Justine Yanosik

1. What is your educational background and what positions have you held?

I graduated from Slippery Rock University in May of 2020 with a B.S in Mathematics Education and a minor in Elementary School Math. While at Slippery Rock I was actively involved on campus. I was a member of the Marching Pride, Pre-Service Teachers of Mathematics Club, President of Kappa Delta Pi, and had the opportunity to serve as an Orientation Ambassador. Upon graduation, I accepted a position at Fort Cherry Jr./Sr. High School as a Long Term Mathematics Substitute.

2. Name one SRU experience, in general or specific to the field, that you will never forget and explain why.

A once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget is traveling to Ireland with the SRU Marching Pride and not only competing in Dublin’s St. Patrick’s day parade, but also winning Best Overall Band. The experience abroad itself was incredible, but being able to spend it doing something I enjoy so much made it unforgettable.

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

Dr. Tours will forever hold a special place in my heart. She truly cares about each of her students and will take the time to sit and talk through any stressor you may have. She challenges her students because she sees potential in them, even when they don’t see it in themselves. She truly puts her students before herself and pushes them to be the best educator they can be.

4. What initially peaked your interest in pursuing a degree in education?

Being an educator is in my blood. Ever since I was younger, I have always been the person all of my friends would go to for homework help, especially when it came to math.

5. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? 

Being an educator is rewarding in every aspect, especially when it comes to seeing students succeed in something they first thought was impossible.

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is eager, not only to teach but to give their students room to learn. They are passionate, about both their subject and their students. They are engaging and flexible, especially in the world of education we are currently living in. Most importantly though, teachers are personable and show students that it’s okay to make mistakes because that’s how we learn.