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.