I think mostly about the students and how the needs of the students have changed. When I first began, for example, there was no social media or anything that resembled social media -- being a teacher has become so much more complicated now with all of the new technology. Teachers must be willing to accommodate to new challenges and adapt to their students.
What is one positive experience that you have had with a student?
A student achieved the ability to walk when he was not sure that walking was an achievable goal. Never say never. He had physical and intellectual disabilities. You have to think about what is realistic for children, and this student surpassed the expectations that I had. Never underestimate what a child can achieve. Don’t let your experience and insight interfere with your judgment of that student.
A student achieved the ability to walk when he was not sure that walking was an achievable goal. Never say never. He had physical and intellectual disabilities. You have to think about what is realistic for children, and this student surpassed the expectations that I had. Never underestimate what a child can achieve. Don’t let your experience and insight interfere with your judgment of that student.
What advice would you give to current college students who are preparing to be teachers?
Start where the child is and go from there. You have to accommodate to the students. Allow them to function where they are, but remember to challenge them. Remember that you are a role model, a professional, and an educator. Be friendly, but do not be the student’s friend. Be supportive.
Start where the child is and go from there. You have to accommodate to the students. Allow them to function where they are, but remember to challenge them. Remember that you are a role model, a professional, and an educator. Be friendly, but do not be the student’s friend. Be supportive.
What is one thing that you learned from Slippery Rock University’s teacher preparation program that you have brought into your classroom?
Bachelor's in ‘79 and Master’s in ‘81 both from here. I had a great profession named David Auxter who stressed the importance of setting realistic goals for students and measuring those goals so you can tell if you are being effective. He was also a great advocate for individuals with disabilities and instilled in me that it was important to pay attention to policy because it greatly affects how you teach.
Bachelor's in ‘79 and Master’s in ‘81 both from here. I had a great profession named David Auxter who stressed the importance of setting realistic goals for students and measuring those goals so you can tell if you are being effective. He was also a great advocate for individuals with disabilities and instilled in me that it was important to pay attention to policy because it greatly affects how you teach.
What is one challenge that you have faced and how have you successfully dealt with it during your teaching experience?
I learned that I can take on and succeed with challenges that I was trained to handle. It is about not shortchanging yourself. Take problems and do your best to overcome them. Just believe in yourself.
I learned that I can take on and succeed with challenges that I was trained to handle. It is about not shortchanging yourself. Take problems and do your best to overcome them. Just believe in yourself.
What makes a great teacher?
You must care about educating students. It is about caring. There must be a good balance between rapport and discipline. Instruct and assess your students in your subject area. You must have compassion and discipline.
You must care about educating students. It is about caring. There must be a good balance between rapport and discipline. Instruct and assess your students in your subject area. You must have compassion and discipline.
