1. What school district and grade/s do you currently teach?
I just started a new job at Mother Teresa Academy in Erie as a 5-8th grade ELA teacher. It is a catholic school for inner city students. I previously worked for an inner city charter school called Erie Rise Leadership Academy Charter school.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is that I have the privilege of working with inner-city students who are working incredibly hard to create a life for themselves. School is their safe place and they want to be there. My new students are at Mother Teresa to help get them into a college preparatory school here in Erie, so they have a excellent chance at getting into a good college. This school gives them the discipline and encouragement they need to succeed and I get to see and help these students reach their full potential.
3. What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program?
One big piece of advice I would give student's enrolled in the teacher preparation program is that they should not expect their first class to be "rainbows and sunshine" as I expected it to be. As my old CEO told me, "let your first year manifest itself and put up big numbers your second year". I took this advice my first year and I made mistakes, cried a lot, and learned from every situation. The first year of teaching will be your hardest. It is where the bumps and bruises happen, but you only go up from there. Teaching is the most rewarding job and all of the tough times are worth it.
4. Name one SRU experience, in general or specific to the field, that you will never forget and explain why.
My one SRU experience that I will never forget is student teaching in Ireland. I will forever be grateful to SRU for this experience of a lifetime. I was not only able to incorporate my passion with traveling, which is one of my favorite activities. I made friends and relationships that will last a lifetime. I loved being able to experience how education works in another country and I was fortunate to bring back different practices I learned to PA and pitch ideas to the schools I have worked in. If you have a chance to travel abroad for student teaching, do not question it, GO.
5. What makes a great teacher?
What do I think makes a great teacher? Compassion and passion. Teachers who are passionate about teaching make students who are passionate about learning. Teachers who are compassionate towards their students create a family environment where students feel safe and want to learn.
