Meagan Schoming

1. What school district and grade/s do you currently teach?

I am currently a Pre-K teacher at Kelly Primary in the Wilkinsburg School District.

2. What do you love most about teaching?

My students! The children that I get to share my classroom walls with are undoubtedly the best part of my job. I am so fortunate to get to spend my time with these little ones and instill a love of learning into them. Watching them grow and learn throughout the year is one of the most rewarding experiences there is. Seeing a past student's face light up when they pass you in the hall or coming to visit your classroom with their arms out for a hug shows you just how impactful you have been to them. I always tell my students and their parents that they are "my kids" forever, not just the year that they are in my classroom. I still remember the names of all 76 students I have had in my classroom so far in my career!

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

Learn everything you can from everyone around you. Your professors, cooperating teachers, peers, etc. Our profession is special in that we are teaching the same standards and content as the teacher down the hall, but we get to be flexible and creative in how we do that. Your cooperating teachers in different field and student teaching experiences are all going to have their way of doing things. Some things you will absolutely adore and will adopt yourself forever. Some things, you will know that you never want to do, and that is okay! When you see an idea that you really like, write it down. These little tips and tricks will come in handy when you are substitute teaching and when you finally get that classroom of your own!

4.  Name one SRU experience, in general or specific to the field, that you will never forget and explain why.

I will never forget my student teaching experience. I was so nervous! My university supervisor, Dr. DuPont, and my cooperating teacher knew about my anxieties and really helped me through them. I was so lucky to be working with people who believed in me and supported me at every step of the way. Sometimes, if I'm feeling nervous about an upcoming observation, I can still hear Dr. DuPont's encouraging words in my head. At the end of my experience it was so empowering to look back and say "I did it!"

5. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is a teacher who puts their students first, always. They will do whatever it takes to ensure that each child has what they need in order to be successful. Whether this be in the form of advocation, differentiated instruction, or just some good old fashioned TLC. A great teacher knows that a student is more than a test score or data on a spreadsheet. They acknowledge that all students have different needs and challenges, but that they are all amazing and capable. The students are why we are here, they deserve our best every day!

Wally Wolanin

1. What school district and grade/s do you currently teach?

Currently I am the School Programs Supervisor at the Oklahoma City Zoo. The curriculum that I create covers students from ages 4-12. I am not a traditional teacher. My position is creating curriculum that fits state and zoo standards. I work closely with teachers at the zoo to deliver a quality program to our visiting students.  

2. What do you love most about teaching?

Definitely the interaction with people. Both youth and adults add so much joy to the program. Getting to be around people as they have fun and learn is priceless! 

3. What has been your most rewarding experience as a teacher/professor? If you cannot narrow it to one, describe one rewarding experience.

This is a tough question for sure but one experience that stands out is when I was working at a camp in New Mexico. There was a storm coming so I ran out of my office to take the flags down. This gentleman came over to help me as the rain started. We got to talking about what an amazing week him and his son had and how it had always been their goal to come to this camp. As the conversation went on, he informed me that at one point, him and his son had been homeless and the thought of going to this camp got them through the hard times. Luckily they had a fantastic experience and could not wait to come back. This taught me that we might not know the stories of people we interact with, but we need to make sure they have a great time.  

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

When I graduated there were not a lot of openings for teaching jobs. After searching for a while, I took the less direct route. Even though I currently am not a teacher, I have always worked with children in one capacity or another. Don’t be afraid to look at other careers routes that are not traditional teaching! No matter what job searching is hard but don’t give up and there are a lot of positions out there that are looking for an educational background. 

5. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher are those who truly care for the students. There will be a lot of distractions that will divide your attention, but a great teacher never looses sight of why they are there, the kids. 

Hollie Carlson

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

I was an undergraduate student at SRU from 2009-2014. I graduated with a B.S. Ed. in K-12 Health and Physical Education. My time at Slippery Rock was so unique and so special and I am very thankful that SRU was where I received my education. After graduation, I was a substitute teacher and coach at Rockwood Area School District for 1 year before returning to school to get my masters degree. I received my M. Ed. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2016. While at IUP I completed a graduate assistantship, aiding in research and supervision of undergraduate students. Shortly after, I moved to Plant City, Florida and landed a position as a middle school physical education. I currently hold that position as well as serving as the school’s athletic director.  I also coach a variety of sports year round.

2.  What is one positive experience that you have had with a student?

I have had so many rewarding moments with my students. I would have to say that my favorite interactions that I get to have with the students are when I see something truly click. When they make the connection between having fun in class and how this is really beneficial to their every day lives. I also spend many hours with them outside of the classroom and that has helped me form such strong and unique bonds with many of my students. They truly do teach me just as much as I teach them and I value the time I get to spend getting to know them. 

3.  What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the education department?

I knew pretty early on that I wanted to be an education major. Making a positive impact on the lives of the students I would get to teach was just as much of a goal for me as teaching itself was. I was blessed growing up to have some of the most amazing teachers who were there for me in challenging times both in and out of the classroom. I felt safe with them and happy to be there. I wanted to create that environment for others as well. I chose Slippery Rock University because of the reputation of their education program. Anytime I mentioned a career in teaching, there was always someone there to ask if I would be attending SRU. I also remember going on a campus tour and admiring the small town community feeling. I loved the size of the campus, the student to teacher ratio and how it automatically felt like home. 

4.  What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher education program at SRU?

My advice to current students would be to get involved! I was an active member in many organizations on campus. Those organizations have been a major stepping stone for me. Networking with other professions through those organizations helped me to achieve goals that I set for myself. I would also advise current students to really embrace the techniques that they are privileged enough to learn. There are so many things I have learned at SRU that are being introduced at different times in my career that I feel very comfortable with already because of the classes I was able to take. Your professors are your most important asset. They have so many great things to offer, please be willing to learn. My last piece of advice is to always keep an open mind and an open heart. There are millions of children out there who need us in different ways on different days, be willing to grow with them and build those relationships. 

5.  What makes a great teacher?

I can’t say for sure what makes a great teacher, but in my opinion there are several qualities a great teacher should possess. A great teacher should always be willing to listen. I have found that even on the worst days for my most challenging students, all they want is for someone to really hear what they are saying. A great teacher should be able to lesson plan and have a game plan, but be willing for that plan to go out the window sometimes because it’s not what your students need to learn in that moment. A great teacher should be compassionate and empathetic but have a firm stance on expectations for each students. Finally, a great teacher is someone who wants to teach. Someone who wants to be there for the students and make them want to be their very best. Someone who shows up for them, relentlessly, to show them that somebody care and that their education is important. I share a quote with my students often which says, “I teach because your life is worth my time.” I believe each student, all 160 of them that I see, are worth every ounce of time I can give. 

Leah Hoffman

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

My education background is a B.S.Ed. from Slippery Rock University. I hold a Pennsylvania teaching certification in Early Childhood Education PreK-4 and Special Education K-8. After graduation in 2017, I taught preschool for two years at Bright Horizons. Currently, I have a new position as a Special Education Teacher at The Hope Learning Center.  I have been with Hope since August, and I have already learned so much!

2. What do you love most about teaching?

What I love most about teaching is seeing a student improve and understand! Nothing compares to seeing a child's face light up when they understand a new concept or get all the answers right on a task. 

3. Name one SRU experience, in general or specific to the field, that you will never forget and explain why.

One SRU experience I will never forget is traveling with the Marching Pride to University of Michigan to represent SRU! It was an amazing experience being on the field, playing my mellophone under all those bright lights and huge crowd.

4. What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the education department?

My mother is an SRU Alum; that is what originally brought me to Slippery Rock. I transferred in as a sophomore Biology major, but I always had a love for teaching. The following Spring semester I changed my major to Education because I had, and still currently have, a huge passion for educating children.

5. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is one that is constantly reflecting on their own style and approaches, is fun and energetic, is passionate about learning, and overall just loves to help children succeed.

Carly Killmeyer

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

I attended Slippery Rock University, where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood/Special Education. During my senior year at Slippery Rock, I became the co-president of Autism Speaks U-SRU. I also was working full time at a daycare in the neighborhood.  When I attended Slippery Rock I student taught at Slippery Rock Area Elementary School. The classes I student taught in were K-2 Learning Support with the amazing Jean Allison, as well as in Kindergarten with the wonderful Kathryn Denholm. Two days after graduating from SRU in 2018, I moved to a new state, and started my dream job as a teacher of students with Autism at Belmont Elementary School in Woodbridge, Virginia. I am currently into my second year of teaching, working with students who have mild-moderate autism ranging in grades Kindergarten-3^rd Grade. 

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

The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing student growth, as well as making real life connections with the little learners I am interacting. It makes my heart so full when a student of mine achieves a short-term objective or can finally identify all of the letters in the alphabet. Seeing these children learn and grow is so powerful. Student relationships are NUMBER ONE in my book. The feeling you get when a student loves you and trusts you is so hard to explain. My students know that no matter what, I got their backs and when they step into my classroom they are important and valued.   

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

To all of those students in the teacher preparation program, ENJOY EVERY MOMENT, BE PROACTIVE, and TAKE THE INITIATIVE!  Enjoy the carpools to student teaching with your friends. Enjoy eating lunch with your co-ops while picking their brains with all of your questions on the field experience or about the lesson you are teaching for the first time. Enjoy creating fun lessons for your students. Be proactive about interviews! Make the time to reach out to other schools even though you haven’t graduated yet! Be proactive with your goals. Set goals for yourself that you would like to achieve during this experience. Take initiative with your co-op! Make those copies, come up with new ideas, start the math lesson with out being instructed to do so! YOU GOT THIS!

SRU Students in general, enjoy being at the ROCK! Time flies while you are there and all of a sudden you are out here in the real world. Also, enjoy your weekends with all of your best friends around you, because soon enough you all will graduate and move on with your careers and other endeavors. 

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

Two words. MICHELLE MCCOLLIN! I could not even begin to imagine what my experience at SRU would have been like with out Dr. McCollin. When I met her my first semester of school we instantly connected due to her class being my favorite. I would visit her during office hours to expand my knowledge on what was discussed during the lecture, as well as vent about my issues at school. Her office became a safe space for me. I felt like no matter what was discussed in her office it was confidential and she really cared to make a difference in the life of all of her students. When I was expressing self-doubt or my confidence was lacking, Dr. McCollin was always there to give a pep talk, or keep it real with advice on what to do next. As I moved into my Jr. year at SRU I realized that Michelle McCollin was more like a friend or family member. She would take me out to lunch and discuss how I was doing, how classes were going, as well as introduce me to her amazing eyes for Africa organization. She instantly became a person I contacted with all my successes and failures! She sadly passed away during my senior year at Slippery Rock University. Something she said to me that I will always value is “ We as advocates have to be compassionate ALWAYS, judgmental NEVER. “

5.  What makes a great teacher?

What makes a great teacher.. That is such a fully loaded question. What makes someone a great teacher to me is someone who values students and their relationships, an advocate for all students regardless of background or ability, as well as someone who is dependable, flexible, and consistent.

Cara Nicewarner

1. What school district and grade/s do you currently teach?  

I am currently a 6th grade, Science and History Special Education teacher in Frederick County Public Schools in Virginia.

2. What is one positive experience that you have had with a student?

One positive experience that I have had with a student was when a student that I had previously taught in sixth and seventh grade, who had a difficult time focusing, managing time and completing work in class, would come back to see me to tell me about the improvements he was making in each of those areas during his 8th grade year because of the strategies we had worked on together over the previous 2 years.  Over the course of his last year in middle school, he would be sure to share his successes with me and was excited to see what he could accomplish as he moved on. 

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

My best advice to current students would be to always make sure you are making connections with the students in your classroom.  Ask them how they are doing or what they have coming up over the weekend.  Building positive relationships early on in the school year can be so valuable to your students and it truly is the small gestures that go a long way.  You never know which of your students will need those questions to know that you truly do care about them beyond what they are able to show you in the classroom. 

4. What do you love most about teaching?

What I love most about teaching is getting to see my students everyday, sharing in their excitement for learning or helping them find it throughout the year, and supporting them each day so that they have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.  When you are working with a student and they hit their "a-ha" moment, it's so great to see their smiles and the joy for learning come out. 

5. What makes a great teacher?

I think a great teacher is someone that takes the time to build positive relationships with their students.  It's maximizing the potential in the classroom while also letting your students know that you care about what is going on outside of those school walls.  I also think that a great teacher never stops learning.  Whether you are continuing your career path or seeking new and innovate teaching tools/strategies to use in your classroom, a great teacher never stops striving to find what will be best for their students.

Sarah Pruss

1. What school district and grade/s do you currently teach?

         I currently teach at Lockerman Middle School in Caroline County, Maryland. My first two years of teaching, I taught the 7^thgrade ELA Gifted and Talented Program. Last year and this current school year, I am teaching 7^thgrade ELA inclusion with a co-teacher.

2.  What do you love most about teaching?

         I love working with young minds. Middle school minds work in mysterious ways, but I enjoy teaching students the strategies and structures that guide deep thinking. It is inspiring to see and hear the growth of a student through a conversation, especially when it is a topic of interest. It is also enjoyable to create lessons based off of student interest. If I know what students are into, I can match the topic to an ELA skill; with that approach, I am simultaneously tracking their academic growth and watching students engage in a meaningful and purposeful conversation.

3. Name one SRU experience, in general or specific to the field, that you will never forget and explain why.

         In general, my student teaching experience was quite memorable. In some instances, I was pushed out of my comfort zone and I learned through successes and failures. Specifically, I attended a PAMLE conference at Penn State University with my supervisor, Dr. Hilton, during my student teaching experience. We listened to a guest speaker, Manny Scott, who said something that still sticks with me through my teaching career. Scott stated, “You can bring a horse water and make it drink. Give it enough salt.” As I plan my lessons, interventions, goals, etc., I always try to consider what might motivate the student when we approach a skill, topic, or rigorous task in ELA.

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

         You will have teaching years that you will love and others that you will struggle through. You have to wear your thick skin like armor and approach each day with a fresh attitude. You will have days where your lesson goes flawlessly, days where the kids will teach you something, and days where you are worn out. If you go into this profession as an open-minded lifelong learner, you will be a successful teacher.

5. What makes a great teacher?

         Dr. Hilton also once told me that, “Teaching is the profession that creates all other professions.” A great teacher is a teacher who is able to adapt to differing personalities, varying interests, and diverse learning styles. Teachers wear multiple hats and someone who can change that hat as needed is someone that students will be able to refer to, work with, and most importantly, respect. You are shaping the future of our world and it takes a special person to be able to handle the world’s young minds.

Kaci Vandergrift

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

As I began my educational background, I started at Slippery Rock University as Health and Physical Education Major with an emphasis in Adapted Physical Activity and Coaching. I graduated with a Bachelors in Education, majoring in Physical Activity and Fitness Management with an emphasis in Fitness and Adapted Physical Activity. I completed my Internship at North Fayette Community Center as Assistant Summer Camp Supervisor and Fitness Instructor. During my time at Slippery Rock University, I held multiple roles such as: Athletic Department Student Worker, Green and White Society Ambassador, Student Government Commuter Senator, Jumpstart Program Mentor, FYRST Seminar Peer Leader, FIT Club Treasurer, Women’s Club Volleyball Player, Envision Blind Sports Camp Coach, and Special Olympics Volunteer.

As I continued my education, I completed my Master’s Degree in Health and Physical Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Throughout that time, I was a Graduate Assistant for the Special Needs Activity Program and a Volunteer Assistant Coach for Indiana University of PA Women’s Volleyball Team. To start my student teaching experience, I was given the opportunity to complete my credentials at North Allegheny School District student teaching at North Allegheny Intermediate High School Health and Physical Education with Mr. Dave Schmidt and Ms. Melanie Lynch. Continuing my student teaching experience at North Allegheny, I finished my K-5 teaching at Franklin Elementary School, guided by Mrs. Danielle Borkowski. January 2019, post-graduation, the first position I held was a long-term substitute teacher for 7-12 Health and Physical Education, and Assistant 8th Grade Volleyball coach.

2. What initially peaked your interest in pursuing a degree in education?

Before pursuing a degree in education, initially I believe that my experience as a high school athlete, and positive interaction with former teachers, and coaches peaked my interest in wanting to become a teacher. My passion for movement, health, and fitness grew stronger which made me want to share, teach, and work with others. I always enjoyed working with others and taking an active role in my community.

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

In general, Slippery Rock University has been the most encouraging and rewarding experience I have had in my life. The Department of Health and Physical Education has been supportive and helpful throughout my entire journey. An SRU faculty that had a positive influence on me was my Academic Advisor, Dr. Randy Nichols, because he always led by example and I always aspired to be a role model like he was for other students and the department. Without Dr. Nichols believing in me and pushing me I would not be where I am today.

In addition, I would also like to thank two other positive influences in my at SRU:

Special thanks Dr. Leight for inspiring and encouraging my coaching and leadership career. As well as, teaching and sharing incredible technology trends to utilize in the classroom.

Huge thanks to Mrs. Fagan for fueling my passion for working with the blind and visually impaired through Envision Blind Sports and heartening experiences with students with physical and intellectual disabilities. If there is one woman who can do it all, it is her.

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

One piece of advice I would give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program at SRU is to always have a positive mindset. Teaching may be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done, but it will also be the most rewarding. Volunteer and be involved as much as you can. Colleges can prepare you for a lot but the more you step out of your comfort zone and discover new interests and people it will prepare you and give you the right tools for your professional career.

5. What makes a great teacher?

I believe a great teacher is more than just an educator; they are champions that advocate for their students, value and build relationships, encourage and support learning, they are honest, dedicated, and the list goes on and on but most importantly great teachers help students learn and live for which, is why I chose this profession. Every teacher can be GREAT in their own way and move mountains!

Melissa Barton

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

I graduated from Slippery Rock in 2017 with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. I have a certification for grades Pre-K through 4 with an add-on certification in grades 5 and 6. In Spring 2017, I student taught in the South Butler County School District (Knoch) in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. The following school year, I was hired in the same district as a long-term substitute for 5th grade Math. As that position ended, I was hired in the same school full time as a classroom teacher. This is my second year in my own classroom teaching 5th Grade Math and Social Studies (and Science this year too). I am currently working on my Master's degree in K-8 Math and Science through Slippery Rock online as well.

2. What do you love most about teaching?

One of my favorite parts about teaching is getting to know and understand the students' personalities. Each class has a variety of personalities and I love being able to see how they fit together in our classroom. I like the beginning of the year, after the first few days of school, when the students' interests and personalities start to show and I really get to know them better. One of my other favorite parts about teaching is seeing the students grow, not just academically, but socially as well. I love watching students grow as leaders over the course of the year, whether it be by helping other students or by speaking up in discussions. 

3. Name one SRU experience, in general or specific to the field, that you will never forget and explain why.

I will never forget the last semester of classes at SRU before student teaching. I was in a block of classes that only had 11 students in it. The small classes really allowed me to come out of my shell! It was a very hands-on semester in classes and with tutoring at the local elementary school, so I enjoyed it the most out of all of my time at Slippery Rock. I also had surgery on my foot early in the semester and was unable to walk for most of the time, but my classmates helped me out and both my professors and classmates were extremely supportive. 

4. What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the education department?

I had been in an education program at a school in Ohio, and I transferred to Slippery Rock after a semester at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). I chose Slippery Rock because of the positive reputation of the education department as well as the ease of communication and efficiency with the admissions counselors. I was in contact with transfer admissions staff when I registered for class at CCAC, and they helped me figure out which classes to take at CCAC that semester to make my transition to Slippery Rock efficient and smooth. Sure enough, I transferred to SRU as a first-semester junior and was able to finish the program in 4 semesters seamlessly. That took an incredible amount of attention to detail on behalf of the transfer department and the College of Education, for which I was very thankful. My professors and advisors throughout my career at Slippery Rock have always been extremely helpful and I always felt well-looked after. I largely credit my College of Education professors and advisors with my success in achieving my goal of having my own classroom in Western PA!

5. What makes a great teacher?

A cooperating teacher shared with me the "3 Hs" of a great teacher. It is a balance of qualities that I strive to have each day in my classroom because I believe that it truly describes the qualities of an outstanding educator. The "3 Hs" are head, heart, and humor.