Cassidy Renz

1. What is your educational background and what positions have you held? Please include the current school district and grade/s.

I attended Slippery Rock University in the fall of 2013 and graduated in the spring of 2017 with a degree in Early Childhood (PK-4) and Special Education (PK-8). I began my teaching career at a private school in Upper Saint Clair, PA where I worked as a Kindergarten teacher. After that position, I taught as a Preschool teacher in Peters Township, PA. My next job was at Fort Cherry School District in McDonald, PA. I began my career there as a paraprofessional at the elementary center. From that point, I moved to the high school where I was a long term substitute. After gaining some experience, I got hired for that position as a Learning Support Teacher for 9th and 10th grade. Not long after that, I landed my current job - a fourth grade ELA teaching position. I actually teach at the same elementary school that I attended as a young student. Coming full circle by being back at Fort Cherry Elementary Center has been such a rewarding experience. Although my seven-year long educational journey has been full of obstacles, I have overcome those challenges and now have my dream job. I am thankful for all the teaching experience I have gained and for the amazing teachers I have had the opportunity to meet along the way. 

 

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

One of my most memorable experiences from my time at SRU was my student teaching placement. I was given my placement at Slippery Rock Area Elementary School. I spent approximately 16 weeks at SRAE as a student teacher - I was a field student there as well, so that school is very memorable to me. For the first half of my student teaching experience, I was in a third and fourth grade learning support classroom. For the second half of my placement, I was in a first grade classroom. I loved getting to know both of my co-teachers and the other staff members at the school; everyone was so welcoming and friendly, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in my abilities. However, the most memorable part was the students. I was fortunate enough to have so many fun learning opportunities with my students in such a short amount of time. From creating interactive lessons and hosting morning meetings, to going on field trips and attending assemblies, I truly felt that I was a part of the school community. Those memories at SRAE will last me a lifetime. 

 

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

I am extremely grateful to have had a wonderful college experience at SRU. I met so many incredible professors and friends throughout my journey. An SRU faculty member that has had a positive influence on me would be Dr. Christine Walsh. Dr. Walsh taught me both in my undergraduate and graduate programs. I have learned so much from her and I am thankful for her knowledge and guidance throughout my educational experience. She is someone who piqued my interest in literacy and is one of the reasons why I am currently pursuing a master’s degree as a Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach. To this day, I can recall some of her lessons and the learning activities that we completed. I remember getting so excited for her class because I knew I was going to learn something impactful and influential that can allow me to become a successful literacy teacher.  

 

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

My interest in school motivated me to pursue a degree in education. From a young age, I recall enjoying every little moment at school. I was a teacher’s pet. I loved being in the classroom and helping out in any way that I could. I would even volunteer to take additional textbooks or workbooks home, so I would play school with my younger cousins. My chalkboard would be set up in our basement ready to go for my daily lessons. I loved playing “school” so much that I eventually made it my career. I absolutely adore working with children and I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else. I have always wanted to make a difference in this world, and I believe that by becoming a teacher I have accomplished that goal. I love learning and being an educator allows me to learn each and every day. Although teaching can be a challenging career, I believe the rewards outweigh the obstacles.

 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

One of the things I love most about teaching is that I am constantly learning alongside my students. They teach me as much as I teach them. Together, we can learn how to do better, how to be better people, and how to make a difference in the world. Aside from academics, I hope that my students learn life-long skills from me that will help them grow as individuals in this world. At the end of the day, I hope that they have a positive experience with me as their teacher. I try to establish my classroom as a comfortable place where we can all go to learn, to laugh, and to talk. I strive to be more than just their teacher - I want to be a role model for them. 

 

6. What makes a great teacher?

I believe that I am a great teacher because I am continuously learning how to become a better educator. Growing and changing as a teacher is inevitable because the world of education is always transforming. Being flexible is something that I had to work on, especially early on in my career. I have learned how to allow change and adapt my teaching as the years progress. As educators, we need to be the best versions of ourselves when we step into the classroom every morning because that is what our students deserve. I am extremely motivated and inspired by my students each and every school day - they make me a better teacher, and a better person. They mean the absolute world to me and I hope that I have made a positive impact on their lives. My students are the reason why I am a teacher today. The memories I have made in the classroom over these past seven years will last a lifetime.