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!