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. 

Becca Herron

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

I was first hired to teach in Virginia right after graduation I taught 3rd grade and Kindergarten. Then I moved to Grove City, Ohio where I currently teach 4th grade. I have taught in this position going on 5 years. 

2. What do you love most about teaching?
The thing I love most about teaching is being able to work with students from different backgrounds and trying to find their spark for learning. This all starts with building good relationships with your students.

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

One experience that really speaks to me is the first day of my intro to special education class. Dr. Merhaut came into class and began to show us pictures of this sweet baby and explaining everything doctors had to do with her when she was born. He then went on to explain that that little baby was his daughter. He then explained their story. This really helped me connect with the class.

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

Ever since kindergarten I have always wanted to be a teacher. As I got older I took a teaching professions class at my vocational school and that really solidified my desire to teach but it also sparked my interest in special education. 

5. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is someone who really knows their students and are invested in their academic, social and emotional growth. Not just in the year they have you but in the years after. When former students come with siblings to meet the teacher and visit my room I try to check in on them and see how their year is going and goals that they have.