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.’