Amanda Vogel

 

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

I attended Slippery Rock University starting in the Fall of 2014 as an Early Childhood Education student. While attending SRU, I worked a part-time job at the SGA Child Care Center in the McKay Education Building as an Assistant Group Supervisor. I was able to finish my degree in 3.5 years and graduated from SRU in December 2017 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Upon graduation I obtained a job as a Kindergarten Aide and After School Director at St. Bede School in Pittsburgh. I was fortunate to have acquired this position so quickly after commencement. This experience opened the door for me to be considered as an additional lead teacher for this school year. I am currently a Kindergarten teacher of 14 beautiful students.

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

It is challenging to pick one most rewarding aspect because becoming a teacher comes with challenges you never thought you would face and different accomplishments every single day. Becoming a teacher is more than just being an educator. One of the most rewarding aspects is to know that you can make a difference in a child’s day or even life, beyond their academic skills. You are a child’s biggest cheerleader, friend, safe place and leader. To see a child’s pure and genuine smile is the most rewarding aspect of my job.

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

It is going to sound extremely stereotypical, but enjoy every moment. You do not realize how fast it truly goes until you are walking across the stage at commencement. For students in the teacher preparation program, my biggest suggestion is to get as much experience as you can. One of my best experiences at Slippery Rock was working at the university child care center. I highly recommend putting in an application to work there if you are committed to this field. The education field is extremely competitive, you need to build your resume and make yourself stand out with your qualities and strengths. This is your time to step out of your comfort zone and go above and beyond! Being an effective teacher requires many skills and at times, they are skills professors cannot teach in the classroom. These skills are acquired through experience, practice and dedication. As teachers, we are committed to a career that does not end at 3:00pm, practice your time management now! Always remember, communication will make a difference with your peers, your students, administration and your future classroom parents.

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

One major asset that SRU has that is not offered at every university is the opportunity to step foot into a classroom so early in the program. Slippery Rock University provides countless opportunities and outlets for their students to utilize. My best experience was my student teaching placement at Plum Borough School District. I was placed with a talented, excited, creative and inspiring cooperating teacher. Not only did I have a fantastic cooperating teacher, but I was also supervised by Dr. Robert Snyder. Dr. Snyder is a professor who is always there to mentor and lead you through your education journey. Dr. Snyder is available to assist with questions, concerns and ideas. Professors in the Education Department take the time to get to know their students personally and academically which makes them stand out amongst other professors you may meet. Another experience that I am thankful for was working with Dr. Carmine DeCarlo and tutoring the Slippery Rock Elementary School students. While working at the SGA Child Care, I was able to work alongside three professional and enthusiastic preschool teachers; Ms. Olivia Van der zee, Mrs. Julia Williamson and Mrs. Chrissy Mulato. Those three preschool teachers were not only my coworkers but amazing role models during my time at Slippery Rock University. I was able to learn techniques from them so early on in my college career that I could use throughout my field and student teaching placements.

5.    What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is someone who is willing to go that extra mile in the classroom even when they have had the flu the night before. Great teachers are selfless, caring, patient and excited about their students and learning. Great teachers know their students academically, socially and emotionally.  As teachers we are literally changing the future in every little aspect that we can. Our students see us as superheroes so we must put on our cape every day with a smile, no matter what bad thing happened before walking in those school doors.