Hannah Gigler

What is your educational background and what positions have you held?
I graduated from Slippery Rock University with a bachelors of science in Education. I studied Early Childhood Education and Special Education. This is my first teaching job. I work at Triangle Elementary School in Triangle, VA and I am a fourth grade teacher!

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is helping children reach the potential they didn't think they had. Many students try to give up, but being able to support them, push them, and watch them succeed at something they thought was not possible makes it worth it. I also love being a support system for my students. I work for a Title 1 school and many of the students are in low-income areas. Giving them support that they may not get at home makes me feel so good about what I do.

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program, and to SRU students generally?
Advice I would give: DON'T STRESS OUT!! Right now, it may seem like everything is so hard and it'll never end -- but it will! And when it is all over, you'll be so thankful you chose SRU and the education program. Take a deep breath, drink some coffee, and power through. It'll all be okay!

Name an SRU experience or faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.
Dr. Badgett and basically the entire special education department had a positive influence on me. Every single one of those professors are amazing and have endless advice. They have stories that make you really appreciate what being a teacher is about. They will encourage you and help you with any question. I loved being in their classes because they were so kind and empowering. The special education department is part of the reason I kept pushing through and helped me become the teacher I am today.

What makes a great teacher?
That is a loaded question. Some would say it is the grades that student get. Others would say the standardized testing scores. Others would say how they act in the classroom. Personally, I think it's the image you leave in a student's mind years after they leave your classroom. It is about when they think back to that time you helped them understand fractions for the first time, or when you taught them to read context clues. I think it comes down to impact you made on that students life that makes a great teacher. Showing a student their untapped potential is what makes a great teacher.

Haylie Schmidt

What is your educational background and what positions have you held?
I majored in Early Childhood Education (pk-4) and Special Education (pk-8). I also took the PRAXIS exam to add 5th and 6th grades to my certification. I graduated in May of 2017 and have recently accepted a position teaching 6th grade math and social studies. I am teaching in the Erie Catholic Schools in Erie, PA. I was a substitute teacher for three months in Erie County before I landed this full-time position.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
There are so many rewarding aspects, I am not sure I can pick just one!! As cliché as it sounds, I love to watch those lightbulb moments happen. There is nothing better than seeing a student who was struggling finally “get it!” In math, so many concepts are hard to grasp at first, but once a student perseveres through the tough times, they get so proud of themselves! I also really love to plan fun and engaging activities for my students. Seeing them learn without even knowing it makes me so happy!

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program, and to SRU students generally?
I would suggest that you take every opportunity SRU provides to get educated in all aspects of the field. Go to the conferences on campus, seek new information, listen to the professors lecture at club meetings! I learned so much about teaching effectively, interviewing, and how to manage a classroom through the extracurricular activities offered. Take jobs working with children of all ages, not just your certification age! Also, I’d like to point out that if I did not add on a certification, I would not have even gotten an interview for my current job! Ask John Snyder in Career Education and Development for help about taking your exams. He is a life saver! Step out of your comfort zone, schools want to hire the most highly qualified teachers as possible!

Name an SRU experience or faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.
There were SO many influential experiences that shaped me as a teacher. I was lucky enough to have been paired with Dr. Linda Zane for the Professor Protégé Program when I started at SRU. The program helped me become more outgoing and involved on our campus when I was more shy and introverted. I also joined and took leadership roles in a variety of organizations. For first year students, FLSP is a fantastic way to dip your toes into getting involved. FLSP can help filter you into clubs/organizations that fit you best. All education majors, in my opinion, should join Student- PSEA! I had so many opportunities to go to and plan conferences and enjoy professional development that helped me land my job! Lastly, I had the chance to travel to Sweden with Dr. Zane during my junior year. I did not realize the impact traveling abroad would have on my philosophy of education! Without Dr. Zane, I would not have had the same college experience. Of course, there were plenty of other faculty members that shaped me into the teacher I am! SRU has some of the best professors ever!

What makes a great teacher? 
I think a great teacher is the definition of a public servant leader. Teachers should do whatever they can to serve their students to the best of their ability. A great teacher should not do whatever is easiest for them, but should have the best interest of his/her students in mind. If that means having more work, that means we have to do more work! Our hearts and souls should go into our job every single day.

Brian Aikens

 

What is your educational background and what positions have you held?
I graduated from SRU in December of 2003 after completing my student teaching experience in Dublin, Ireland. I graduated with a dual degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. I began teaching middle school emotional support in Waldorf, MD and transitioned to my current position as an elementary emotional support teacher for the Spring-Ford School District at Upper Providence Elementary in 2005. I also work with our high school Resiliency Club students creating a positive impact on our community. In 2013, I completed my Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA. In 2015, I founded Insight Minds, LLC, bringing mindfulness and social-emotional learning practices to school districts and communities across the state.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? Working with young children for multiple years, I am able to see their social and emotional growth. We practice kindness and compassion and develop that into greater personal wellness. Helping students who struggle with their emotions and behaviors, learn how to understand and change those feelings, is an experience that is difficult to put into words. Academic growth is vital for students, but to see children thrive and flourish emotionally changes your dedication as an educator.

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program, and to SRU students generally?
Relationships are the number one source of our happiness. Develop strong, authentic, positive relationships with peers, faculty, and the community. Be willing to be vulnerable and open-minded. Get involved in organizations and leadership programs on campus. I was active in Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Delta Pi, UPB, Special Olympics, and other clubs that gave me leadership experience. These experiences helped guide and prepare me for my professional life. Lastly, get as much experience as you can in diverse situations. I did my practicum work in Philadelphia, and student teaching in suburban Pittsburgh and Dublin, Ireland. These experiences not only provided a lot of opportunities for me to grow, but school administrators valued my willingness to take risks.

Name an SRU experience or faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.
There are so many experiences and people that impacted me at SRU. First and foremost, Dr. John Bonando was an advisor, friend, and an amazing human being. You were always the most important person when he was talking to you. He gave his undivided attention to your needs, offered support and encouragement. Community service and professional workshops with the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity lead to many opportunities on and off SRU's campus. These experiences continue to flow into my personal and professional life today. Working on the Special Olympics Western Fall Sectional team and Dr. Arnhold's Adapted Physical Aquatic's Program gave me real-life experience making a difference. And finally, doing part of my student teaching experience in Dublin, Ireland because it was an adventure and a new opportunity I could not get in the States.

What makes a great teacher?
Building positive relationships with students will help them feel safe, valued, and have a stronger desire to learn. Most importantly, take care of your own mental wellness. If you are not healthy, it is difficult to help others be well.  

Dan Brown

What is your educational background and what positions have you held?
I completed my undergraduate degree at Slippery Rock University in Secondary Education, Social Studies. I taught history in the Pennsylvania public school system for 4 years, before accepting an opportunity at Penn State Greater Allegheny as a Coordinator of Residence Life as I completed my Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership at Duquesne. After completing my advanced degree, I was offered the opportunity to move to the Penn State Berks campus to oversee the campus’ Residence Life program as Assistant Director of Student Affairs. After many wonderful years with Penn State, I was able to return to my “hometown” when an opportunity as Assistant Director of Housing Operations opened at my alma mater, and then was able to transition to my current role, Director of Housing. In addition to my professional career, I also take great pride in serving 20 years as a staff member of Camp Bucoco, a Boy Scout Camp in Slippery Rock. Scouting was the most impactful part of my life and was the deciding factor that has shaped both of my career paths. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
I can honestly say the best part of my position is working directly with the students. As an administrator it can be hard to step away from my desk and get away from the daily tasks and paperwork, but I always value my time simply talking with and interacting with students. On-campus housing is a “living-learning” environment and I value still being able to teach others how things work, show students the how and why behind procedures or projects, and take time to get to know the students I come in contact with and what their goals are here at SRU. My favorite times are when I talk with students when they have an maintenance issue, for example, where I am able to show them how something works (or how it will be fixed) and help them understand that these are issues they will face in their first apartment or their first home. It is really rewarding to be able to get to know our students and simply talk in general and share stories, knowledge and perspective. I also really value learning from our facilities staff and trades as they are highly skilled and I learn so much from them each and every day as I ask questions on the “why and how” of specific areas of their expertise. 

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program, and to SRU students generally?
I really valued my time in the College of education at Slippery Rock. I had great professors and mentors and was afforded many opportunities being active with the history honorary and volunteering at the Old Stone House. My adviser, Dr. Fritzie (Frieda) Meier was one of the best ‘teacher of teachers’ I have come into contact with. Dr. Meier used to say she could make an average teacher good, but it took the passion of the individual to elevate to become a great teacher. The college experience is what you make of it, but with that said, you cannot be part of absolutely everything that SRU has to offer…there is just too much! My advice for students is to “test drive” as many clubs, organizations and activities as you can; however, then choose those activities or organizations that best fit your personal interests and goals to dedicate the most focus. A person can only wear so many hats, so focus on the projects and activities that are most important to you personally and professional…and give them all the energy you can! While some students may have a victory lap for senior year, you only get one freshman year, so put yourself out there and experience what SRU has to offer! Have fun, take time to build friendships, and laugh each and every day!

Name an SRU experience or faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.
Dr. Larry Rotge (retired) of the history department had the most influential impact on my career as a student at Slippery Rock University. Dr. Rotge always had those “dreaded” 8AM lectures, but he was fascinating because he was so passionate as he lectured on topics of colonization and early America. The way he spoke about his subjects, you could feel his love of the topic and time period and I definitely was engrossed in his enthusiasm. I took every class he offered and still have my notebooks from his class which I used as a reference when I was a new instructor teaching civics. I still see Dr. Rotge on campus for events and around town and am unsure if he knows the impact he had on my life, but that just goes to show: you never know who looks up to you! Our intended teachers should remember this: you may never know who admires you or looks up to you, but you will have those that do! So, be a role model regardless. Recently, Dr. Rotge and he wife endowed two scholarships for SRU students, which shows his passion goes far beyond the classroom. Dr. Rotge definitely was someone whom I looked up to and valued as a professor because of his passion for teaching and students, which is evident by his continued support of the University. 

What makes a great teacher?
A great teacher is an even better student! I personally feel a great teacher is a great student as far as they always want to learn more and further develop their skill set and knowledge about a variety of topics. Part of being a great teacher is being able to value and learn from your own students; learning what works best for them, what they need to better relate to the material, what motivates them, and adjusting the material accordingly. Teachers should be attentive and engaged learners throughout their lives. Great teachers also make learning fun for the students and in turn, makes teaching fun for themselves! Show your passion for education to the students, and they will catch that enthusiasm!

Marissa Snider

 
What is your educational background and what positions have you held?
I graduated from Slippery Rock in May 2017 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. I am currently a Kindergarten teacher at Union Mill Elementary School in Fairfax County, Virginia!

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is being apart of 25 kindergartners' first school experience! They come in on the first day shy, nervous, and like an empty canvas. Within a few weeks, I get to see all of the drastic changes academically and socially. These children are the reason I went into the education field, and I tell myself every day how great my job is! I get to spend six hours a day laughing and watching each student have fun learning. What is better than that?

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program, and to SRU students generally?
My advice to students currently in the education major is never lose sight of what kind of teacher you want to be. Be open-minded about different techniques and styles of teaching; however, stay true to what makes you unique in the field of education!

Name an SRU experience or faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.
Being an Orientation Ambassador was one of my most positive experiences at Slippery Rock. Representing SRU and meeting all of the freshman was such an exciting time. Not only did I make friendships that will last a lifetime, but I have also grown so much as a person and now as a teacher. I will never forget that experience. With the guidance of my boss, Robert Lagnese, I became a more confident, well-rounded, and professional person. I recommend this job to anyone interested in taking on a leadership role and helping to make students transitions into college fun, successful, and memorable!

Two professors in the education department that made my time at Slippery Rock one to remember were Dr. Badgett and Dr. Snyder. Dr. Badgett was my advisor for the first three years of college before she retired. She was patient, loving, and always made me feel so special. During my senior year, I became a huge fan of Dr. Snyder after four weeks of student teaching in Mexico. Prior to this trip, I never had him as a professor. It was great to have spent such an amazing time with him on the trip. I will never forget these two amazing people!

What makes a great teacher?
The main thing that makes a great teacher is never forgetting what it was like to be the student. Being able to put your self in the shoes of a kid will make you a more understanding and sympathetic teacher when students experience successes and struggles. Be the teacher you wish you had as a kid!