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.