served as president of the mathematics education club and is completing his student teaching at Baldwin-Woodville High School. He will begin his teaching career at Ellsworth High School this fall.
Mohrhauser was presented with the award by Sue Janty, the widow of John Janty. She highlighted his passion for working with all students and his perseverance in pursuing a career in mathematics education.
Mohrhauser is the seventh UW-River Falls math education student to receive an award from the Wisconsin Mathematics Council and the Wisconsin Mathematics Education Foundation since 2016. He is the second recipient from UWRF to earn the Janty scholarship in the award’s three-year history.
“Our motto in the program is ‘Learning by doing.’ Over the past few years working with Nicholas during his apprenticeship and in the mathematics education club, I have seen his confidence grow through the teaching experiences he has had,” said UWRF Mathematics Education Program Director Erick Hofacker. “He is a reflective practitioner who uses both reflection and feedback to improve his instruction. He is well prepared with knowledge of best teaching practices as he begins his career. It has been rewarding to see his hard work, persistence and dedication recognized with such a prestigious honor.”
The UW-River Falls mathematics education program prepares middle and high school teachers through a two-semester apprenticeship model. More information about the program is available at students.uwrf.edu/teacher-education/teacher-education-math.
Mohrhauser emphasizes engaging students through collaborative problem-solving, real-world applications and lessons connected to students’ interests and experiences. His application highlighted his own experiences overcoming challenges, which helped shape a teaching approach centered on constructive feedback, empathy and creating a classroom environment where students can learn from mistakes and grow.
“Throughout my college career, I have had countless opportunities to work with rural, suburban and urban school districts,” Mohrhauser said. “Those experiences helped me understand what teaching is really about – the students. I’ve also developed a strong desire for ongoing feedback from peers so I can continue improving my practice and better support kids.”
John Janty was a mathematics teacher at Waunakee High School and a leader in mathematics education in Wisconsin. He served as president of the Wisconsin Mathematics Council, received its Distinguished Mathematics Educator Award and chaired the Wisconsin Mathematics Education Foundation. He believed all students can learn mathematics with understanding and that effective teachers play a critical role in helping students succeed. Mohrhauser continues that legacy.
“The three main beliefs John Janty held were that all students are capable of doing mathematics, that students should appreciate the struggle and that teachers should constantly look to improve,” Mohrhauser said. “I strongly believe in those principles as well.”
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Photo: Recent UW-River Falls graduate Nicholas Mohrhauser poses for a photo with his mother, Sarah Mohrhauser, after receiving the 2026 John Janty Memorial Scholarship May 6 at the Wisconsin Mathematics Council Celebration Banquet in Green Lake.
