Zoe Finan

Where are you teaching? What subjects and grades?
I am teaching in Lewistown, PA. I’m teaching Early Intervention at the Tuscarora IU. I teach students ages 3-5. My preschool is called Patchwork Pal’s and it is a reverse mainstream preschool for students with and without disabilities. 

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program?
My job right now is my dream job. I started in the Special Education program at SRU hoping to be an early intervention specialist, and now I am. I’m even teaching 20 minutes away from my home town. With that in mind, my advice is to follow your dreams. Don’t settle for a position that does not fit your personality; keep looking and applying until you find the position that is right for you. There are opportunities everywhere. If you really want to teach where you grew up, do that. If you really want to teach a specific position, look for that. Eventually you’ll find what you want; however, don’t be afraid to take up random jobs in between positions.

Another piece of advice I have is to do your absolute best on all your projects and lessons while you’re at SRU. They really do prepare you to make a difference. I’m constantly going back to things I learned and practiced in SRU. My action research project helped me get my job. The harder you work at SRU, the more prepared you’ll be -- and the easier your position will be. My last piece of advice is to not be afraid to ask for help. Your co-workers have been in the field longer than you, and can help you when you’re not sure what to do. Most of the time, they would rather help you than watch you struggle.

What is one positive experience that you have had with a student?
A positive experience I had with a student is what every teacher hopes for: watching my students improve. One of my student’s would cry often, and now they are playing with other students. At the beginning of the year, one of my students couldn’t walk up the steps on their own, and now they go up and down independently. It is amazing to watch my students grow.

What makes a great teacher?
There are many qualities that make a great teacher. Some are learned, and some are inherent. Patience is extremely important. You need to be patient with the students, patient with your co-workers, and patient with yourself. A great teacher also needs to be cooperative and work as a team with the kids, parents, and co-workers. A great teacher is also flexible and takes advantage of teachable moments.

Mason Strouse

Where are you teaching? What subjects and grades?
I teach in my hometown of Clearfield, PA at the Clearfield Area Elementary School as a 4th grade Learning Support teacher.  I co-teach English Language Arts and Math with three other 4th grade teachers.

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program?
At SRU, I was involved with programs through the education department, as well as other departments.  Of course you want to be involved in your own department, but you should also get involved with other activities that interest you.  For me, that was music. I was a member of the SRU Marching Pride, Concert and Chamber Choirs, and accompanist for Musical Theater Society.  I'd also recommend that while you are student teaching, participate in something outside of your classroom.  Help with a school play, volunteer with a club, tutor kids after school, or other activities that are offered.  As a teacher, there are so many extra things you can do to engage with your students.

What is one positive experience that you have had with a student?
Each one of my student has been unique and special to me.  I find the best way to have a positive impact is to be kind and caring to all students, even if they aren't yours.  When I'm in the hallways, I try to smile and seem positive. Many students notice this and will wave or say hello.  Now, just about each time I walk down the hall, I have kids waving to me, calling me by name, and saying hello.  With most of them, I don't even have a name to match their face!  But I know I've made a positive impact on that student, even if for just a moment.

What makes a great teacher?
A great teacher is someone who engages with their students, expects the best out of them, and makes them feel welcomed and supported in the classroom. To many kids, you are a superhero. Remember how you felt when you saw your teacher at the grocery store or the park? They should be just as proud of you as you are of them.

Nicole Weaver

Where are you teaching? What subjects and grades?
I'm currently teaching at North East Carolina Prep School in Tarboro, North Carolina. I teach 4th grade math and science. 

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

Be ready for anything while you are teaching, whether it is something about lesson plans or about your students. You will learn a lot about yourself and as a teacher. Don't be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. It could the best thing that you have ever done. Good luck!

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

I have a student who is very quiet and has a difficult time in school, so I sat down with her mom to address the issue. The parent said that she does whatever she can to help her child, and that her child doesn't stop talking at home. This took me by surprise because the student does not participate often in school. One day, we were working with out basic multiplication facts and she raised her hand. Of course, I called on her -- and she told me the correct answer! I was so excited, so I asked her another question and she answered it correctly again! Then, I had the students get on teams and everyone wanted her on their teams. It was the sweetest thing. Every time we do anything with practicing our basic facts now, she is the one who everyone wants on their team.

What makes a great teacher?

I think caring for each student in a special way makes a great teacher. Of course knowing the content is important, but having the respect from each student is key. If you don't have the respect from students, it can be difficult for them to care about learning the content. Show the students that you care. Then, the students will show you more respect and want to learn from your class. Have lessons that interest the students and make it fun for them to go to school every day. 

Sarah Terrill

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

I am enjoying my first year teaching at Woodbridge Senior High School in Prince William County, Virginia. I teach tenth grade World History from 1500-Present, eleventh grade U.S. History, and Virginia History. 

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

The best experience I have had with a student comes from my time as a student teacher at Butler Intermediate High School. I watched a student become a lover of history over the course of 16 weeks. My student was enrolled in special education services, was very shy in class, and did not like to participate when I began teaching the class. Over the course of the following weeks, she began to greet me at the door before I could even say hello! She soon became enthusiastic about class material. When I met with her mother halfway through the year, she thanked me for the change that she had seen in her daughter. Her mother could not believe that her daughter would come home bragging about all of the great things she learned in history class that day. I was so touched by the sentiment and I still remember the feeling today. I was shocked that I could leave an impact on a student's life, especially one that went beyond the classroom. I attribute this to my desire to get to know all of my students, and I continue to build those relationships here at Woodbridge. There is no greater feeling than helping a student find their passion. 

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

Enjoy college and don't stress so much during student teaching. Student teaching and Slippery Rock University's College of Education will prepare you to be the best teacher that you can be. Go the extra mile during student teaching but don't forget that this is the best time to take advantage of all the great things that SRU offers -- and definitely do not neglect your friends! 

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

SRU's teacher preparatory program helped shape me into the best teacher that I can be. I attribute a lot of my success as a teacher to the amazing professors in the education department. I have to mention Dr. Hilton due to his guidance, humor, and wisdom on teaching social studies. Dr. Hilton helped me create my own teaching philosophy during my time as a student at Slippery Rock and I could not be more grateful to have him as a professor and a mentor. Creating lesson plans and designing summative assessments are important, but there is much more to what I learned during my time at SRU. It is the relationships that I built with my peers and professors that are reflected in my classroom today. We are great teachers because we care for our students and we want to see them succeed. 

What are a few of your career goals?

I am enjoying teaching in Virginia, but I hope to move back to Pennsylvania in the future. I am planning on pursing my Masters in education through Slippery Rock University. To me, there is no greater feeling than being in the classroom, especially when you really make a connection or change misconceptions that your students have. I plan on remaining a classroom teacher for the rest of my career. 

Why did you choose education as your profession?

Although embarrassing, I definitely played teacher throughout my childhood: creating fake tests and lessons for my parents and family so that I could grade them! I knew from a very young age that I was meant to be a teacher. In high school, my love for history grew, but was not until I became a college student that I realized my true passion for teaching was not creating lessons and grading tests; my passion for teaching is reflected in my admiration of the students. The interactions I have with students are the best part of my job, and if I get to be a mentor or a hero to someone, that is tremendous. My goal is to have each student walk away with something memorable that they can use when they leave high school. I'm always telling stories in class to hopefully leave this impact on students and hopefully end the idea that history is "boring". To me, education is the best profession because it is the groundwork for everyone's success. 

What makes a great teacher?

The best teachers are passionate. There will always be students who dislike particular subjects, but it is a teacher's job to make their class as interesting as possible. Because I am consistently excited and enthusiastic about the topic, this helps my students stay engaged and truly take something away from the class. I think that having a great attitude and being passionate about the material and the life lessons you bring to class will help students find their voice and encourage them to find their own passions. As an educator, there is no better feeling than watching a student succeed. I am a supporter of dreams and an example of living out your own dream. 

Zach Marsili

Where are you teaching? What subjects and grades?
I work at Erie Public Schools, and I teach 10th grade U.S. History and 12th grade U.S. Government

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program?
The first few weeks of any new teaching experience are a lot to handle. The best thing to do is to just stay calm, manage your time well, and don't be afraid to ask for help from other teachers or administration if you need it. A lot of the people around you went through the same experiences and you can use them as resources.

What is one positive experience that you have had with a student?
A parent came into parent teacher conferences and said "I've heard a lot about this class" in a positive way. It's nice knowing the students who enjoy the class can go home and talk about it to their parents. For teachers, it is very important to know that students are finding your course meaningful and memorable because it means that you are giving students something to think about when they return home.

What makes a great teacher?
A great teacher is somebody who is patient and fair -- someone who can inspire their students and motivate them to achieve and work harder than they thought. Somebody who can make the material that they are teaching come alive, regarding of the subject.

Colin Berkley

Where are you teaching? What subjects and grades?
I currently teach grade 11 US and Virginia History and grade 10 World History II at Stafford High School in Stafford, Virginia. I am also a co-sponsor of the Interact club within the school.

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program?
Take advantage and ask as many questions as possible during your field and student teaching experiences. After you get a full-time job, it becomes harder to get a chance to go into someone else's classroom and see how they teach. Take as many notes as possible about how that teacher taught their lessons. I use some lessons that Dr. Hilton gave in a few of his classes and they always go over well. Learn as much as you can from experienced teachers. 

What is one positive experience that you have had with a student?
In the middle of a lesson, a student raised her hand and asked if I love history. I told her "yes" and she replied "I can tell. You always seem so excited about history." It made me happy to realize that someone noticed that history can be exciting and hopefully that was being passed on to the class. 

What makes a great teacher?
A great teacher can put everything aside and be there 100% for the students. I have noticed that when I seem very engaged in a lesson or activity, the students seem engaged as well. If I slack, they slack. Students respond well to having a leader in the classroom. Also, always finding new ways to adapt and try to reach different types of students is helpful as well. I am always trying to do new activities in class so that they students do not come into class knowing exactly what we will be doing that day. 

Lindsay Foust

Where are you teaching?  What subjects and grades?
After graduation in May 2016, I was hired in the Seneca Valley School District in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.  I am currently teaching K-4 autistic and emotional support at Haine Elementary School.

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program?
As the field of education is full of endless possibilities, seek out many opportunities and make the most of each experience, activity, and/or class you are a part of.  Slippery Rock University’s College of Education provides their students with a plethora of different experiences.  Whether it be a simple group project in one of your education classes or your last week as a student teacher, you will learn so much information to add to your story book.  Take on experiences you never would have seen yourself taking part in, work with people who are different than you, and express your love for teaching to people close to you. You never know who you will influence that day and leave an impact on. Keep your book open and never stop learning!

What is one positive experience you have had with a student?
Because being a special education teacher means dealing with multiple areas regarding behavior, there are many interventions that can be implemented to provide the students with success.  This has been the case during field experiences, student teaching, and full-time teaching.  Once had a student who moved to the school where I was serving as a teacher.  Although his transition was difficult and rough, I spent multiple days and much time in his classroom supporting him through the process of gaining positive behaviors.  One day, this elementary student looked up at me, smiled, and stated “I’m so glad you are here to help me.”

From that point on, his behavior was excellent.  After building that positive relationship with him, we began developing rewards to work towards daily goals.  By the second nine week grading period, this student had improved tremendously in regards to his behavior.  His friends and himself visit me daily, sharing their success and great times within their classroom!

What makes a great teacher?

As a new teacher in the field of education, I have learned the importance of one simple characteristic that comes naturally to those described as ‘great teachers’… passion.  Of course a ‘great teacher’ can be categorized as supportive, respectful, understanding, dedicated, well-managed, organized, etc., but it was not until I began being greeted by my students each and every day that I began to put all of those characteristics into one category.  Fulfilling your classroom with passion for the field and the students allows those additional qualities to simply come naturally.  It is the love of the job and the passion portrayed that rubs off on to the students, their achievements, and their joy that makes for a ‘great teacher.’

Alison Packard

 

Where are you teaching? What subjects and grades?
I'm currently teaching at Bradford Area High School in Bradford, PA. I teach 10th grade World Studies II and 12th grade American History/PA Government/Economics 

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

Be prepared to not feel prepared. In your first job, it'll feel like you're on a different planet! That's okay. Roll with it! You have all the tools you need to figure everything out. Constantly remind yourself why you wanted to be a teacher in the first place: you do it for your students!

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

It is so hard to pick just one example! On the first day of class, I asked my students what their favorite subject was and a few students in one class said history. So I asked what their favorite era of history was. It led to a discussion and one of the boys said, "I don't really like history. I have never been very good at it." Well just the other day he said, "Miss Packard, I really love this class! You let us talk through our questions and figure out what you're talking about. I guess I really do like history." It was great for me to hear him feel like he can succeed in a class that he usually struggles in. We do jump down some crazy rabbit holes in that class, but it makes it worth taking the time to talk through their questions to make them feel like they can succeed and like they are smart.

What makes a great teacher?
Great teachers do things to stand out to students and keep their attention. For example, my students made me a throne of books and I sit up there at least once a class! You do extra things like take the time to ask about how your students' days are. You give up your prep period sometimes to talk to that student who is really having a rough time. Teaching is not always about your content, but it is always about your students.

Jessica Hynek

Where are you teaching? What subjects and grades?
I am teaching at Hillview Intermediate Center in Grove City, PA. I teach third grade, all subjects, and am absolutely loving it!

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program?
My advice would be to "give it your all". Hard work does pay off and all your dedication and extra effort will go noticed. I completed my student teaching in the Grove City School District, and have that experience to thank for my current job position. It is important to impress during those weeks, because your name will be remembered and your administrators will reach out to you when you leave such a positive impression. So, don't let the exhaustion deter you, and keep doing what you do best: educating! 

What is one positive experience that you have had with a student?
Nothing warms my heart more than changing students' outlook on school. My most positive experience, so far this year, occurred through a parent e-mail. These parents let me know that after some previously rough school years, their child is finally loving school because of my class. Words cannot express how much that message made my day, and even my year. You never truly realize how much you are affecting the students in your class. Knowing what I now know, I try my best to continue to show not only this student, but my other students that learning can be fun and school can be exciting. 

What makes a great teacher?
There are a lot of things that make a great teacher, but I think one of those is just loving your job and having enthusiasm for your work. Students feed off of the energy that you present in the classroom; when you are enthusiastic about a lesson, students will also be enthusiastic and ready to learn. It's hard to not let bad days get to you; however, remember who you are in the classroom. Show the students that learning can be engaging and invigorating. Smile with them, laugh with them, but most importantly, learn with them.

Joseph Hritz

Where are you teaching? What subjects and grades?
I am currently teaching at St. John School in Ashtabula, OH.  I teach grades 4-12 Physical Education and grades 7-9 Health Education.

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program?
The biggest piece of advice that I can give to students enrolled in the teacher preparation program is to take charge of your own future. You are on a specific, individualized journey with your own personal goals.  Utilize your resources wisely to help get you to where you want to be.  If you have a problem, face it head-on and find a solution.  That is much preferable to relying on someone to do it for you.

What is one positive experience that you have had with a student?
One positive experience that I have had with a student would be receiving a handwritten letter describing how I have positively impacted his life in terms of his health and well-being.  I wrote him a letter back which led to a continuous cycle.  It is the little things like this that can make a frustrating day be well worth it. I hope to continue this correspondence with other students in the future.

What makes a great teacher?
A great teacher is made not only by their work ethic in the classroom within their content area, but we are defined by the way we demonstrate our work ethic when we think that no one is watching.  I can’t stress enough about how important it is to form good relationships with parents, administrators, and even the students whom you may not have in class.  It may seem unrealistic your first year with everything that you are preparing for the classroom, but these are the resources that you are going to be counting on to help you out in the future.  If you can form these positive, cohesive relationships early on, you will set yourself up for success in the future.  Be willing to go the extra mile for people and you will set yourself up to be respected and trusted in your school environment.  You all have something new to bring to your students so go out there and pass on the knowledge!