Abby Heidt

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

I recently graduated from Slippery Rock in May of 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education (PreK-4.) Currently, I am the Director of Child Care at the YMCA of Greater Erie branch site at Klein Elementary School. I plan on pursuing a Master's Degree in Higher Education/Student Affairs. I worked for the YMCA as a summer camp counselor for four years before becoming the Director at Klein. I am also the lead teacher at the site; with this, I plan and lead lessons before and after school. I have students ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade. During the day, I work on making sure our STARS certification is up to date.

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

The most rewarding part of my job is being able to create a safe and fun environment, promoting individual growth development while watching the students thrive. I love watching the children get to be themselves while being creative and playing different games.

3. What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program, and to SRU students generally? 
To the students enrolled in the education program at Slippery Rock, my advice would be to not let other people bring you down. We live in a world where some people think that education majors only choose it because of the summers off. Being told that our major isn't "good enough" is always hard but keep your head up because you know in your heart that it is! You are going to change some child's life for the better! For students of the university, get involved! I met the best people and had the best experiences because I was involved. Don't wait to the last minute to do so. There is a club or organization for everyone. Slippery Rock is an amazing college so be proud to be a student there! Time flies so make the most out of it. You're most likely going to miss it.

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

During my four years at Slippery Rock, I had three different faculty members make a big impact on my experience. Dr. Walsh and Dr. Lynch made my time in the education department special. I always felt that they really got to know their students. They were always making class a little bit more interesting. Both professors made me feel like I could always accomplish anything. They were always helpful. Also, Lauren Moran, the director of the Office for Student Engagement and Leadership, made a huge impact on me. Lauren pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and showed me how much I love being a part of Student Affairs. Without her, I don't think I could speak to a group of college students or adults today without freaking out during it. Lauren helped me grow as an adult and do things that I was terrified to do only a year prior.

5. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is someone who is willing to care for anyone, no matter who the person is. There is always at least one student that can be frustrating but a great teacher looks past that and cares for all of his or her students. Great teachers go above and beyond for their students. I always think of a teacher that is always trying to work with a student. They try different ways of explaining things if a student doesn't understand, they always try to be warm and welcoming, always saying hello, and can get the attention of the room. A great teacher is someone who can be a role model and someone that any child can look up to.