Julia Schuerle

     

 

1. What is your educational background and what positions have you held?

I started at Slippery Rock University in the Fall of 2014 with a dual major in Early Childhood (PreK-4) and Special Education (K – 8). I graduated in May of 2018 and currently am a fourth grade teacher in Laveen, Arizona. I instruct 27 fourth graders in all content areas.

2. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

There are many rewarding aspects of being a teacher. The most rewarding part of teaching for me is when you can see the lightbulb go off when a student finally understands something. There is nothing worse, and defeating, than teaching something and the students not understanding. The best part is when you go back and reteach and you get to see the ‘ah-ha’ moment for the students. Another thing that is really rewarding is making personal relationships with your students where you get to know them as not just one of your students but as a nine or ten year old too.

3. What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program, and to SRU students generally?

Advice that I would give to current students in the teacher preparation program is to find what makes you happy and strive for it. Going into teaching you want to be happy and being happy is part of what is going to make you most successful. Additional advice I would give to students is to get involved. While at SRU I was involved in several education clubs but the one I was most involved in was Student PSEA. I think this club gave me opportunities and experiences so that I could have the tools to set myself up for success.

4. Name an SRU experience or faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

Dr. Bieniek, who is a professor in the Special Education department was one of my professors who had a positive influence on me. The passion that he has for what he does really conveys in his teaching. Sometimes when I’m with my students I stop and think “what would Dr. B do right now,” and it helps me think more clearly about the situation. One thing he would always talk about in class was data and how important it was and that is one thing that I have found to be incredibly true. Every good teaching decision is based off of data. Dr. Bieniek is an excellent professor and I hope to be the positive influence he was on me to my fourth graders.

5. What makes a great teacher?

What makes for a great teacher is not only someone who knows how to teach academics but can also be there for the students emotionally. There is so much more to teaching than teaching the standards. You have to be there for the students physically, academically, and emotionally. It is difficult to balance all three but I think what makes a great teacher is someone who finds that balance and incorporates it daily into the classroom.

 

Paige Wesley

1. What is your educational background and what positions have you held?

 I earned my bachelors degree from Slippery Rock in May and I was a dual major in Early Childhood education (pk-4) and special education (pk-8). After I graduated in May I was fortunate to accept a summer position at The Watson Institute’s WISCA (Watson Institute Social Center for Academic Achievement) program as an instructional aide for their Extended School Year. After ESY I accepted a full time position at WISCA for the 2018-2019 school year, also as an instructional aide.

Being an instructional aide, I assist the teacher, and help the students in the classroom. I was placed in an upper elementary classroom ranging from grades 5-7. Most of my students are diagnosed with high functioning Autism, but many of the students have multiple diagnoses including, ODD, ADHD, Anxiety and OCD to name a few.

Some of my responsibilities are to help the students with their online curriculum, developing appropriate social skills, and how to appropriately cope with stressful and uncomfortable situations. I am also responsible for aiding the teacher with tasks such as keeping attendance, recording data, and developing student agendas.

2. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is gaining trust from students. Many students at WISCA have had negative experiences at their home school district or previous placements and I think it is important and rewarding when a student is able to trust you and are able to ask for your help when they need it. It is also rewarding when you see your students progressing and succeeding. Some days may be stressful and tough. It may feel like a revolving door, but when it clicks with the student it feels great.

3. What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program, and to SRU students generally?

The main thing I would tell current SRU students is to become involved on campus with groups and organizations. During my 4 years at The Rock I was part of the Marching Band and Winter Guard. This made my transition from high school to college a lot more smooth than if I were not involved. It made me apart of a large “family” and I was able to keep busy but I also developed friendships and memories that will last forever. Do not be afraid to become involved!

For someone that is currently in the teacher preparation program, Don’t Stress!! All of the hard work is worth it. Each field/student teaching placement really is helping you prepare for your future as a teacher. During those placements I would absorb as much as possible, and do not be afraid of constructive criticism. Listen to your cooperating teachers when they give advice, and listen to your professors and supervisors when they talk about their experiences. For me it was really nerve-wracking and scary not knowing if I would get a job in my field after graduation, so I would advice to take anything that comes your way. Future employers are looking for experience and I would accept anything to gain more experience.

4. Name an SRU experience or faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

I think a lot of the professors that I had in the College of Ed were amazing. You could tell that they were there to help you succeed, and they really did care about your well being. The one faculty member that stands out the most during my time at SRU was Dr. Carmine DeCarlo. I was able to have her as a professor for one of my classes, and I was fortunate to have her as my supervisor during student teaching. I could tell that she was passionate about teaching and educating others and that was reflected during a class session. When she would come observe me during student teaching I was receptive of her comments, and she also made a point of complementing what you did right, but also giving great advice on something you could change. She made it reassuring every time that I was heading into the right career path.

Another faculty member that made a big impact on my experience was my color guard instructor Bruno Zuccala. He taught me hard work, and determination. He was able to be tough when it was needed, but he was also a very caring and passionate person. If you asked he would do anything to help you succeed. As a retired educator himself I was always interested in hearing his stories and experiences. I will always be thankful for the experiences I had because of him. 

5. What makes a great teacher?

What I think makes a great teacher is a combination many things. One thing is passion. You really need to be passionate about what you are doing and who you are teaching. The impact you have on a student can really determine the future of that student. You also need to have patience. Patience is important because days can be stressful. Some students may try to argue with you and challenge you, but if you are patient, in time you'll see their progress and that's what really matters. I also think having empathy and being empathetic towards your students makes a great teacher. You develop an important bond with your students and being able to put yourself in their shoes can really put yourself between a good teacher and a great teacher. One other quality is flexibility. Schedules may change or things might not go as planned, and being able to do something on a whim can really make or break how the rest of the school day is going to go. I truly believe a combination of all of these qualities can really make a great teacher.

Sydney Larner

 

1. What is your educational background and what positions have you held?

I started as an undergraduate at Slippery Rock University in the fall of 2014 and graduated in May of 2018 with my dual degree in Early Childhood (PreK-4) and Special Education (K-8). Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Special Education: Grades 7-12, and I also work at The Watson Institute as an instructional aide in the Watson Institute Social Center for Academic Achievement (WISCA) program.

As an instructional aide, I am an assistant to the teacher; and I still get to work with all of the students and form unique bonds with each and every one of them. I started there this school year, and I work with students ranging from 8th-11th grade in my classroom. All of the students that I have are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and some have a wide range of other disabilities or disorders that encompass them as well. Some may have multiple diagnoses with their autism, such as anxiety, ADD/ADHD, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)/conduct disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), emotional disturbance, and many others.

During the day, I assist the students with their online curriculum, help them recognize and apply social cues/skills and coping mechanisms, teach and assist them with activities of daily living and self-sufficient tasks, and I also help them build upon their independence when they start to transition from middle school and high school to the real world; whether that be with pursuing a degree at a two or four year school/college/university, a trade, or other future career outside of Watson.

2. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to see all of my students, plus the many other students outside of my classroom within the program and beyond, succeed in everyday life and society. The potential that I see in each of these kids is endless, and they are constantly pushing themselves to reach new heights accomplish more than they thought they could. I love seeing their ‘light bulbs’ go off, and I thrive when they reach their ‘a-ha’ moments and say, “Oh, I get it! This makes so much sense, why didn’t I think of this before?” I always tell them, “You may have needed a little assistance with getting to where you are now, but the drive you had to figuring it out is so commendable, and that is what is worth it. I am proud of you.”

All of my students are so intelligent, and possess such unique abilities, personalities, and talents; they make me realize that I am learning so much everyday, just like them, just on different subjects. They can provide so much insight about anything, and make you think of things you would have never thought of before. The perspective in special education is that anyone with a disability should be seen and cared for as ‘different not less’, and with these students, that is exactly the mantra that they have established within themselves.

Being an assistant to the special education teacher in my classroom has also been so rewarding and fulfilling; I am gaining so many tips, tricks, and precious experience that is propelling me closer and closer to my end goal: being a special education teacher of any grade level for students with any disability. Plus, I am really putting my Master’s coursework to the test!

3. What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program, and to SRU students generally?

Some advice that I would give to current students that are enrolled in the teacher preparatory program is to definitely get involved, and find your niche. Don’t be afraid to try something new, because, and I can practically guarantee this, you are not alone, and it is perfectly okay to be scared or nervous at first, or even the first few times! Everybody has distinct interests and amazing abilities that can be brought to light more and more throughout college, and what you choose to participate in and how you present yourself can speak highly of that. I remember being the President of the Autism Speaks U SRU organization for 2 years was one of the many aspects of my college career that I am most thankful for. Being in that position provided me with so many grateful and truly heartwarming moments with people that all cared for the same mission. Your clubs/organizations that you join and the activities/events that you attend can help you develop into a more well-rounded individual, and help you realize interests, abilities, and talents that you never thought you possessed or thought you could handle on your own. Your potential is limitless! Also, with being an education major, so many people are in your same boat, so don’t feel like you can’t reach out to anyone about anything. You all become a bit of a family throughout your four years together!

4. Name an SRU experience or faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

Throughout my time at Slippery Rock University, I got the chance to spend time and bond with so many tremendous faculty within the education department, and within other departments as well. Specifically though, within the education department, I will name a few.

Dr. Eric Bieniek, is a professor of the Special Education department at Slippery Rock. He is an outstanding individual. I personally got to work with him as he was one of the advisors for Autism Speaks U SRU, and I even got to be so lucky to have him as a professor; you are never bored and the learning never stops in his classes. He teaches you way beyond the material and coursework, and he provides so many real-life examples that turn into experiences you’ll soon face as an educator. I can’t express how many times I have had this phrase go through my head, “Dr. B was right!” Also, he assisted me and other prestigious SRU alumni with a tremendously successful project that included delivering school supplies and monetary donations for an entire school district within the U.S. Virgin Islands that were affected from the devastating hurricane disasters in 2017. He is a person that never fails you, and is always pushing you to achieve better than you thought you could. He has so much drive and endless passion, and he exhibits that every time you speak with him. Dr. Bieniek ROCKS!

Dr. Jeremy Lynch, also from the Special Education department, is another fantastic individual, and he was my academic advisor throughout college. I had Dr. Lynch as a professor a few times as well, and he makes you think of things in a different perspective, way beyond what one may think. He has a strategy or solution to any situation you may encounter while teaching, and his personality is very relaxed and straight to the point, which is what one has to understand and present when teaching kids with special needs! His teachings are instilled within me to this day; and I am so appreciative and proud that I was able to have him as a professor and advisor.

5. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher exudes multiple attributes: empathy, flexibility, determination, patience (of course), compassion, and a special appreciation for teaching children of all kind. A great teacher is unique themselves, and does not mind going outside of the box in order to have a student understand something. They believe in discovering and reaching all limits of a child, and don’t always use cookie-cutter tactics or basic techniques to teach children all the same way all the time. They go the extra mile to assist anyone and everyone they can, and NEVER GIVE UP on themselves. A great teacher accepts their failures, and persists toward greater triumphs that will outweigh what they once were not good at. Every teacher has their own ‘a-ha’ moments, and those happen more often than one may think. No matter what a teacher is teaching, I also believe an element of comfort, humor, and confidence needs to be expressed no matter what they are teaching or helping their students learn. The students need to know if their teacher can be goofy, authentic, and stray away from the standard norm, then they should be able to express themselves as they wish, and be free to follow that mentality.

Kathryn Dickey

1. What is your educational background and what positions have you held? 
I received my Bachelor's of Science in Early Childhood Education and Special Education in December of 2017. After graduation, I moved back home to Cortland, Ohio and I was able to sub daily with various districts in my area. This provided me with the opportunity of long-term subbing in two different districts before the end of last school year. I am currently an Elementary Intervention Specialist (Special Education) at Bloomfield-Mespo Local Schools in Trumbull County in Ohio.

2. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

There are many rewarding aspects of being a teacher. In my opinion, the most rewarding aspect is when students begin to trust you and confide in you. As a special education teacher, this can sometimes be difficult because I don't have my students for every second of every day. When professors say that rapport with your students is essential, they are 100% accurate. Having relationships with your students is crucial to your success as a teacher. It won't happen overnight so don't be too hard on yourself when it's not instant; every student is different and each student will learn to trust you at their own pace. If you show that you care about them (learning about their interests, background, etc.), I promise you will build a great connection!

3. What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program, and to SRU students generally?

For students who are pre-student teaching, two things: time management and get involved. As far as time management, learn this as soon as you can. It will be essential to your success during college and into student teaching. It will help you not only in your classes, but also for yourself when you need to take a breather. Also, get involved as much as possible. One of the biggest organizations I was involved in on campus was Kappa Delta Pi. I started out as a member then eventually worked my way up to hold an executive board position as Secretary for two semesters. This organization provided me with opportunities to get more involved in schools outside of my regular classes as well as give back to the community. For students who are currently in student teaching, time management is your best friend. Learn how to manage your time because you will become very busy at various points in the semester. I'm not going to lie, this will be your toughest semester yet but it will easily become your favorite. What you get out of student teaching reflects on what you put into student teaching; in other words, soak up this experience as much as possible! It can become very easy to get wrapped up in the work of student teaching. However, look at it as your time to show how awesome of a teacher you can be for your students. Don't be afraid to try new lessons with your students. They may not always be successful but that is okay! I am constantly learning what works and what doesn't work with my students. Lastly, take time for yourself; we wear many hats as a teacher for our students and it can sometimes become overwhelming. Learn to take time yourself so you can always be your best self for your students.

4. Name an SRU experience or faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

I had the opportunity to travel abroad during student teaching to Ireland. This was probably the best experience I have ever had. I was able to make so many connections with students outside of my major as well as from Edinboro University in Erie, PA. Not only were we able to travel throughout the country but we were also able to teach in the schools. I was placed in an all boys' school right outside Dublin. This was a huge change of pace for me because I have never had exposure to a same gender school before. In addition, I was nervous as to how I would connect with the students due to their accents or just being able to communicate with one another. However, the students and staff were very welcoming and they love having visitors especially from the United States. Student teaching abroad tests your ability to adapt to a new situation and quickly, as you only have a month to build a relationship with your students and co-operating teacher while living in a completely different environment. In teaching, we are constantly adapting and making quick changes in response to situations that come up in our classroom; so as a new teacher, I have really benefitted from that. Lastly, during my interviews, superintendents and school staff really found this experience interesting and will ask a lot of questions about it because it is such a rare opportunity that schools offer. Overall, this experience has really opened my eyes to the world around us and let me build connections with people that I would have never thought was possible. If you have the opportunity to student teach abroad, take it! I promise it will be the experience of a lifetime.

5. What makes a great teacher?

As I mentioned earlier, teachers wear many hats; meaning we are counselors, nurses, decorators, comedians, detectives, and so much more. When a teacher is able to show compassion towards his or her students, in my eyes-that teacher is great. Our jobs can be very stressful and overwhelming at times. It's important to always stay positive and model that positive behavior for our students. Students come from all walks of life and sometimes we are that only person in their life who is a positive role model. With that said, it's important to always be that teacher who is there for a student when they need it. It's not always about the most amazing lesson that you delivered or the beautiful materials that you provide for your students; it's about the ability to learn and connect with your students in order to build the relationships you need to become a great teacher.