William Klumph

 

What has been your experience as a professional teacher?
I worked as a substitute teacher for a little over a year. I loved it, and the students I taught responded to me in a positive manner no matter which school district I worked in.

When I walked into the classroom for the first time, I felt at home -- as if this was where I needed to be. The staff at the eight or nine different schools I worked in were professional and helpful.

What is one positive experience that you had with a student?
There was an opening for a history teacher at one school I worked in. Several students wrote a petition and circulated it on my behalf. I did not ask them to do that. At another school, a teacher told the student she would not be there the next day. The students wanted to know who the substitute teacher would be. The teacher told them I would be the substitute, and the students started to cheer. When the teacher asked them why they were cheering, they said, “We just like him.”

What advice would you give current college students who are preparing to be teachers?
Current education students must have knowledge of the subjects they will be teaching and a love for working with young people. They have to be able to distinguish if their position as a teacher is a job, or a calling."

What is one thing you learned from Slippery rock University’s teacher preparation program that you used in your profession?
Get the student involved in what you are teaching. Have them participate in various activities, as well as competition among classroom groups.

What attracted you to teaching?
My sister, my youngest brother, and his wife were all teachers. This along with my desire to help others grow and expand their horizons led me to this choice.

What makes a great teacher?
The ability to hold the students' attention and the ability to make them want to know more.

Megan Jackson

What is your educational background and what positions have you held?
I attended Slippery Rock University and dual majored in Early Child Education and Special Education. I graduated Summa Cum Laude in May of 2017 with a B.S. in Education. I hold teaching certificates for Pennsylvania (Early Childhood PreK-4 and Special Education K-8) and Maryland (Elementary PreK-3 and Special Education Infant-3). After graduation, I started substitute teaching in Butler Area School District in PA. In September, I moved to Maryland and started teaching at Folger McKinsey Elementary School in Anne Arundel County. I teach Resource Special Education (learning support) for grades 1 and 3.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is building relationships with the staff and students. The staff at my school works as a team and provides support for each other in all that we do. As a first year teacher, it’s really comforting to be in such a great school!

I also have the pleasure of working with two different grades in three classrooms throughout the day, in addition to times that I pull out a group of students. It’s awesome getting to know each student on an individual basis and seeing their growth throughout the year already. The best moments are when students have been struggling and working hard on a certain assignment or task and they finally get it; they are so proud and excited to show teachers their accomplishments. I love that we are continuously helping students grow in their academics, as well as people in our society. There is no other profession I’d rather be in!

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program, and to SRU students generally?
SRU is one of the best schools to go to for an education degree. The program, professors and enrichment opportunities are phenomenal and I truly learned so much. With that being said, I would tell students currently in the program to take advantage of as many of those opportunities as they can. I was able to travel abroad to Sweden and Italy with students and professors from the Education department and learn about education in different countries. There are also many clubs and activities, such as National Science Teachers Association and Early Childhood Club that provide great ways to work with students. As an education student at SRU, I wanted to be in the classroom as much as possible. Through clubs, studying abroad, field, and student teaching experiences, I felt truly prepared to become a teacher. Although it may seem overwhelming at times, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, ask questions, and get experience!

Not only is it important to gain educational experience through clubs, but it is also important to join other clubs to become a well-rounded person. My favorite club at SRU was being a part of the University Program Board. I was a member my sophomore and senior year and served as the Director of Community Service during my junior year. The opportunities for growth, leadership and friendship were endless and I would highly recommend anyone to join!

Name an SRU experience or faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.
All of the professors I had in the education department were of high quality. There is a take-away from each class, whether it be a piece of advice or information that I remember from each class and professor. However, there are two professors that were my go-to whenever I had questions.

Dr. Snyder was my FYRST Seminar and Science Methods professor and also the advisor for NSTA. The experiences and expertise that he shared with his students over my years at SRU were unparalleled. I always felt comfortable going to his office to ask questions or get guidance.

I did a tutoring program with Dr. Lynch during my freshman year, and then he was my professor for Positive Behavior Strategies during my junior year. He had an unforgettable way of conveying information, and I use his strategies and advice in my teaching every day. He was also a great support in directing my educational career, saying that my time at SRU could be "whatever I wanted it to be."

What makes a great teacher?
There are many things that shape a great teacher, but the number one quality is passion. Those who have a true passion for teaching and working with kids make the greatest differences in children’s lives. I knew from a young age that I wanted to work with kids when I “grew up”, but it wasn’t until I helped teach a preschool class during my senior year of high school that I knew I was destined to become a teacher. That natural instinct, coupled with immense patience, creativity, and flexibility make for a great teacher. One of my favorite quotes is, “Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning” and I think that speaks significantly for teaching as a profession.

Matt Vannoy

 

Where has your career trajectory been like? What is your position now?

I am currently an assistant principal at my alma mater, Sharon Middle/High School in Sharon, PA. I supervise our middle school grades in addition to other responsibilities. After graduating Summa cum Laude with a degree in Secondary Education from SRU in May of 2009, I spent the first 8 years of my career as a Social Studies teacher and athletic director in two different Pennsylvania districts. I also consult with organizations on a range of topics and sit on several boards and committees for the City of Sharon and other Mercer County organizations. I did graduate work in Special Education at SRU and completed my M. Ed at Westminster College.

What have you done particularly well as an educator?

As an educator, I have always done a nice job of being involved in the school and greater community. This has allowed me to develop positive relationships with students, families, and community stakeholders. I also believe I have done a good job of developing a positive culture of trust, success, caring and improvement in all my positions whether it be in the classroom, running an athletic department, or running a building. I believe that it takes a team to build a great school. When something extra needs to be done, if you can do it, you do it.

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in SRU’s teacher preparation program – and to college students in general?

In the past, I have spoken at SRU to aspiring teachers and rising high school seniors who were interested in SRU's College of Education and my advice has always been to be involved in the university at large as much as possible and to develop relationships with as many people as you can whether it be professors, support staff, or fellow students. At SRU, I was a Community Assistant and involved in a number of other activities. I rarely passed up an opportunity to do something extra or see a guest speaker on campus. All of these experiences are still beneficial to me. A few quick tips:

• Get to know your professors. A professor once told me that nothing bad ever came from stopping by a professor's office during office hours. That is correct! Any extra interactions you can have will lead to extra advice, opportunities, and knowledge that will benefit you in the long run professionally and personally.
• "Get on the bus." This is a saying from one of my former professors. The bus is leaving with or without you every day, so you might as well get on and see where it takes you. Otherwise, you will just be stuck at the station. This is not in reference to the happy bus! Rather, it is a reference to taking advantage of the opportunities that college life gives you and making the most of them.
• Always do your best. Put in the extra mile on assignments and tests. It will pay off for you in the long run.
• Be involved. The more you are involved, the more experiences you will gain that will make you well-rounded. These experiences will be applicable to many different aspects of your adult life.
• People will always try to bring you down, many times without cause. Don't let them! Try your best to bring them up to your level. Be positive even when it is hard.
• Be the first believer in whatever you do. If you don't truly believe in what you are trying to do, why should or would anyone else? Belief, passion, energy, and positivity are always contagious.

What SRU experience or faculty positively influenced you, and in what way?

From the College of Education, Dr. John Hicks and former assistant dean Dr. Herb Hunt are easily two of the best. Words cannot do justice as to how highly I think of those two. I still get the opportunity to work with Dr. Hunt through his HH Education Events workshops which shows you that sometimes the relationships you build in college continue to benefit you once you have graduated. Outside of the College of Education, I was influenced by Dr. John Craig and Dr. David Dixon from the History Department as well as Dr. Patrick Burkhart from the Geology Department. All of these guys where influential in developing my teaching style and now in what I look for from teachers in my building. If we all taught as passionately and effectively as them, we would all be better off. As far as SRU experiences, my experiences in Residence Life as a Community Assistant were very positive. This allowed me to discover even more ways to get involved in the greater university community and get to know people I still work with and keep in touch with today. 

What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is one who is highly involved in the school and community in which they teach. Great teachers also care about their students and seek to develop positive relationships with students, families and community stakeholders. Great teachers are also lifelong learners and are flexible, passionate, and innovative with what they teach. Last but not least, great teachers are leaders and problem solvers who look for solutions to challenges and disappointments instead of huddling with negative people and complaining. These teachers always put students first.

Jessika Fontaine

Where are you teaching? What subjects and grades?
I am currently teaching at Freedom High School in Freedom, PA. As a Special Education teacher, I have fulfilled many roles throughout the eight years of teaching such as: Learning Support Science, English, and Study Skills. For 7 years, I have been a co-teacher in the 9th grade classes for English, Biology, History, Algebra and Computers. However, I took last year off from co-teaching to open and develop the Life Skills program within the high school. 

What have you done particularly well in your position?
If I had to say what I have done well within my position, it is only from what others tell me. This includes my IEP writing skills, as well as making connections and building relationships with the students. 

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program?
The advice I would give is to make the most out of your practicum experiences. You will learn the most from working with the students and other teachers. Don't be afraid to take risks and make mistakes -- it happens to all teachers. Knowing how to turn mistakes into teachable moments is what students will remember most. 

What SRU experience or faculty positively influenced you, and in what way?
Dr. Rose and Dr. Wells are the two professors that positively influenced me the most within undergraduate and graduate classes. Both of these wonderful ladies never gave up on me and always pushed me to my limit. Just when I thought I had mastered a concept to the best of my ability, both of them would always pose questions that made me think even harder. At times it drove me crazy and made me frustrated, but in the end, I can't thank them enough for continuing to push me farther than I knew I could go. They saw that there was more potential in me than I ever saw. 

What makes a great teacher?
A great teacher is one who listens to their students. By listening, you'll learn so much and it will make you a better teacher for years to come because you will have earned trust and respect from your students. They will be more willing to comply and be a better student which, in the end, helps them become better people. By listening, you will change the world one student at a time.

Sami Fornsaglio

What is your educational background and what positions have you held?  
I graduated in the spring of 2017 from SRU with a dual major in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.  I am currently a first year Intervention Specialist teacher at Karaffa Elementary School in Toronto, Ohio as well as the assistant coach for Toronto Junior High girls volleyball.  

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is knowing that each of my students have specific goals catered to their needs and that I am the one who gets to help them reach their goals.

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program, and to SRU students generally?   
Don't take for granted the support, resources, and opportunities provided by SRU. The staff there are wonderful and have so much wisdom to share. In addition, there are tons of materials available for you to use free-of-charge. For College of Ed. students, there are tremendous field placement opportunities available for teaching experience. Don't be upset if you didn't go to the school you wanted. Embrace the placement you received. Make the most of it and learn as much as you can. ALWAYS take the opportunity to teach because you will learn and grow along the way.

Name an SRU experience or faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.    
Choosing just one faculty member that had a positive influence on myself is hard to do. However, the first person that comes to mind is Dr. Amodei. Dr. Amodei has been with me until the end. Not only was she my professor for multiple courses, but she was also my supervisor during student teaching. She was caring, passionate, patient, and resourceful. She expressed the importance of being an advocate for students. I love how passionate she is. Not only does she care about the kids, but she cares about her students in college as well. During student teaching, I had an emergency, and she was one of the first people I contacted letting her know what happened and that I was not going to be in my placement teaching that day. She was extremely worried about me, how I was doing, and if I needed anything.That kind of love and dedication is hard to come by, and I admire that so much. I look up to her and aspire to be like her. She is my role model. 

What makes a great teacher?
A great teacher is not just someone who makes flawless lesson plans, has the best materials, or is professionally dressed in the most expensive clothing. A great teacher is one who knows their kids, knows their story, and is able to create an environment in which they feel comfortable and accepted. A great teacher knows what their students enjoy and uses that to reinforce their teaching to make it enjoyable. When your students are happy and having fun, you are happy and having fun. A great teacher is an advocate who puts their students on a high pedestal. They help change these kids' lives to reach their potential. Great teachers believe in their students so the students can believe in themselves. 

Joe Lamenza

Where are you teaching? What subjects and grades?

I currently teach at Blackhawk High School in Beaver Falls, PA. I teach College Prep English 10, English 12, and English 9. I am also the head varsity football coach.

Prior to Blackhawk, I worked for eight years in the Beaver Area School District in Beaver, PA. During my tenure at Beaver, I taught high school English for two years and 4th grade for three years. I was the dean of students at Dutch Ridge Elementary School (Grades 3-6) for my last three years at Beaver.

What have you done particularly well in your position?

If I've done anything particularly well, it would be my focus on reflection, continual improvement, and lifelong learning. I have applied that philosophy to all of the positions that I've held. Additionally, I think I've been able to connect with most of my students/players over the years. The ability to connect is vitally important when it comes to teaching, learning, and motivation.

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

Work hard and be prepared.

What SRU experience or faculty positively influenced you, and in what way?

Looking back, when I first entered the College of Education, I was immature and lazy. I had no idea what I was getting into. I struggled a lot. The faculty pushed me hard. I had some rough days when I felt like quitting, but my advisor, Dr. Thomas Gordon, stuck by me through the entire experience.

There were a few other faculty members who influenced me in a positive way and helped to get me on the right path...

Dr. Thomas Kandl, who taught Methods of Teaching Math. His philosophy when it came to unit planning and assessment really resonated with me.

I was enamored with Dr. John Badgett. I found his class to be challenging, but I was fascinated by the subject matter. To this day, assessment remains a passion of mine and that no doubt started with his class.

Dr. Rose Heilman-Houser's passion for children's literature was contagious. She was so positive and encouraging. She inspired confidence in me at a time when I really needed it.

What makes a great teacher?

Hard work. Preparation. Passion. Passion for teaching, how students learn, and the art of teaching makes a great teacher. You're not going to get rich teaching. The rewards are intrinsic. You have to love what you're doing and you have to love being around your students. Students know when a teacher truly cares about them. Students can't see your intentions; they only see your behavior.