Sean Fleming

 

Where are you teaching? What subjects and grades?

I am teaching at Central Career and Technical High School in Erie, PA.  I teach 9th Grade World Cultures and 11th Grade Modern American History.
 

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program?

Go into teaching with an open mind, whether it be with lesson planning or with the career field itself.  I would also like to tell them good luck!
 

What is one positive experience that you have had with a student?

One of my better students had suddenly stop doing his work and was acting out in class.  After class one day I had him stay after to talk to him and see what was going on.  It turns out the student had recently been informed that he would be moving out of state in two weeks and was very upset to move away from his friends.  He was really surprised that I asked him, and he even told me a teacher had never done anything like that for him before.  He really appreciated it. In return, he was no longer disrupting class for the remainder of his time here before he moved.
 

What makes a great teacher?

I think there are plenty of things that go into a great teacher.  So far from my experience I would say the biggest thing is building a rapport with your students.  Showing an interest in students and showing them that you care can make all the difference.  By showing them you care, students will in turn show more respect and have more interest in your class.  

Joshua Weaver

What has been your experience as a professional teacher/educator/administrator?  

I spent 5 years in the classroom teaching physics at both Seneca Valley School District and Hampton Township School District.  I thoroughly enjoyed the classroom but had a great interest in moving into administration.  My first administrative job was the assistant principal at Hopewell High School.  After spending a year as an assistant principal, the opportunity to become the principal of Springdale Jr-Sr High School opened.  After a thorough interview process, I accepted the role and was involved in a 20 plus million-dollar renovation and addition to the building.  Three years later, the Kiski Area School District conducted a search for an upper elementary principal who would spend a year developing a STEM-focused program while being heavily involved in a 20 plus million-dollar renovation and addition as well as elementary school consolidation.  I worked out of central office for a year while we developed program and built the structure. The next three years were spent as the principal of Kiski Area Upper Elementary when an opportunity to move into the assistant superintendent role with the Grove City Area School District presented itself.  

Where do you work? What is your current position?

My current position is assistant superintendent with the Grove City Area School District.

What is one positive experience that you have had with a student, or a student story that you would like to share?

During my first teaching job, I had the opportunity to work with a young lady who had not experienced much success in school.  She was hard working and committed to her academics but wasn’t sure what she wanted to do moving forward.  That year during physics, I noted that she truly understood the concepts around the topics that we worked through, actively participated in our class discussions, and was gaining confidence in her studies.  She was transforming as a student.  Her parents were greatly appreciative of the work we were doing in class and very proud of their daughter’s growth and achievement.

At that point in her academic career, Erica was unsure of her future plans. Physics class was a turning point for her and she made the decision to study education in college and aspired to be a teacher.  Her determination, dedication, and will provided Erica with great success as she is currently teaching in a special education classroom and close to completing her master’s degree. Erica and I still keep in touch sharing stories and advice as we both grow as educators in our respective roles.  This was all possible through the belief that building appropriate relationships with one’s students is a key component to student success.

 

What advice would you give to current college students who are preparing to be teachers?

Work hard, commit to every experience you can that is related to the field of education, and embrace the challenges that come your way. Being an educator is such a fulfilling career when you take the time to build quality relationships with students, parents, and colleagues; all while raising the level of rigor and relevance in the classes that you teach.

What is one thing that you learned from Slippery Rock University’s teacher preparation program that you have integrated into your profession?

Nothing replaces hard work and preparation.  The program at SRU requires diligence, attention to detail, and a great deal of effort.  This combination of attributes was instilled in me throughout my time at the ROCK and I still utilize those skills today in my work.

What is one challenge that you have faced thus far and how have you successfully dealt with it during your professional/teaching experience? (Only successful experiences/outcomes)

During my time at Kiski Area, I was charged with the task of program development, consolidation, and building construction during my first year with the District.  I had to build relationships with a group of potential grade 5 and 6 teachers while we worked collaboratively to design a STEM-focused program for students.  It was a monumental challenge that I embraced.

For an entire year, committees of teachers updated curricular plans by integrating STEM into all facets of the planned program, developed extra-curricular opportunities, designed support systems through the lens of pupil services, and planned for the consolidation transition.  The group of dedicated teachers were ready for change and appreciated the opportunity to work together.  At the end of that planning year, we were ready to move in and open the doors of Kiski Area Upper Elementary to our students.

The first day of school came that year and buses pulled up for drop off.  The day began and I will never forget how proud I was of the staff in that building.  We collaboratively redesigned the way students learned in grades 5 and 6 and created opportunities that exceeded the imagination.  This was all accomplished through a building culture and a phrase that we all lived by… “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work”.    

 

What are a few of your career goals?

At some point in my career, I would like to be the superintendent of a school district.  I also miss the classroom a great deal and hope to teach at the college level in a teacher preparation or educational leadership program.

Why did you choose education as your profession?

In high school, I had an amazing physics teacher who truly inspired me to get into the field.  After a short time in the classroom, I aspired to be involved in a school on a much larger scale. That aspiration quickly led to my participation in SRU’s principal preparation program. Learning more through coursework and job experiences allowed me to grow and develop in various roles.

What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is someone who cares about students, spends the time to build relationships with students and parents, collaborates with peers in order to share, grow, and improve, and finally someone who works hard to meet the needs of each child each day. These individuals are rare, but they make such a huge difference in the lives of children in our schools today.  

Stephanie Cicero

What has been your experience as a professional teacher/educator/administrator?

My experience as a professional teacher has been very rewarding.  It was a wonderful feeling when I got my first job offer.  It was very satisfying to know that all of my hard work during my college days at SRU was worthwhile.  Not every day is easy, but the students make every day meaningful.

Where do you work? What is your current position?

After I graduated in May 2012, I received a job offer from the Titusville Area School District in Titusville, PA.  This is now my fifth year of teaching at two of the three elementary schools in the district.   I teach general music to approximately 500 students in first through fifth grade and also the fifth grade band.

What is one positive experience that you have had with a student, or a student story that you would like to share?

One of my favorite moments came during my second year of teaching.  That year, I had decided to do an Olympic theme.  In each music class, we learned about a different country and sang songs/played instruments from those cultures.  The concert was absolutely amazing!  It even involved a medal ceremony for the classes that earned the most points through participation.  

One day, a student came up to me and gave me a paper gold medal.  It said “best music teacher ever” and had a string attached so I could wear it around my neck.  What made it a truly special moment was the student who gave it to me.  I had no idea how much he really enjoyed music and knowing that I made such an impact on him was incredible.  He went from barely singing in class one year to joining the show choir the following year!     

What advice would you give to current college students who are preparing to be teachers?

My most important piece of advice is to take every experience and learn from it.  It can be very easy to say a class, lecture, presentation, etc. was “pointless” or “a waste of time”.  As teachers, we are constantly reflecting and learning from each lesson we teach.  If you have an open mind, you can always learn something new from every experience you encounter.     

What is one thing that you learned from Slippery Rock University’s teacher    preparation program that you have integrated into your profession?

The music department was absolutely outstanding and I credit the professors for giving me such a “rock” solid foundation.  They truly cared about each of us finding success as a teacher.  They set high standards in every area of the teaching world.  I am successful not only with teaching, but with the paperwork and professional aspects of the job as well.

     

What is one challenge that you have faced thus far and how have you successfully dealt with it during your professional/teaching experience? (Only successful experiences/outcomes)

When I was hired, I was told that the students were not huge fans of music.  Concert attendance (which is voluntary) was extremely low. This was something my administrators wanted to see change.  As an arts teacher, you never want to hear that students do not appreciate or care for your subject that you truly love.  I found ways to make music connect with the students.  I created year-long themes that incorporated other subject areas for students to see that there are connections between music and their daily lives.  I am proud to say that for our voluntary concerts, the percentage of students attending has greatly increased.  Due to this fact, concerts are now held in the high school auditorium where there is more seating available.  This past year, concert attendance reached 90% participation!

What are a few of your career goals?

My goal has always been to teach students through music.  My hope is that I can continue to do that for years to come.  

Why did you choose education as your profession?

I always wanted to be a teacher.  My dad was a history teacher for 37 years and retired only two years ago.  I would go to school with my dad whenever I could and would play school at home.  This is the only profession I have ever considered and it really has been the best decision to follow in my dad’s footsteps.  

What makes a great teacher?

At almost every concert, I have at least one parent who comes up to me and says how much they enjoyed the concert and how it looks like I was having a lot of fun.  I always tell them, “I am having fun!”  I am fortunate that my subject allows for a lot of flexibility and interactive participation.  If you make teaching enjoyable and show the students how much you love what you do, they will love what you teach!

Sara Kucenski

What has been your experience as a professional?

After student teaching, I spent 6 weeks subbing for a maternity leave in a 5th grade classroom at St. Leo School. I taught 5th grade homeroom, Reading, Writing, Health/Science, and 6th-8th grade Health/Science. Additionally, I had substituted at this school twice
before in their 7th grade classroom.

Where do you work? What is your current position?

I am working as a Kindergarten teacher at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic School in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.

What is one positive experience that you have had with a student, or a student story that you would like to share?

There are so many great stories…it’s so hard to pick just one! I think my favorite story so far would have to be something that just happened the other day. We had been discussing St. Anthony and how he is the patron Saint of lost things. Later on in the day during Religion class, the topic of discussion was stray animals and what we can do to help them and keep them safe. One of my students got the biggest smile on her face, raised her hand high and said “Miss Kucenski, why don’t we just ask St. Anthony to help? Stray animals are lost, and Saint Anthony is the patron Saint of lost things, remember?!” Seeing that look of recognition and connection in her expression made me so proud! I love when my students are able to grasp a concept and make a deeper connection. Isn’t that what teaching is all about??

What advice would you give to current college students who are preparing to be teachers?

My main piece of advice would be to never forget why you went into this profession. Never lose sight of the importance of what teachers do, no matter what obstacles you face in the day.

What is one thing that you learned from Slippery Rock University’s teacher preparation program that you have integrated into your profession?

There have been many things that I have used within my classroom that I was taught at Slippery Rock University. One thing that a lot of teachers struggle with and feel pressed for time with are assessments. SRU taught me many ways to assess my students, both formally and informally. I have been using a method I learned in an assessment class called the “Sticky Note Method”. I have sticky notes for each child on the back of a notebook and take notes/write a grade down as I observe them working. It is very efficient and can be done anywhere!

What is one challenge that you have faced thus far and how have you successfully dealt with it?

I have faced many challenges throughout my career so far, just as any new teacher does. Job interviews, working with new people, learning the curriculum/procedures you’ll be working with, students who may be a little more challenging than others, and so on. I think my biggest challenge, though, would have to be teaching my younger sister. When I moved home to complete the long-term subbing position at St. Leo’s, I had to teach my younger sister’s 8th grade Health class. I taught many students that I knew personally, but this one was a little bit different. It was weird having to call or email her mom (my mom) about school related matters, as well as keep our professional vs. personal lives separate at school. She had trouble calling me Miss Kucenski instead of Sara, which I could totally understand. We worked through all of this, though, and I think that we came out of it with a different respect and understanding of each other. I treated her like any other student, giving her the same amount of attention/help that I would with any other student.

What are a few of your career goals?

At first, my goals were to be exactly where I am: an elementary school teacher at a Catholic school in Pennsylvania. Now that those goals are met, I am focusing on goals within my classroom: make my lessons even more fun and engaging for my students.

Why did you choose education as your profession?

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher. My mom is a preschool teacher at a small Catholic school, and I grew up seeing how much she loved her job, as well as how good she was at it. I would go in and help her in her classroom as I got into high school, and fell in love with teaching. She would let me observe her teaching her morning class, and then allow me to teach that lesson to her afternoon class. It felt effortless, and I loved being with the kids. My favorite part was watching their face light up when they understood a concept that they couldn’t quite grasp before. In fact, this is still one of my favorite parts of teaching! I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything different!

What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher needs to be kind, compassionate, and understanding. However, they also need to have accurate expectations for their students, and hold them to these expectations. A great teacher NEVER gives up on a student, and always goes above and beyond to make their classroom a fun and safe learning environment. I think that any teacher realizes that just because we may only have to be at school from 8:00-3:00, our time “on the clock” rarely stops.

Denise Carlini

What has been your experience as a professional teacher?

I taught special education for 17 years at Brockway Area JSHS.  My students were grades 7 - 12 and identified as learning disabled and [intellectually disabled]. I taught several subjects each year including math, English, history and science. I was also the gifted coordinated for grades 7 - 12 during my teaching experience.

What is one positive experience that you have had with a student?

I have had so many wonderful experiences with my students. Having them for 6 years, I got to really know them and help them to prepare for their adult lives. One of my greatest success stories is that of a learning disabled young man who wanted to become an elementary teacher.  Many other adults told him that would be virtually impossible, but we worked hard during his time in high school and when he got accepted to Clarion University in their teacher preparation program, we were ecstatic. I encouraged him to use all the resources and help available to him at Clarion and he did. He earned his degree and is teaching in the Virginia School System. He was named the elementary teacher of the year at his school and in the newspaper interview, he cited me as one of the greatest influences in his life. THAT is why we teach!

What advice would you give to current college students who are preparing to be teachers? 

Teaching has changed so dramatically over the years. I would advise students preparing to become teachers to remember how each and every thing they do can influence their students. The curriculum is critical, but the demeanor and attitude of the teacher can be much more influential to students. One cruel word can stay with a student for a lifetime. Teachers have to be flexible and willing to show students they have their best interests as the overall objective. The best teachers are those who are willing to take on additional roles in their schools and learn to interact with students outside of the classroom as coaches and advisers in extra-curricular activities...State assessments have [also] changed the learning environment tremendously. Teachers need to be prepared to vary their teaching methods so that each student is successful in the classroom. A one-dimensional teacher will not be successful in today's classroom.

What is one thing that you learned from Slippery Rock University’s teacher preparation program that you brought into your classroom? 

The special education program at Slippery Rock has always been outstanding. I brought a thorough knowledge regarding teaching techniques to use with a variety of student abilities to my classroom. I also brought behavioral management techniques that were taught "hands-on" in the lab school. 

Why did you choose teaching as your profession?

I chose teaching as a profession for a couple of reasons. First, I have an [intellectually disabled] cousin who I am very close to. He means the world to me and I wanted to be able to work with people like him. I also had a wonderful education at Brockway, loving each and every year of school. My teachers were caring and smart and encouraged us to become what we wanted. I was very lucky to spend my entire teaching and administrative career in my hometown!

What makes a great teacher? 

A great teacher is someone who is willing to work hard to keep current in their field. They recognize that the world is ever-changing and there is a need to keep up with what their students are experiencing in life. A great teacher is open to critique through observation and is open to making changes in teaching techniques and styles to better themselves as educators. A great teacher is caring and understands that not all students come from loving and economically secure homes. A willingness to understand that not every student is going to be having a great day every day is key to being a great teacher. Great teachers wake up each day and look forward to the challenges and excitement of their classroom. When it becomes a chore to go to work, a teacher needs to find another profession.

Shelby Stearns

What has been your experience as a professional teacher thus far?

It’s been a wild ride! I am at Creekside Elementary in Durham, North Carolina. I’m loving it so far, though it’s very emotionally and physically taxing at times!

What subject(s) are you teaching? What grades? 

I am teaching 4th grade, all subjects!

What specific subject and grade level do you ultimately hope to teach?

That’s a good question. I am loving teaching 4th grade, but they’re very young which is often stressful. Like I said, I did my student teaching with 5th, 6th, and 7th grades, and I did find it easier in some ways to connect with older kids (though more challenging in ways as well). I do miss getting to delve into English because I really love teaching reading and writing, so I would possibly like to eventually teach English to an older grade. I’ve also considered getting AIG certified and/or work at a school with accelerated children. We’ll see! I had no idea I’d wind up here, so I have no idea where I’ll end up in the future!

How similar or different is your teaching experience from your student teaching experience?

Well, for student teaching I was at Slippery Rock Area Elementary and Slippery Rock Middle School teaching grades 5, 6, and 7 (My major was Middle Level English Education 4-8). First of all, my school is much more diverse than Slippery Rock, I have kids from many different backgrounds. And, I’m not just teaching English, but I’m teaching all content areas and have the same group of kids all day.  

What advice would you give to current college students who are preparing to be teachers? 

I’d say that it’s difficult in ways you can’t quite prepare for until you’re there. There are infinitely more plans and meetings and details than you could imagine. Time management is so so important. Oh, and invest in a blazer! Especially if you’ll be interviewing out of state, for Skype interviews you can wear a blazer and sweatpants! Your interviewer will be none the wiser. Another note, when you see job fairs and professional development opportunities, GO TO THEM. They might seem like a hassle but most of them are super helpful in the long run. And finally, utilize your professors! Form really good connections with them so you can use them as a reference and resource after you graduate! We have some amazing professors in the education department as well as in the different departments for content areas. They’ve gone through the process of becoming a teacher. Most of them are honestly awesome and so helpful.

What is one thing that you have learned from Slippery Rock University’s teacher preparation program that you have brought into your classroom? 

I was so fortunate to have had several classes with Dr. Hilton, whom I cannot say enough good things about. I’ve taken so much of his advice, especially in areas of classroom management and captivating student interest.

What is one challenge that you have faced thus far and how have you successfully dealt with it during your teaching experience?

I think one of the most challenging parts of my job is having 19 students I care for and keep safe from 7:45 until 2:15 every day, and then the buses come and I send them off to home lives that I know aren’t necessarily the very best. None of them will outright tell me the conditions, but I pick it up from comments when I tell them it’s time to go home. I’ve learned the best thing I can do is show them attention and love when they’re at school. I know which kids I need to go out of my way to hug at the end of the day. I know which kids I need to bring snacks for. So I think just realizing what you mean to them is how you can deal with something like that.

Why did you choose teaching as your profession?

I came to Slippery Rock as a business major and realized in the first few months that it wasn’t the best fit for my personality. So I looked at my life and tried to think of things I’d done that made me feel the most fulfilled, how I could use my strengths to make the biggest difference in the world. I thought about times I’d worked with kids, tutoring, after-school activities, service projects, elementary aide…and I realized that that was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I love being a teacher, mentor, and advocate for kids.  

What makes a great teacher? 

I honestly think that a great teacher is almost 100% about passion. If you think back to your own school days and even college classes, the teachers and professors you like the best and remember the most are the ones who genuinely loved what they did. For secondary, that means really loving your content. For elementary, that means really loving your group of kids and becoming personally invested in their growth. I think at the end of the day, you can lesson plan, you can decorate, you can create materials, but if you don’t love your kids, what is it all for? I think being a great teacher is all about personal investment in the education of your students.

Travis Swartz

Where are you teaching?
Farrell High School in Farrell, Pennsylvania
 

What subject(s) are you teaching? What grades?
I have a very interesting/unique job description at Farrell. I am helping implement a new program for grades 7-11 that helps struggling students prepare for state tests. I am part of a team that assists students who scored basic or below basic on their CDT tests through small group instruction. Because of a shortage of substitute teachers in the area, I also fill in for classroom teachers whenever the school cannot find coverage.

What specific subject and grade level do you ultimately hope to teach?
Eventually, I would like to teach Civics and U.S. History for grades 11-12

What has been your experience as a professional teacher thus far?
My experience thus far has been a very positive one. The school district I am working in has made me feel valued since the first day and I genuinely enjoy my job.
 

How similar or different is your teaching experience from your student teaching experience?
The experiences I have had so far at Farrell are very different than the ones I had during my student teaching semester, which was at Neshannock High School. The demographics of the two schools could not be any more different, and I went from teaching social studies in a general classroom during student teaching to now being more involved with data and state test scores.
 

What is one thing that you have learned from Slippery Rock University’s teacher preparation program that you have brought into your classroom?
I remember Dr. Hilton teaching us that you have to clearly set your expectations from day one and he could not have been any more right about that. I did just that when I started running the diagnostic tests and started doing one-on-ones and small group instruction. Because of that, I have not had near as many classroom management problems as other teachers here because from day one, they knew I did not tolerate bad behavior. Word spreads faster than you’d think.
 

What advice would you give to current college students who are preparing to be teachers?
For those who are student teaching currently or will be soon, my best advice is to learn to be resilient. There are going to be good days and there are going to be bad days. Do not get discouraged by the bad days because they can be used as a learning experience for the future. Also, get involved in groups or activities on campus. Schools like to hire well-rounded people more than people who just took classes and did homework (or “robots” as Dr. Hicks likes to call them).
 

Why did you choose teaching as your profession?
I chose teaching because I believe that I can get students to care about school and see the value in education and how it relates to them. I think that is something that is lacking right now and I want to help correct that. I always have wanted to help people in everything I do and I truly believe that a good teacher can improve more lives than just about anyone.

Lisa Borres

What has your career path been like?
I began my career fresh out of SRU teaching first grade in York City, Pennsylvania. This is where my love for positive incentives and behavior management grew. I was part of SWEBS (School Wide Effective Behavior System) team in York. I learned that the most powerful way to reach a child is to accentuate the positive. I taught and grew there for 4 years while working on my early childhood literacy masters before moving back to Pittsburgh. I then taught at Shaler Area teaching third grade. During this time, I also worked nights at Wexford academy as a reading specialist, and earned my ESL certification. Although I loved my third graders and their independence, I knew that teaching students the fundamentals of reading was my passion. In August of 2011, we decided to take a leap and move to Richmond, Virginia. I was so fortunate to land a job on such short notice. I was ecstatic to teach at Highland Springs Elementary school where I would be able to teach first grade to underprivileged children AND lead their PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Supports) team. I have been so blessed to be able to work with an incredible staff and county members that are willing to consistently go the extra mile, and many extra hours, for our students. I am so fortunate to be one of the lucky ones to say that I have my dream job.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
As cliché as it sounds, the most rewarding part of my job is seeing my students’ growth. First grade is a magical year where they come to me as dependent kindergarteners and leave me as independent second graders. Reading just clicks. I get to see that excitement on each of their faces during the moment when they realize that they can read! It sounds silly, but one of the most rewarding parts of my job is when a child asks for a bookmark. This tells me that not only are they reading longer, more difficult books, but they WANT to continue reading the book later. This is the biggest reward a teacher can receive.

What types of recognition, awards, honors or activities have you been involved in?

My loved ones constantly tell me that I need to learn to say no. I have the most difficult time NOT joining a committee, going to a professional development during the summer, or staying afterschool to meet with people. It’s hard to say no because the children deserve it! I have been or am involved in PBIS, SWEBS, Social Committee, gardening committee, PTA, Parental Involvement, Spring Carnival, May Day, Special Olympics, Tutoring, Coalition, VISTA Science, PBL Edcamp, Community Committee, Celebration Committee, Pep Rallies, VCU Clinical Faculty, and out of school Fundraisers. And of course, Teacher of the Year for HSES 2016.

How did your experience at Slippery Rock University help you find your first position after graduation?
I believe that everything happens for a reason. After a student teaching experience gone wrong, I was pulled from my original placement and was told the only placement that was available on such short notice was in Pittsburgh Public. I was terrified. However, this was the best thing that could have happened to me. With the support of my supervisor and amazing cooperating teacher, I fell in love with inner city teaching. I never would have accepted my first teaching experience in York City if I hadn’t had experience in Pittsburgh Public. I am so thankful for my Pittsburgh Public placement that I thought I didn’t want.

What is your advice for future graduates?
Teaching is so much more than what you do when the door is closed. Get to know your students. Go to their football games and watch them cheer. Get to know the students in the class next to you. Don’t settle for doing what is expected. Teaching is not the profession to do the minimum. Your students deserve the world; it is your job to lead them there.

Deanna Rae

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major?
May 2014 - early childhood education

What jobs have you landed?
I am a third grade math and science teacher at Clarksville Elementary in Mecklenburg county schools VA

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed?
I practiced interview questions. I attended the job fairs and that in where I learned a lot about Virginia Schools.

What have you done well at that job?
I have built wonderful relationships with my students that still hold true even with they move to fourth grade. I make learning fun and the kids remember me that way.

What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in?
Recently I was chosen by the Virginia Department of Education to speak at the VCTM (Virginia council of teaching mathematics) conference to present my teaching strategies. Schools from across the state have been emailing me for some tips and tricks I use in my classroom.

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
I was a community assistant in the dorms and it really helped me to mature and take responsibility for people. Dr. McCollin was a big inspiration to me as well as Dr. Lee Williams. They treated me as another teacher and not as a student, but also showed me so much more to teaching than the lesson plans and paperwork.

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
Don't be afraid to take a risk. Everything works for a reason. No matter what career you choose, make sure every day you are excited to go to your job. I was hired in Virginia one week before my wedding day and started the day after my honeymoon. I never imagined I would live this far way. I just recently bought a house and I love every second I spend at my job.

Shannon McAnney

Within a month of graduation, I was offered a job as an instructional aid in a classroom at the Watson institute educational center. During my time there I was accepted into the early intervention masters program with a focus on autism at the University of Pittsburgh and received a scholarship, which eventually led to me quitting that job following the completion of the academic year to become a full time graduate student. The most rewarding part of my job at Watson was being there to help my students on their hardest days and not giving up on them. My experiences at Slippery Rock helped me both with my job and getting into graduate school a lot. If it weren't for the fantastic special education department at SRU I wouldn't have felt nearly as prepared to answer interview questions and able handle situations in the classroom that were brand new to me. My advice for future graduates would be to apply for jobs like crazy and go to any and all job interviews for positions that interest you. Remember what made you passionate about becoming a teacher and take that with you wherever you go. If you love what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life.

Rosaline Shrout

What has your career path been like?

After graduating from SR in 1969 w/ a B.S. degree in Health/PE/Recreation, I was awarded a Graduate Assistantship at the Univ. of Pittsburgh. I taught swimming classes during the day and attended graduate classes at night, earning an M. Ed. In P.E. I also worked w/ the coach of the synchronized swim team. While there, an opportunity to study abroad arose, being awarded a Graduate Fellowship through Rotary Foundation for one-year of study abroad. I studied at the Univ. of Jyvaskyla in Jyvaskyla, Finland! During the school year, I taught synchronized swimming at the Uimahalli at the university and accompanied Finnish students to Arnhem, Holland on a two-week trip where I conducted a seminar on synchronized swimming to introduce the sport into their P.E. program.

My career path has taken many directions due to living in several states following my husband’s career advancements w/ the finance company for whom he worked. My first job was teaching Health/PE at Lancaster HS in Lancaster, NY. (Ironically, I re-visited some of those same teachers this past summer after 40+ years!) In addition to my regular classes (inc. teaching archery and repairing the equipment), I coached the cheerleaders, where in my last year there, the squad won a national contest earning them new uniforms, equipment, etc. I also had the opportunity to introduce Rhythmic Gymnastics into the P.E. program there, as I experienced it while in Finland. After three years, my husband was transferred to Pittsburgh. I taught Health/PE at Quaker Valley H.S., in Sewickley, Pa., again coaching the cheerleaders. After only a short time there, my husband was transferred to Portland, Ore., where I again taught high school H/PE (5 yrs.) and began my coaching career w/ (artistic) gymnastics. After another transfer, this time to Ohio, I substitute taught for 10 years while my two sons were experiencing their childhood years, with all their sports activities. I continued, however, to coach gymnastics at Washington H.S., in Massillon, Ohio during that time. In my last year there, the team finished with a 12-0 record and qualified as a team for the District meet…a difficult task when a true h.s. team is competing w/ other schools who include club gymnasts. When my husband was transferred for the final time to Pittsburgh, Pa., I continued to substitute teach for an additional 10 yrs., following my athletic sons in their h.s. football/wrestling/baseball careers at Franklin Regional H.S. During this time, I started the volleyball program there where 50 girls tried out for the first team! I finished my teaching career at Plum High school where I taught full-time for 14 years, retiring in 2013, after 42 years in education. While there, I sponsored the GLA (Girls’ Leaders Association), a service-oriented club, overseeing some 50 projects/yr. the 100-member organization was involved in. Some of the projects included: 4 blood drives/yr., annual breast cancer walk, historic cemetery maintenance, assisted living facility activities, Sr. citizen center activities, supplies for soldiers, families in need, and many others. In 2012, GLA was nominated for the Jefferson Award for outstanding service by a group of volunteers.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I have taught students to swim for 45 years, some during the ‘learn to swim’ program for the youth in the community during the summers. Otherwise, it has been teaching high school students during the school year. It does my heart good to hear when a former student of mine tells me: “I am so glad you taught me to swim; I no longer am afraid of the water.” One student revealed: “I even taught my Mom to swim.” In addition, instilling in students the need for healthy eating habits and daily exercise has always been foremost in my mind. So, when I see former students at the gym, on the bike trail, or swimming laps at the local YMCA, it puts a smile on my face! Maybe, just perhaps, I may have had an influence on their lives!

What types of recognition, awards, honors or activities have you been involved in?

Formerly mentioned: Graduate Assistantship at the Univ. of Pittsburgh for Graduate work; also,
Graduate Fellowship through Rotary Foundation for one-year of study abroad. This gave me not only experience, but allowed me to become even more ‘outgoing’ and receptive to learning about other cultures, activities, and way of life.

Intramural activities: I helped organize and run after-school activities. Many students enjoy a variety of sports, but do not have the skill or commitment to join an athletic team. This gives them an opportunity for friendship and fun and to engage in a sport they enjoy w/o a high level of skill.

Also, the nomination of the GLA club I was involved with for the Jefferson Award for outstanding service by a group of volunteers gives me great pride in being involved with such an organization...that is over 50 years old!!

How did your experience at Slippery Rock University help you find your first position after graduation?

I felt I was very prepared and had a wealth of background experiences…a real plus when searching for
a teaching position. I also had experience teaching already, as I did while working on my Master’s at the Univ. of Pittsburgh. I felt that gave me an ‘edge’ over other competition.
The P.E. Program at Slippery Rock also taught me to be organized and well-prepared. (For many years, I used the ‘workbooks’ required in ‘P.E. Activities’ class for every sport we studied). It also provided me with an arsenal of background activities that helped many times when I needed to have a ‘short activity’ or ‘revised schedule’ to plan for when there was a need for the class time or structure to be altered on the spur of the moment.

What is your advice for future graduates?

Take EVERY opportunity that passes your way! Take additional classes that you enjoy or would like to teach. You never know when you may be able to use them! Do it while you are young and have no commitments…later on, you may not have the drive or the desire to engage in opportunities you have while you are in college. Also, always do your best…and work hard at all you do; you will not be sorry! Good grades enhances your Job opportunities and prepares you better for the future!

One other word of advice: Volunteer! Help others in any way you can. Maybe you can help coach a
youth sports team; sing in your church choir, help out w/ a youth group or at the local food bank or at the senior center. It is very rewarding!!