Sarah Hackenburg

 

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

I received my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Geneva College. I then moved to Maryland and taught 1st and 2nd grade. After that, I took a few years off to stay home with my kids. During that time, I completed my Master's degree in Education and taught at Baltimore City Community College as an adjunct professor. My family then moved back to the Pittsburgh area in 2013, where I did some substitute teaching, taught at PA Distance Learning Charter School as a Title 1 teacher, and completed the courses for my special Ed certification from Slippery Rock University. I was hired by Seneca Valley School District in 2015 as a part time Title 1 Reading Teacher. Currently, I teach learning support full time at Ryan Gloyer Middle School.

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

To me, making even a small difference in a student's day is rewarding. I love being able to help students understand a skill or concept that they are struggling with.

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

Don't limit yourself to one area of Education. I started out as an elementary teacher, but found that I love middle schoolers. Always strive to learn and grow professionally. Your colleagues are your greatest asset!

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

Dr. Isherwood was very helpful and knowledgeable! All of my professors we're always willing to help and we're experts in their field. 

5. What makes a great teacher?

Someone who puts students first, is always learning and growing, and is flexible!

Leah Stearns

 

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

In May 2015 I received a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Edinboro University. Immediately after graduation from Edinboro, I began teaching pre-k in Franklin, PA. In September 2015, I accepted a teaching position with the School District of Philadelphia as a second grade teacher. I taught second grade for one year and have taught elementary autistic support for the past 3 years in the School District of Philadelphia. In December 2018 I graduated from Slippery Rock University with a Master's degree in Special Education/Autism. 

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

The most rewarding aspect of my job is getting to see my students growth during the years that they spend in my classroom. I have the privilege of teaching my students for multiple years so they grow a lot from the time when they first come to my classroom. 

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

Being a teacher is extremely rewarding and challenging at the same time. Your first year of teaching will be difficult but push through and you will get better! Effective teaching takes practice!

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

Taking classes for the autism certificate while completing my Master's degree at Slippery Rock really helped me to be a more effective teacher and increased my knowledge of best practices for students with autism.

5. What makes a great teacher?

I think that the ability to build positive, caring relationships with each student makes a great teacher. First and foremost, students need to know that their teachers care about them as an individual. In my opinion, a positive teacher-student relationship is a catalyst for academic achievement.