Jessie Smith

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major?
I graduated from Slippery Rock in 2013 with a BA in History and again in 2014 with an M.Ed in Secondary Social Studies Education.

What jobs have you landed?
I accepted a position teaching 7th US History at Northampton County on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed? 
I tirelessly prepared by practicing interview questions, for example there are some very good ones on the Career Services website under the Education tab! I also spoke with friends who were also going through the interview process to discuss what questions employers were asking.

What have you done well at that job?
Slippery Rock has prepared me very well for this role. Though I am a new teacher I excel at writing lesson plans, instructional practices, differentiation, etc. and have already been approached to take on more responsibilities for the school and community.

What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in? 
At SRU, I was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta Historical Honor society, and served as Vice President for a term. It was with Phi Alpha Theta that I received the Donna S McKee Service award. This award was for service to my fraternity, and community. 

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
My SRU experience was amazing and the best four years of my life. I feel that my time with Alpha Omicron Pi truly helped shape that experience. I was well prepared to take on a professional job through a lot of the training I received through my sorority. For example, knowing how to dress professionally came naturally because of all the badge events I went to during college that required professional dress. Also I learned many leadership qualities through my sorority especially because I served as President for a year.
SRU's faculty also played a huge role in my success. First and foremost I could never say enough nice things about the SRU History Dept. The teachers are one of kind and genuinely prepared me for the historical content portion of my career. I have so many amazing memories with the faculty for instance, one year the History dept. took a trip to Ireland over spring break with Dr. Craig and Dr. Paradis. It was a life journey I will never forget! Also, through the Masters Program, I have to thank Dr. Mraz, who is no longer with us, he was my adviser and social studies mentor during my M.Ed Program. He helped me select courses and choose the best path so that I could complete a two year M.Ed program in one year. That is no easy task but he knew how important it was to me, to get into the field and start working and without his help I could have never accomplished it, RIP Dr. Mraz. Also, Dr. Hicks, Dr. Hilton, Dr. Christmann for all of their support and help through the Masters program. I would not be where I am today without their support and guidance. I thank you.

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
College is exactly this; what you put into it, you will receive from it. I put my whole heart into my experience. I stayed active on campus, joined different clubs and organizations and I also put a lot of effort into my studies. What did I receive? A well rounded experience, two college degrees in five years, and a job my first year out of school. If you want to find success you will, it may mean that you have to leave your comfort zone, but success is possible. Also, preparing is key, the more you prepare the less room you leave for poor performance. Do not walk into anything blind! Do your research, on the interview, on the job, on the school, on the principal, etc. whatever it may be! always give yourself the best advantage possible! Also lastly, believe in yourself, you CAN do this and you WILL! GOOD LUCK!

Kira Mallick

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major?
I graduated from Slippery Rock University in May of 2013. I have a dual major in Elementary Education K-6 and Special Education K-12.

What jobs have you landed?
I did long-term substitute positions the last two years and this year I’m happy to say that I landed my first teaching job! I am a 4th grade learning support teacher working in Chicago, Illinois.

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed?
Well, I made sure that I researched the school I was interviewing with. I looked over the Common Core State Standards, I made sure that I was knowledgeable of the IEP process and timeline, and I made sure that with every question answered, I stressed how much it was all about the students. The students and their needs are the most important part of teaching. In addition, talking about how you would differentiate instruction, what you would incorporate for classroom management, and how you plan on assessing your students are all important things to consider and review before going into an interview.

What have you done well at that job?
I believe that my classroom management is working effectively in my classroom. I've been good with pacing. I'm following my unit plans and am not behind. In addition, I make sure to keep everything organized and that includes grades, formative and summative assessments, IEPs, progress monitoring, and anything else that should be filed and organized.

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
I was involved in about seven clubs/organizations/fraternities that were all about education. Through these, I met some wonderful people and learned some really great things! In addition, the entire education department at SRU was more than helpful. They would willingly answer any questions that I had and they all really prepared me for teaching.

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
Always prepare for an interview! And additionally, go in excited and thrilled about teaching! They want to see someone who has dreamed of teaching their entire life and expresses just that through their personality at the interview! Teaching is all about engagement and in order to engage your students you need to be excited! They know what’s real and what’s fake. So don’t fake it, get excited!

Nicole Garofolo

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major?
I graduated in May 2014 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education....

What jobs have you landed?
The summer after I graduated I worked an Extended School Year program at the Watson Institute. I also received a position as an Autistic Support Teacher. My classroom is the first Autistic Support elementary classroom in the district, so it was a great experience to start this program and set it up with a lot of help and support.

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed?
I prepared for this interview by asking myself questions that I felt would be asked and I rehearsed them. Many professors and different cooperating teachers that I worked with recommended doing this and it worked! It made me much more confident in my answers and less nervous as the interview went on.

What have you done well at that job?
I have started the elementary Autistic Support program at my school and used every resource that I possibly could. I have gained a lot of skills that were taught to me at Slippery Rock, but now are used everyday. Starting a brand new classroom is not easy, but Slippery Rock helped to prepare me.
What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in?
Last year was my first year as a teacher, so I have not had many recognitions or awards given to me yet, but I hope with all of my hard work I continue to grow as a teacher and have opportunities to gain recognitions. However, while I was at Slippery Rock I was involved in various activities and received different awards for honors and such. Being involved at Slippery Rock gave me skills and confidence to go out into the real world.

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
Traveling to different countries over Spring breaks helped me to understand how the education system works in other countries and be able to see and experience a little bit of it as well. All of the faculty in both the Special Education and Early Childhood departments helped me grow and made me the teacher that I am today.

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
Never give up on your dreams no matter how difficult it might be. With the new state tests and the constant obstacles that always seem to pop up, just keeping following your heart and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Kayla Cooke

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major?
I graduated from Slippery Rock this past May with a Bachelor's degree in Middle Level Mathematics Education. I also possess a Secondary Mathematics Certification. 

What jobs have you landed?
After graduating in May, I was a day-to-day substitute for both West Greene and Canon-McMillan school districts. Since then, I have been hired as a full-time seventh grade math teacher at Margaret Bell Miller Middle School within the Central Greene School District.

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed?
In preparation for my interviews, I made quite a few phone calls, texts, and visits. My high school principal took the time to sit down with me and answered questions that I prepared for him about the interview process and what administrators look for in candidates. He provided me with the list of interview questions the school district uses. I had numerous phone conversations with Dr. Jason Hilton about common interviews questions and various ways to stand out in an interview. I even contacted my cooperating teachers from student teaching asking them for advice and questions. All of my resources helped me to walk to into my interview confident and relaxed.

What have you done well at that job?
Landing my first full-time job has been such a rewarding, yet stressful experience. I have been able to bring fun and exciting ideas and techniques into my classroom. From simple changes such as desk arrangements to using a combination of teaching styles, I have received many compliments from my colleagues and students. I have been able to make connections with my students allowing them to become comfortable with the my new face in the building.

What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in?
At SRU I was involved in many organizations and clubs. Most were education or mathematics related that provided me with opportunities such as attending state level conferences and taking part in mock interviews.

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
Dr. Jason Hilton has been the best resource a college graduate could ask for. This summer, I interviewed at a few different school districts, one of which I was required to teach a math lesson in front of the administration. He was always only a phone call away providing me with sample interview questions, answers that would help me to stand out, lesson ideas, and encouraging words when things did not pan out in my favor.

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
Network and do not give up! At the conferences I attended, I was able to exchange emails with local administrators. Some of which would email me when a position in their district opened. Also, do not be afraid to add your name to the substitute lists in a few school districts. Education in such a competitive field. Having that extra experience, even if it is just for a month, can really go a long way. My administrators were pleased to hear that although I just graduated from college, I was eager enough to get myself in the field literally the Monday after graduation. The faculty at Slippery Rock are truly wonderful people. Do not hesitate to ask questions. It is their job to help you!

Tommy Toone

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major?
I graduated from SRU in May 2014. My major was Health/Physical Education.

What job(s) have you landed?
In July 2014 I landed a job as a Health/Physical Education teacher at Swatara Middle School in Harrisburg, PA.

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed?
I prepared for my interview by practicing the interview skills I learned at SRU as well as emphasizing all the unique educational experiences I had while in college during the interview.

What have you done well at that job?
I have taken the skills I learned at SRU and used them to create active and engaging lessons for my students.

What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in?
Last year I was the Head Basketball Coach for the 8thgrade boys’ basketball team. At the end of the school year myself and the other Health/PE teachers were recognized with a teamwork award. One of the other Health/PE teachers is a SRU graduate as well!

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
Dr. Zillifro, Dr. Nichols, and Dr. Leight are three incredible professors at SRU who have influenced me by encouraging me to work hard, get involved with as many activities as possible to separate myself from other teaching candidates, and the importance of utilizing technology in the classroom.

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
I applied to 75+ teaching positions during my last semester at SRU and would encourage all education majors at SRU to do the same. I am still contacted by schools I applied to over a year ago. The more opportunities you give yourself to succeed, the better off you will be!

Sara Bycura

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major?
I graduated in May 2015 with a dual major in Early Childhood & Special Education.

What jobs have you landed?
I am currently teaching K3 (Kindergarten) at The American School Foundation in Mexico City, Mexico!

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed?
I was fortunate enough to be student teaching at ASF at the time of my interview. I also visited The American School Foundation Website to get background information as well as reviewed typical interview questions.

What have you done well at that job?
Something I have done well is classroom management. I learned a lot about great classroom management- like classroom callbacks and filling our buckets- at SRU which has really helped my first year! I also feel that I am working well teaching in a variety of ways. I have a teaching assistant in my classroom, and we do a lot of co-teaching together in different settings, such as centers.

What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in?
I have only been at the school for a month so I have not received any awards or recognition just yet.

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way?
There are two faculty who influenced me the most: Michelle Amodei and Robert Snyder. I met Dr. Amodei my sophomore year and she started out as the advisor to S-PSEA, the club I was the president of. Through S-PSEA and multiple classes, I was fortunate enough to get to know Dr. Amodei extremely well. I eventually went on the Spring Break Trip to Italy with her my junior year. While in Italy, we visited the International School of Florence, which is what started my interest for international teaching. From that moment she supported my dream and was constantly supporting me and giving me advice whenever I needed it.
I met Dr. Snyder when I was a junior and he was my student teaching supervisor and was the Supervisor for the Student Teaching in Mexico. When he learned that I was interested in the job at ASF, he did everything he could to help me prepare and encouraged me to take this opportunity. Both Dr. Amodei and Dr. Snyder are positive, inspiring people and I truly believe that is why they had such an impact on me while I was at Slippery Rock.

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
The biggest advice I can give is to take advantage of the traveling and trips SRU offers, I took my first international trip my sophomore year, and honestly I wish I had done it my freshman year! Once I took my first trip, I made sure to take a new one each year! You learn so much about the world and education that you cannot learn on SRU's campus. It is also half the cost when traveling with Slippery Rock, and not many other Universities offer these opportunities. It opens so many doors and opportunities; had I not learned about the international trips, I would have never learned about international teaching and in turn would never have landed this job!

Amanda Torres-Palacio

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major? 
I graduated in 2013. My major was Special Education

What jobs have you landed? 
While studying at SRU, I was a preschool teacher at a catholic school in Indiana, PA. Currently, I am a kindergarten teacher at Aldine Independent School District in Houston, TX.

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed? 
I researched the school and studied commonly asked interview questions. I also tried to find out some information about the principal.

What have you done well at that job? 
I think I have done well helping all the kids to become the best that they can be and learn to maximize their potential.

What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in? 
None that I can think of.

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way? 
The professor I remember the most was my advisor, Dr. Isherwood. I could always go to him for help and advice at any moment. I could count on him to be honest. That is the kind of teacher I want to be.

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from?
Taking classes online was great! I learned so much, and was able to work on it in my time and at my own pace. I would recommend the program to anyone!

Ryan Lubin

I graduated from SRU in May 2014 as a Secondary Education English major.

All of my work has been through the New Castle Area School District - I served as a long-term substitute for the school's Behavioral Modification Aide, tutored students for the Keystone Literature Exam, and now I am hired on full-time teaching basic and honors 10th grade English.

I mainly prepared for my interview by assimilating myself into the culture and community of New Castle. All of my career as an educator has been in this outstanding district. I completed my field practicum at New Castle Jr./Sr. High School in the fall of 2013, completed my student teaching there in the spring of 2014, returned for the 2014-2015 school year substituting and tutoring, and now am a teacher at the Jr./Sr. High School for the 2015-2016 school year. By putting all of my focus into a district I cared deeply about, I was able to truly prepare for the interview and show the Board of School Directors and administrators that I want to dedicate my life to serving their students and community. I also took the time to go above and beyond to demonstrate my organizational skills and preparedness - I had mini portfolios professionally made and distributed one to each Board member, administrator, and teacher sitting in on my interview (and in that mini portfolio was a link to my full online portfolio), I passed around my Keystone Literature Tutoring binder for them to all look through, and I had my P.O.E.T poster board displayed as well. The P.O.E.T poster board was something we made at the end of student teaching to show our SRU department that we impacted student learning. As mine was fully dedicated to New Castle and had pictures of me working with New Castle Students, etc.

I think it's subjective to say what I have done well at my job, but I will say this - our open house was Wednesday night, and I received a lot of praise from the parents and guardians in attendance. My favorite comment was from the mother of a student who receives learning support. She said to me, "My son always hated English. Not only are you his favorite teacher this year, but English is now his favorite subject."

While I student taught, I assistant-directed the 2014 musical, Footloose, as well as edited the 2014 Yearbook and chaperoned the band trip to New York City. During my year subbing and tutoring, I once again assisted with the musical, tutored for our new C.A.N.E.S after-school program, and chaperoned the Senior Class trip to Cedar Point. This year I am one of the leaders of the Senior High's tutoring program. My continuous hard work for this district has been recognized and commended by my fellow teachers, my administrators, and the Board of School Directors.

During my time at SRU, I was the President of Musical Theatre Society for 2 years. Not only was this the most rewarding part of my college experience, but it gave me invaluable opportunities for my future as an educator. It taught me a lot about leadership, working with others, patience, discipline, and teamwork. It also helped prepare me for helping with the musicals at New Castle. I had many professors I accredit my success to, but I really would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Cindy LaCom. Without her guidance and assistance, I would not be where I am right now.

The best advice I could give would be to remember that everything happens for a reason, and although your situation may be discouraging at the time, it will all work out. 2 years ago as I began my senior year, I would've never guessed that I would have a teaching position in a Pennsylvania Public School, let alone in a district that I care so deeply and passionately about.

Nicole Short

What year did you graduate from SRU and what was your major? 
I graduated this past May (2015) and I dual majored in Early Childhood and Special Education.

What jobs have you landed? 
I currently am working at my dream job as an Elementary School (K-5) Autism Teacher! I accepted the job in Virginia and moved down here a month ago.

How did you prepare for the interview for the job you landed? 
Slippery Rock really helped me to prepare for my interview. I took part in the mock interviews that were offered in the spring and I really believe that it helped me to be prepared. I was able to talk to a principal about what I did well and what I could improve on when my mock interview was finished. As far as preparing for the interview for my current position, I made sure to look up the school I was going to be working at and explored the school’s website. By doing this, I could see the school’s mission and other items that I could look at to see if I thought the school would be a good fit for me. Other than that, I prepared some questions of my own in case I had a chance to ask them, and dressed my best.

What have you done well at that job? 
The Autism program that I am teaching is a brand new program that I am helping to open in my school. Because there was no one in this position before at my current school, I have had many tasks that needed to be completed fairly quickly. I think I have done a good job at getting certain things done in a timely manner. Tasks such as creating workstations for my students, getting visual schedules made and setting up my classroom have been very important in beginning to help my students with their daily routines. I also have such a great support system at my school. The administration, staff and my paraprofessionals have been nothing but helpful as I try to start this program out!

What types of recognition, awards, honors or even activities have you been involved in? 
Since I have only been in this position for a little under a month, I have not had any types of recognition or honors. I do, however, look forward to being able to join different committees within my school. I have always loved planning and organizing events so I would like to be able to use that to help y school in any way possible.

What SRU experience or faculty influenced you and in what way? 
The SRU experience that most influenced me was definitely my student teaching placement in an Elementary Autism classroom. This was when I decided that teaching students with Autism was my dream. No matter how hard of a day I had, I still was able to find something to smile about at the end of the day. The school and cooperating teacher that I had were amazing and I learned so much while I was there. It was also during this time that I decided to apply to grad school. I was accepted and am pursuing my Masters in Special Education with an Autism Emphasis.

I can honestly say that all of my education professors influenced me during my time at Slippery Rock. However, there were a few that helped me, even if unknown to them, more than anyone else. Dr. Gordon and Dr. Snyder talked me into student teaching in Mexico and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It got me to step out of my comfort zone and I think that without this trip, I would not have been open to moving out of state for a job. Dr. Yamamoto was my faculty supervisor while I was Vice President of Kappa Delta Pi. She allowed two executive board members to create and execute an event at a local elementary school. Her giving us this freedom and trust showed me that I was capable of creating a school-wide event (and it being successful). Dr. Findlan showed me the kind of teacher I want to be. She was very kind and passionate for what she was teaching us. Even though they weren’t special education classes, I truly enjoyed the two classes I had with her. Her impact on me will show in my classroom through my passion for my students.

What else can you tell us about your success story that SRU students could learn from? 
What you do/learn during your field placements will help you during interviews. I only had one interview question that I had learned the answer from being in class (Dr. Monfore’s FBA Assignment was a life saver for this particular question). All of the other questions were ones about what I would do in a certain situation. All of these answers came from my first-hand experiences in my placements. So, get all you can out of your placements so that you have something to talk about during your interview.
Finally, be open to moving. I started out my college career saying that I wouldn’t move for a job. But when you get offered a chance to make your dream come true, you’re supposed to take it. For me, that meant chasing my dream down to Virginia. And even though it is hard moving away from my family and friends, working with my students every day makes everything else completely worth it.