Shanna Lengner

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major? 

I graduated from SRU in May of 2013. I majored in Elementary Education. After a few months I went back to SRU for graduate school. In January of 2015 I graduated with my Masters in Special Education birth- grade 8. 

What jobs have you landed?

At the beginning of the 2014/2015 school year I taught Kindergarten for 6 weeks in the Hermitage School District. Then I co-taught a first grade classroom for two weeks, where I was asked to remain for the rest of the school year. This school year 2015/2016 I was hired full time to teach Kindergarten again within the Hermitage School District.

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed?

I began preparing before I knew I would have an interview, I wanted to be ahead of the game so I reached out to past professors. I asked for tips and had them review my resume. Then I asked the principal and other teaching professionals within the school to give me tips on my teaching practices and resume. Finally when I landed my interview all I needed to worry about was taking everything I had already put together and presenting myself to the best of my ability. 

What have you done well at that job?
I've been able to form wonderful relationships with my grade level team. Each of us bring something unique to the table and I feel very lucky to have become a part of such a supportive and experienced group of educators. 

What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in? 
I have been involved in so many great outreach programs through my district. Gearing up for Kindergarten, Get to Know Artman Day, charity events benefiting students, Success by Six, and many more to come.

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
There have been many facility members at SRU that have been influential in my educational experience. Two professors stand out from the rest though, Dr. Marilyn Yensick and Dr. Jeremy Lynch. Dr. Yensick was my adviser and block 3 professor, she was always so kind and encouraging. I use so many to the techniques she taught us regarding Social Studies in my classroom today. Dr. Lynch was my student teaching adviser, he lead me through a very challenging yet rewarding 16 weeks teaching Kindergarten.

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
Get involved both at SRU and during your teaching experiences. Volunteer for as many extra programs the schools offer. It's a great experience and something you can add to your resume. More important than getting involved remember to love every single student you have the opportunity to cross paths with, you'll never know what they go home to but can always be someone they look forward to seeing everyday at school.

Jessica Kralik

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major?
May, 2012----Special Ed. (N-12)/El. Ed. (K-6)

What jobs have you landed?
First job was in 2013-2015 in Las Vegas, NV---Clark County School District- 2nd grade teacher (2 years in that position)
This school year (2015-2016) I switched to Special Education, a self-contained classroom (primary SEC) which is children labeled with emotional disturbance. ( All positions at Edwards Elementary School)

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed?
I used different interview questions that I had previously been asked throughout different interviews, questions that SRU had prepared us for, and friends that already had jobs within this school district.

What have you done well at that job?
I believe that I have done well with making a difference in these student’s lives as well as help them grow academically no matter how difficult the challenge was!

What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in?
Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, Best Buddies, Dean’s List---I am not even sure! It seems like this was forever ago! LOL

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
Dr. Sherry DuPont and Dr. Vogel because no matter how difficult or the amount of work we were given, they always believed in me and encouraged me to continue on with this career choice. They were both great influences and mentors!

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from? 
You may hear that it is difficult to obtain a job and it can be, but think positively and be open minded because it is possible! I never thought I would ever move to Las Vegas, but it’s been an amazing experience so far because these kids are what make the job worthwhile!

Adrienne Grapes

I graduated in 2013.

I have since worked as a 6th/7th Grade Math Teacher & 6th grade Science Teacher in Richmond, VA. I am also currently employed in my second year in Raleigh, NC as a 6th Grade English Teacher!

A lot of my preparation that I received was during my student teaching in Mexico City. However, there was no TRUE way to be fully prepared. I just had to jump feet first into the world of teaching and give it my all!

In my first years of teaching, I have directed 2 high school plays, Assistant Coached high school softball, and have just started my second year as a Middle School Cheerleading Coach! We won 2nd place in our county wide competition last year!

Traveling, during my years at SRU, had the most influence on me and my life decisions. Traveling with different organizations at SRU opened my eyes to the many beautiful opportunities that there are to help and support people all over the world!

I am the type of person whom, in the past, was not always as prepared for the various tasks and experiences in my life. However, my experiences at SRU have showed me that, while being prepared is definitely important and can help tremendously in most situations, it should never stop you from taking risks and enjoying your life.

Emily Maurer

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major?
I graduated in December of 2013. My major was Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) with a minor in Exceptionalities.

What jobs have you landed?
Immediately upon graduation, I was hired as a long term substitute in my home school district of Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

Directly after those few months as a long term, I was hired as a second grade teacher at Maple Ridge Elementary School (Somerset Area School District). I just began my second year of second grade!

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed?
I prepared by studying the school district up and down. I read their handbook and checked their website every day for a few weeks leading up to my interview. I then created a PreK Math lesson and, for second round interviews, had to give my lesson plan to the administration team. I also created a binder titled "Collection of Professional Work" to take with me. It was pretty much a portfolio but I was very selective with the content and used mainly things I created/taught during my long term position.

What have you done well at that job?
I have helped recreate the Math and English Language Arts curriculum during my first year. I was also asked to pilot the "Words Their Way" curriculum in my classroom and serve as a mentor to the other teachers this year with that program. Although these are great accomplishments, I am most proud of how I have connected with the students and parents (and, of course, how cute my classroom looks)!

What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in? 
I was a member of 4H all through elementary, middle, and high school where I was the county fair queen, showed horses and pigs, and participated in many other events. In high school I was a captain of the varsity cheer squad, played volleyball, and ran track. In college, I served as the Parliamentarian of Blue Key Honor Society, was a member of Rock Catholic, and Council for Exceptional Children.

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
Dr. Katsafanas filled me with so much knowledge and inspiration my freshmen year. She instilled a passion for Special Education and then solidified that when I traveled to Costa Rica with her and the Special Education Department. Dr. DuPont helped me through perhaps the toughest time of my life and gave me words of encouragement and inspiration by sharing her own personal (and very similar) success story.

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
I am a walking spokesperson for The Rock. I am so proud of where I came from and who helped mold me into who I am today, both personally and professionally. My friends and professors from SRU helped me graduate a semester early while raising a beautiful little girl by myself. I couldn't have graduated and landed a job without my connections with Slippery Rock. Also, don't let anyone tell you the education field is dead! Jobs in Western PA are few and far between - but use what you learned at SRU and I promise you will be ahead of those from other institutions. GO ROCK!

Dani Reardon

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major?
2013, El. Ed

What jobs have you landed?
I completed my student teaching in the Sharon City School District which was where I was from so I knew I wanted to work there! I started out as a substitute teacher for 6 months, a long term title 1 aide substitute for 3 months then got hired full time as a title 1 aide for about a year and a half. Then I got hired as a 1st grade teacher this year!

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed?
I printed out several interview questions from different blogs and websites but I think working in the school district for a few years helped me to prove myself as well as give me insight into what that school district expects and how they do things.

What have you done well at that job?
I tried to be involved in as much as I could! Being in title 1 helped because I worked with K-6 and got to know all of the students and staff! Professional development through the school was also something that proved to be helpful! I was trained in Reading Horizons(intensive phonics) twice and I'm so thankful because it is in our first grade curriculum!

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
I did the on-site program at Sharon through SRU the semester before student teaching. The awesome professors were Dr. Walsh, Dr. Yensick and Dr. DuPont. It was the best, hands-on learning experience!

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
I stayed in the school district I wanted to be in. Getting a job is not easy but if you love teaching and don't mind putting the work in, get your foot in the door and stand out!

Allyson Graham

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major?
I graduated in May 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in both Special Education Pre-K-8 and Early Childhood Pre-K-4.

What jobs have you landed?
My first year out of college, I landed a job at Urban Pathways K-5 College Charter School as a second grade Teacher’s Assistant. I was then offered a job as a Learning Support teacher for the following year.

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed?
First of all, I researched the school and specific information about charter schools. Charter schools are a lot different than public schools, so it’s important to be knowledgeable about those differences. Also, I created a flip book outlining how I personally use the common core standards, collaborate, create a positive classroom environment, and use data to drive instruction. Administrators appreciate a condensed version of a portfolio. Finally, during my experience as a Teacher’s Assistant, I had the opportunity to take over the responsibilities of the Learning Support teacher during her maternity leave. Using what I already knew about working in an urban setting with students with special needs helped me get my foot in the door for the open Special Education position the following year.

What have you done well at that job?
I was able to build and cultivate relationships with all of the students throughout the school. I showed the ability to communicate with parents by making and participating in phone calls, conferences, and parent engagement events. I have also embraced the school’s Leader in Me philosophy by learning the habits and instilling them in all the students. Finally, I have shown the ability to teach all subjects in a variety of ways.

What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in?
I was involved in several clubs while attending Slippery Rock. I would definitely recommend getting involved as much as possible. It’s a great way to build your resume and network with others. I was a member of Sigma Pi Epsilon Delta Special Ed Honorary, Kappa Delta Pi, National Science Teachers Association, and the Early Childhood Club.

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
I was fortunate enough to have Robert Snyder for my Math and Science block my junior year at Slippery Rock. He provided me with several great resources to engage students. He keeps in contact with many of his students upon graduation. If I ever need advice or more information about a topic, I know I can count on him!

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
I was really hesitant at first about accepting a position as Teacher’s Assistant my first year out of college. However, I was still excited to land a full time position. I collaborated with my head teacher and co-taught with her the entire time, which was a great learning experience. I am very fortunate that I was offered a position as a Learning Support teacher the following year. Hard work pays off! Finding a teaching job is challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible. Don’t expect to land your dream job right out of college. Be open to any opportunity and use that to help you get your foot in the door. Finally, apply everywhere and everywhere. Take any interview you get, even if you aren’t sure you want the job. Having experience interviewing is crucial. Have an optimistic outlook and you will succeed!

Tesin Gnalian

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major?
I graduated from Slippery Rock University in May 2014 with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood and Special Education.

What jobs have you landed?
I just started my second year of teaching in Maryland at James E. Duckworth Regional School in Prince George's County Public Schools. I am a special education teacher in an elementary M.O.V.E (Mobility Opportunities Via Education) classroom. My school serves students with moderate to severe disabilities ages 5 through 21.

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed?
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher so the thought of having the opportunity to finally become one was so exciting but also really nerve wrecking. I entered my interview with my teaching portfolio, letters of recommendation, and resume in hand but what my interviewer really wanted to hear and know was something about me that couldn’t be shown on paper. So I took a deep breath and spoke straight from the heart (cheesy I know, but it worked!).I spoke about the incredible experiences I had at SRU during class, field, student teaching, and my days at Camp High Hopes and the Woodlands Foundation. I shared that it was through those experiences that I learned that I wanted to be a teacher for students with special needs.
For anyone who is getting ready for a big teaching interview, allow your interviewer to see your eyes light up when you talk about your future students and classroom; let them hear the excitement in your voice when you mention your ideas for lessons and projects, but above all, be yourself and let your passion do the talking.

What have you done well at that job?
A little more than year ago I walked into an empty classroom that was filled with potential and possibilities. I knew that this would be an exciting time of change, challenge, growth and reflection but teaching has taken me on a whirlwind of an adventure. My team and I work together to create opportunities for our students to be as independent as possible. I was able to see one of my students walk independently for the first time and two of my other students walk on and off their bus without a stroller. Since a majority of my students are nonverbal, I do my best to create opportunities for them to communicate with their peers and teachers using picture communication symbols and voice output devices. I also try to embed functional life skills into instruction. I took the position thinking that I was there to teach students; little did I know that they would be the ones teaching me. Now I can say that this once empty classroom is now filled with love and learning. My students are making progress everyday—We celebrate the little and big accomplishments. My students have taught me about what patience, love, and strength looks and feels like. I am very proud to call myself their teacher and them my students.

What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in?
I loved being involved at SRU! I had the opportunity to be apart of the Green & White Society, SGA, Community Service Corps, Rock Catholic, and the President’s Commission of Disability Issues. I completed the Compass Leadership program and received some scholarships through the SRU alumni association. I also was the 1st Annual Dr. Mark Mraz Memorable Moment Student Essay Winner and shared a narrative of my student teaching experience at the 2014 National Student Teaching & Supervision Conference.

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
I cannot even begin to describe how grateful I am for the education I received at Slippery Rock University. SRU gave me such a diverse amount of knowledge, skills, and experience that allowed me to pinpoint exactly what kind of teacher I wanted to be. Shout-outs to Mrs. Badgett, Dr. Merhaut, Dr. Katsafanas, and Dr. Erickson! I can remember sitting in each of their classes, listening to their stories and experiences feeling so inspired by them and their passion for what they do…I really have to thank them for instilling that passion for special education in me.

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
Don’t be afraid to move outside your comfort zone! I never thought I would ever leave Pittsburgh but now here I am in Maryland 300 miles away from home. Saying, “see you soon” to a place and people I know and love was by no means easy but with the help of my family and friends I was able to make the move and pursue a career I really wanted. A year later and I have no regrets. I love my students and wouldn’t trade the experiences or memories I’ve gained for anything!

Erica Bristor

I graduated from Slippery Rock in Fall 2013 with a degree in Early Childhood Education Pre-K to 4th.
I subbed from January until May, and in June of 2014, I moved to Houston, Texas to become a Pre-Kindergarten teacher in Aldine ISD.
I am very confident with interviewing, so in preparation I just made brochures to pass out to different administrators at the elementary campuses I visited when I flew to Texas. I also am the daughter o...f a 35-year-veteran teacher and have competed in MAO for 9 consecutive years, which allowed me to develop and hone my speaking skills tremendously.
I completed my first year teaching in June 2015. I received wonderful feedback from my administrative team upon being evaluated throughout the school year.
I loved the spring break trip to Sweden with Dr. Zane my junior year. I gained invaluable experience there. Also, Dr. Werner served as a wonderful student teaching supervisor to me. We still keep in touch to this day, and I'm thankful for her friendship.
I would use every experience as a chance to network because you never know where you'll end up. At first, I didn't know it was God's plan for me to spend a year or so in the south, but I wouldn't take this experience back ever. I'm proud of my accomplishments and where I went to school. Slippery Rock will always be my heart in Pennsylvania.

Emily Smith

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major?
I graduated from SRU in May 2013 with my Bachelor's in Elementary Education and Special Education and add-on certifications in Middle School Mathematics and Middle School English. After graduation, I obtained my Reading Specialist certification as well.

What jobs have you landed?
A month after I graduated from SRU, I began a long-term position as a K-12 Special Education Instructional Supervisor at a local cyber school. While I did enjoy the job, I found that my heart was in a classroom setting. That August, I accepted a long-term 3rd Grade Learning Support position in a public school district in Beaver County, which was the same district SRU placed me to complete my professional semester my senior year of college. I was very excited to be back teaching in such a great district where I completed my special education field work the year before. I stayed in that long-term position for the 2013-14 school year and then was hired full-time at the middle school in the district as a 6th-8th grade English Language Arts Learning Support Teacher for the 2014-15 school year. It was quite a full-circle experience to teach the same kids again that I taught as a field student two years prior. This year, I chose to move down to a new position in the district as a Kindergarten Learning Support Teacher/Reading Specialist.

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed?
Throughout college, I seized every volunteer opportunity offered with children and adolescents to broaden my experiences working with students of different ages and ability levels. I feel like these experiences aided me in getting interviews as well as having talking points during the interviews. Ultimately, these experiences benefited my knowledge of how to help my students once I did land a job.
To prepare for interviews, I looked up commonly asked interview questions, wrote down answers, and then practiced them. I also made a brochure highlighting the successes of the students I worked with, my behavior management techniques, excerpts from reference letters, and positive parent communication. I also presented my interviewers with all reference letters from administrators, teachers, professors, and parents that I worked with.
I feel that an interview is your opportunity to display all of your accomplishments as well as your passion for teaching. It is your opportunity to shine! It's easier said than done, but try not to let your nerves get in the way of excelling during interviewing opportunities.

What have you done well at that job?
I think my positivity has helped my students to achieve their goals. It's so important for me to look at how far my kids have come instead of looking at their shortcomings. There is always room for improvement, but I feel that if I look at how far my kids have come and praise them for that, they will continue to meet with success and make gains.
I think that I communicate well with teachers, service providers, parents, and students. This is key in providing students with the best comprehensive education possible.
My flexibility has also helped me balance the many demands of being an educator. Oftentimes, I am pulled in multiple directions and just have to do the best I can to service my students even when there are multiple tasks at hand.

What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in?
Throughout my time at SRU, I was involved with many activities through the various organizations I was in. I was a member of the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (S-PSEA), Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, Lambda Epsilon Delta National Honor Society in Elementary Education, Sigma Pi Epsilon Delta National Special Education Honorary, Council for Exceptional Children, Early Childhood Club, National Science Teacher Association (NSTA), Phi Sigma Pi National Coed Honor Fraternity, Golden Key International Honour Society, The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Slippery Rock Lions Club, and volunteered with Exceptional Adventures. I had the opportunity to gain knowledge from Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training, a Classroom Management Workshop, Autism Awareness Conferences, Panel for Disability Pride for Disability Rights Initiating Voices Everywhere (DRIVE), The Prevention Network Family Decision Making Conference, Early Development of Great Educators Conference (EDGE) on Parent Communication and Classroom Technology, Family Violence/Child Abuse VOICE Outreach, Co-teaching Training Workshop, Common Core Training, SMART Board training, and various curriculum trainings.
Some scholarships I was fortunate enough to receive were the Beaver County Chapter of Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees Education Scholarship, the Helen Brua Getting Memorial Scholarship, and the Maree McKay-Esther Smiley Alumni Scholarship.
Some awards I received were the Residence Life Academic All-Star Award for GPAs of 4.0, Dean's List every year, and Phi Sigma Pi National Coed Honorary Fraternity Award for Outstanding Effort as a Recruitment Advisor.

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
My SRU experiences that impacted me the most were my field and student teaching experiences. I loved working with different cooperating teachers and grade levels of students. Each was so unique and opened the door for me to work with various grade levels after graduation. I also enjoyed being involved in many organizations that offered me volunteering experiences.
All of the faculty that I had the fortune of working with influenced me in some way. I cannot say that there was a professor I had who did not impact the educator I have become. Each brought a unique life experience and educational experience to the university that shaped my practices as a future educator.
I was so impressed with SRU that I am currently completing my Master's Degree there for Special Education Supervision. In my opinion, SRU faculty have proven themselves to be second to none.

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
I know how discouraging it can be to be told over and over again that there aren't jobs in education, especially in the local area. While there aren't a plethora of teaching jobs in the area, there are still some teaching jobs. Do everything possible now to set yourself apart, and you can find your dream teaching job wherever you want.
Also, the positive relationships you build through field experiences can undoubtedly help you land a job down the road.
Teaching can be stressful, difficult, and at times overwhelming. There are many demands on us that really are far from our control. Nonetheless, there will be so many special moments with your students that will more than make up for all of the hard times. Commit to be the best educator possible for the sake of your students. After all, they really do deserve it. Enjoy the ride!

Jenessa Allshouse

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major?
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a minor in Spanish in Spring 2013.
I went on to get my master’s degree from SRU in Secondary Education and graduated in Spring 2014.

What jobs have you landed?
I started working full-time as a math teacher at Slippery Rock High School in August 2014. I teach Algebra I and Algebra II. This school year is my second year teaching at SRHS.

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed?
To prepare for the interviews that I had in secondary education, I went to the office of Career Education and Development at SRU, where John Snyder helped me establish my resume to what a teacher candidate’s resume should encompass. I also visited the SRU website and used several of their practice interview questions as a way to help prepare for the interview process.
I went to the PERC job fair to help me feel more comfortable with interview questions and presenting myself to administrators.

What have you done well at that job?
Last year, I had a good “pass rate” of students who had to take the Algebra I Keystone Exam.
I make sure that I offer tutoring to all of my students after school if they need extra individualized help on certain concepts.
I get involved with the community around Slippery Rock by participating in several school and community events.
At Slippery Rock High School, I am the High School Varsity Cheerleading Coach.

What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in?
I got the Outstanding Graduate Award while attending Slippery Rock University.
When taking the praxis exam for mathematics, I got an award for scoring in the top 15% of all test takers.
I received several scholarships when attending SRU that were in the math/science fields as well as education.
I did two care-break trips: One to Lakeshore, Mississippi and the other to Jamaica. Both of these trips inspired me to volunteer my time as much as possible and to inspire several other people around the world.

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
While at SRU, I had several faculty members that helped shape me into the teacher and person that I am today.
One professor in particular that inspired me was Dr. Lehman in the secondary education department during my master’s degree. Dr. Lehman is very knowledgeable about the educational world and I feel that he helped guide me into the teacher that I am today. I enjoyed all of the classes that he taught. He is so passionate about education and wants the very best for his students. He will go above and beyond to help you in whatever way he can!
Another professor that inspired me was Dr. Lindgren during my bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Dr. Lindgren was in the mathematics department, and I had him for a few classes, but I saw him in the math department on a daily basis! His classes were challenging and there were times that I struggled, but he was always there to encourage and help me. I was very determined to become a math teacher and his classes gave me the motivation and drive to succeed in that field.

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
While at SRU, I got involved in several activities on and off-campus. I made sure to stay well rounded but took my studies very seriously. I coached at Butler High School during all my years at college, which helped give me experience in the education field. I tried to take on every opportunity that was given to me. Even though I had friends that realized math and education wasn’t for them, I stayed true to myself and I am now doing what I LOVE to do! I get to inspire students on a daily basis and I get to see them improve in their academics as well as grow as young adults. I wouldn’t change a thing, and I thank SRU for my wonderful experience and providing me with the educational knowledge necessary to have my dream job.