Jordan Militello

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

I graduated from Slippery Rock University in May of 2020 with a major in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. I currently teach at Pinellas County School District in Florida. I am teaching in a Kindergarten and 1st grade Autism Spectrum Disorder self-contained classroom. In December I will be transitioning to a 2nd grade classroom. 

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

I will never forget during my student teaching when we got sent home and had to go fully online due to the pandemic. My supervisor, Dr. Erickson made sure that we were going to be prepared to graduate. He had administrators from many different schools join our zoom meetings to practice interviewing and to give us advice. During those few months, he provided support and made me feel confident that I was prepared to graduate even though we were not traditionally student teaching. 

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why. 

Dr. LaGamba. She took the time to know all of us both as students and future teachers. During field, no matter the time of the day, she always made sure to check-in and to see if we needed anything. Dr. LaGamba was very supportive, provided guidance and assistance. 

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

I have always had interest in being a teacher. I want each of my students to know that they can do anything as long as they work their hardest and set goals. 

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

A lot of my students are non-verbal or have limited communication skills. I have been teaching them sign language. When one of my students signed “please” and “thank you” without any prompting I felt a sense of accomplishment. At that moment, I realized that all of the prior daily prompting to use sign language had paid off. 

6. What makes a great teacher? 

I believe a great teacher is someone who teaches from the heart, shows compassion and concern for each student. 

Megan Wild

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

I studied Early Childhood and Special Education at SRU as a dual major. As a recent grad in May, I have been fortunate enough for the opportunity to be a long term sub at Chartiers Valley Primary School. I am currently a first-grade teacher until the end of the school year.

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

One experience I will never forget from my time at SRU is the impact I made in my learning support student teaching placement. I got to teach 4th-6th grade learning support in reading. It was amazing to teach those kids!

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

An SRU faculty member that had a positive influence on me was Dr. Mild. She was my student teaching advisor who always pushed me to do my best.

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

The main thing that peaked my interest in becoming an educator was my high school’s preschool program. This was my first interaction with teaching children. Teaching the preschoolers helped open my eyes to where my heart truly belonged.

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

The most rewarding aspect of my job is building relationships with my students by letting them know I will always be there for them. I want all students to feel welcomed into our classroom.

6. What makes a great teacher?

The thing I think makes a great teacher is someone who wants their students to always try their hardest and support them in their education.

Sophia Joanow

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

I graduated from Slippery Rock in May 2020 with a dual degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. I am currently a Learning Behavior Specialist for grades K&1 at Jonathan Burr Elementary School in Chicago, IL.

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

My student teaching experience (along with all other May 2020 student teachers) was one for the books! I spent 9 weeks teaching 1st grade at Mohawk Elementary School. I spent the next 9 weeks teaching 4th & 5th grade learning support at Mohawk- but online. Student teaching during the first school shutdown of the covid-19 pandemic was crazy because no one knew what would happen next. We just had to roll with the punches, which mirrors what teaching in itself is like. Education is not linear, there will always be twists and turns! (pandemic or not)

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

If I could name all of my SRU professors, I would! I truly believe that I would not be where I am today without the awesome professors at SRU. Dr. Kelly was especially a support system for me during my undergraduate experience. She gave me the opportunity to complete a research project, expanding my knowledge of education in ways I didn’t know existed. In addition to that, she was the professor I went to if I needed advice or just a place to hangout in Mckay. She is the best!

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

I originally came to SRU as a public health major looking to join the PA program. The day before classes started freshman year, I didn’t feel like that was the path for me and switched my major. The first day of classes in education was like a breath of fresh air- I immediately knew that I was going to be a teacher!

5. What do you love most about teaching?

I really believe that the corny saying “do what you love and you will never work a day in your life” is absolutely true. The thing I love most about teaching is that school is such a fun and happy place to be. Just as we teachers try and make school a second home for the students, it is for us as well! Your class starts to feel like a family- and that is so heartwarming.

6. What makes a great teacher?

I believe that a great teacher is someone who always puts the needs of their students first, before all else. The whole district of Chicago Public Schools is virtual until the foreseeable future, and my administration has put an emphasis on meeting our students’ basic needs. If they need a break, they get a break. If they want to just hang out and chat for a little, we hang out and chat. Education is focused on caring for your students just as much as it is focused on learning!

Olivia Freed

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

I graduated from SRU in May 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. I worked for the SRU/SGA Child Care Center and Preschool during my undergrad as an assistant teacher, and after graduating, as a head teacher of the summer preschool program. I worked as a paraprofessional in an autistic support classroom during the extended school year program. Now, I am working as a graduate assistant within the Early Childhood Department here at SRU, as well as working for an applied behavior analysis therapy clinic. I am a Registered Behavior Technician (awaiting confirmation to take the written exam due to covid-19), working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays. I am also enrolled at SRU in the Special Education Master’s program with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis.

 

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

I have truly appreciated all of my experiences at SRU for so many reasons. I feel that my time at SRU has helped shape me into the well-rounded professional and person that I am today. The College of Education, and specifically the Early Childhood and Special Ed. Departments, provided me with several opportunities to grow as an educator and professional, through field experiences, coursework, professors, travel opportunities, clubs and organizations, and more. SRU also gave me the opportunity to be involved outside of the College of Ed. Through clubs like the Musical Theatre Society, which allowed me to meet people from a variety of majors and backgrounds. These experiences have shaped me into the strong and successful person that I am today.

 

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

There are so many faculty that have positively impacted me at SRU. There are a couple that come to mind, like Dr. Bieniek and Dr. Kelley, who have, and continue to positively impact me. Dr. Beiniek has been someone that I go regularly to with questions and for advice. He is always willing to lend a hand when needed, and I am so thankful for his continued wisdom and support. Dr. Kelley is someone who I always looked up to as an undergrad, and now, I have the opportunity to work alongside her as a graduate assistant. She is passionate about positively impacting her students and the field of education, and I am thankful to be able to know her and learn from her.

 

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

I always wanted to be a teacher. I grew up wanting to help people, and the world of education provided me with that ability. As I moved through the program at SRU, I fell more in love with working with individuals with disabilities, and I eventually learned about Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and the impactful work they do. Through the coursework and faculty at SRU, I have been able to pursue my dream career!

 

5. What do you love most about your work in the field of education?

My favorite part of working in the field of education is seeing my clients/students succeed, and it’s so amazing to see a child grasp a new concept or skill. It’s rewarding to see the pride they have and know that I played a role in helping them achieve that goal.

 

6. What makes a great teacher?

I think what makes me a great teacher is my determination to think outside the box and my desire to see my students be successful. I want to do whatever I can to help them become kind, successful, and independent people.

Jenna Achtzehn

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

I graduated from Slippery Rock in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. I am currently a 3rd grade teacher at Oakland Elementary School in Clarksville, Tennessee.  

 

2. Name one SRU experience that you will never forget.  

The experience I will never forget is traveling abroad to Italy over spring break. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and something I got to experience alongside some of my closest friends.  

 

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and why.  

Dr. Amodei would be the faculty member that had the most positive influence on me during my time at SRU. Dr. Amodei was not only one of my professors but also my advisor for PSEA which I was heavily involved in. Above being my advisor, she was a friend, she was always the person I could go to when I needed something, and she greatly cared about my successes.  

 

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

I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I was always very passionate about helping others and watching others succeed.  

 

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

I love seeing the growth and success of each one of my students. Especially the “light bulb” moment, when a student is struggling with something for a long time and eventually it just clicks. That makes everything worth it.  

 

6. What makes a great teacher? 

A great teacher is someone who cares about their students. A teacher can write any lesson plan and know every standard by heart, but if they don’t have that relationship with their students, it means nothing. Starting from the beginning of the year, a teacher should learn about their students and what makes each one of them special. These relationships make students feel welcome and safe in their classroom.

Jackelyn Bracken

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

I recently graduated from SRU in the Spring of 2020. I am currently a 3rd grade science and social studies teacher at Conemaugh Valley Elementary School- a small school outside of Johnstown, Pa. 

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

I will never forget the field experiences during my time as an SRU student. It was a great experience watching what we were learning in classes being put into practice, and knowing that you were one step closer to reaching your goal (becoming a teacher) after each placement. 

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

Darlene Bullock- her passion and positive attitude for the field was inspiring during each class. She went above and beyond for the students in the class in preparing us for whatever future was ahead of each student. I would also like to thank Dr. Lynch for teaching very realistic and modern classroom management skills, as well as preparing me for the reality of teaching. 

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

My journey originally began when I was a freshman nursing major at Robert Morris University and quickly realized I was in the wrong major. I transferred to SRU and never looked back! 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

I love getting to know my students and watching them succeed at something that was once a challenge! 

6. What makes a great teacher?

Being a first-year teacher during COVID has been much different than I ever anticipated my first year to be. However, I have not come across one teacher that is not trying their hardest and doing their best. Caring for your students and knowing that you have done the best you can is what makes a good teacher.

Savanna Wilson

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

I graduated from SRU this past May so my teaching background only started a few months ago! I found my current teaching home in Hampton Township School District this year. I started off here as a building substitute teacher, but I am currently a Long Term Substitute Special Education Teacher. I teach elementary students (K-5) with special needs who have IEPs regarding academic areas, social, behavior and/or life skills.

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

Being able to have field experience at The Watson Institute was an experience that I will never forget. I was in a classroom with students who had severe physical and intellectual disabilities. These students truly touched my heart in so many ways and showed me why I want to be a teacher.

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

During my Professional Semester in the CoE, every single professor I had made my experience at SRU worth it. I went through a really tough time in my personal life which made college extra hard my senior year. Dr. Bieniek, Dr. Merhaut, Dr. Rose, and Dr. Mild helped me through my trying times and reminded me that I need to be there for my future students like they were for me.

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

I went to A.W. Beattie Career Center during my time in high school which is the main reason why I perused this path. My teacher there sparked a light in me that I didn’t know existed, and she helped me practice teaching skills that just came naturally to me.

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

Specifically in Special Education, watching a student achieve a goal is so rewarding. As a teacher working with students with special needs, the students get individualized services that help them reach their highest potential. Monitoring students for progress day in and day out and seeing positive results is what makes me go back every single day!

6. What makes a great teacher?

Someone who is in the field for their students. It is evident that the pay is not the reason a first-year teacher stays in the field. If you are in it for the students, you’re going to be a great teacher. Something that I have also learned, especially in special education, is that if I need to stand on my head to make a child learn, then so be it! A great teacher changes their “perfect” lesson plan to do what is in the best interest of their students.

Emily Tressler

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

I am a first-year Kindergarten teacher at Sandy Hill Elementary in Dorchester County, MD. My educational background is in early childhood education pre-k-4 and special education k-8.

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

One of my favorite SRU experiences would be my student teaching experience in New Castle PA as a Kindergarten teacher. This opportunity showed me that my heart lied in Kindergarten and it encouraged me to seek a position after school in Kindergarten as well.

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

There are so many positive faculty members at SRU, however Dr. Merhaut was such a great influence and was able to prepare me to the fullest when looking at special education terms and scenarios.

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

From the time I was 5 years old, I have always dreamt of being a teacher. It was a passion that grew and continued throughout my years and I am so grateful to have stuck with it all these years.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

Wow, this is a difficult question. I love many things about being a teacher but most importantly I love seeing the positive impacts I make on my children and the impacts my children make on me. I have learned many things from my kiddos and my goal is to help them learn and grow as individuals throughout the year.

6. What makes a great teacher?

I believe being a great teacher starts with your passion and mindset for teaching. Being driven to succeed and having the motivation to impact your students will most definitely go a long way!

Jake Klukaszewski

 

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

I studied at CCAC Boyce, Penn State New Kensington, and finally Slippery Rock where I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education with a focus in Social Studies/History. I completed my student teaching at Huston Middle School in Lower Burrell, PA. I am currently in my first year teaching at North Star Middle School in Somerset County, PA where I teach 6th Grade Social Studies.

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

My practicum experience at Lakeview High School was instrumental in my journey to certification. Dr. Hogue was phenomenal in helping me grow as a future educator. My co-op was also amazing and let me teach as many lessons as I wanted to. I was able to teach juniors and seniors, and during my student teaching experience I was able to teach middle school. It really helped me get the most out of my college teaching experience.

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

Three come to mind, Dr. Hicks, Dr. Christmann, and Dr. Hogue. All three gave me the tools necessary for teaching an effective lesson, creating an effective unit, and they also helped me prep for the interview process. Without these three men, I would not be where I am today.

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

My dad is a teacher, my mom is in education, and my sister is a teacher as well. It is in my blood and I knew it was something I wanted to pursue to make a difference in young people's lives.

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

Seeing the growth of students daily, and seeing students who never had a real interest in social studies grow a love for the class and subject as a whole. It's definitely the coolest part of the job.

6. What makes a great teacher?

Empathy, Kindness, and Flexibility. You need to be able to put yourself in your student's shoes to find out what makes them tick and what makes them want to learn. You need to be kind, in particular to kids who act out or tend to struggle the most, because these are the kids that need the most care. You also need to be flexible, because a lesson that works for one student or class, might not work for the next one!

Justine Yanosik

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

I graduated from Slippery Rock University in May of 2020 with a B.S in Mathematics Education and a minor in Elementary School Math. While at Slippery Rock I was actively involved on campus. I was a member of the Marching Pride, Pre-Service Teachers of Mathematics Club, President of Kappa Delta Pi, and had the opportunity to serve as an Orientation Ambassador. Upon graduation, I accepted a position at Fort Cherry Jr./Sr. High School as a Long Term Mathematics Substitute.

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

A once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget is traveling to Ireland with the SRU Marching Pride and not only competing in Dublin’s St. Patrick’s day parade, but also winning Best Overall Band. The experience abroad itself was incredible, but being able to spend it doing something I enjoy so much made it unforgettable.

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

Dr. Tours will forever hold a special place in my heart. She truly cares about each of her students and will take the time to sit and talk through any stressor you may have. She challenges her students because she sees potential in them, even when they don’t see it in themselves. She truly puts her students before herself and pushes them to be the best educator they can be.

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

Being an educator is in my blood. Ever since I was younger, I have always been the person all of my friends would go to for homework help, especially when it came to math.

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

Being an educator is rewarding in every aspect, especially when it comes to seeing students succeed in something they first thought was impossible.

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is eager, not only to teach but to give their students room to learn. They are passionate, about both their subject and their students. They are engaging and flexible, especially in the world of education we are currently living in. Most importantly though, teachers are personable and show students that it’s okay to make mistakes because that’s how we learn.

Aubrey Frye

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

I studied early childhood education and Spanish at Slippery Rock and recently graduated this past spring. At Slippery Rock, I completed my student teaching in a general education first grade classroom in Butler Area School District for 12 weeks. The last 4 weeks of my student teaching I completed in Dublin, Ireland in a second grade general education classroom. Right after graduation I started as a PCA for Mt. Lebanon's Summer Enrichment Program where I assisted in a first grade classroom and worked specifically with students with IEP's. This school year I accepted a long-term subbing position teaching High School Spanish 2 and Honors 2 at Penn Trafford High School in Harrison City.

 

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

The experiences I will never forget from SRU were my study abroad experiences. I know that with COVID it might be a while until SRU students are able to travel again, but I really feel that traveling with the programs at SRU really helped me learn more about teaching in other countries and helped me gain cultural experiences I would have never had without SRU. I would definitely recommend traveling and experiencing as much as you can during your time at SRU because it truly is worth it!

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

The faculty member that had a positive influence on my time at SRU was Dr. Sara Tours. Dr. Tours was my advisor for the last 2 years at Slippery Rock, she was my supervisor for student teaching, and she was the professor that took me on two of my abroad experiences; Spain and Ireland. Dr. Tours always went out of her way to help me with anything I needed at SRU, whether it was education related or not. She really cares about the success of her students and she is very well educated in the field of education. She is happy to help anyone with whatever they need at SRU!

 

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

My initial interest in education came from my background in dance. I started co-teaching dance when I turned 13. Since then, I have co-taught and taught many levels and ages of dance. During my time teaching dance in high school, I realized that teaching is something I am passionate about and I want to share my knowledge with other people. I also chose to pursue a Spanish degree to be able to teach Spanish. I chose to do this because I had an amazing high school Spanish teacher that really inspired me to want to learn and love the Spanish language and culture. In my current position, I am able to teach high schoolers Spanish and share my love of the language and culture with other people.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

The thing I love most about teaching is how rewarding it feels seeing your students succeed. In both teaching dance and teaching early childhood and Spanish, it is incredible to see students' growth throughout the year. I always love when you have a student who is struggling, and finally they have that "aha moment" when they find success. It makes everything worth it!

6. What makes a great teacher?

I believe that a great teacher is one that is willing to step outside of the box, try new things, and continually change and accommodate their lessons for their students. Really getting to know your students on a personal level and knowing about their interests separates a good teacher from a great teacher. Great teachers are always willing to change and modify their lessons based on the needs of their students, and to be able to better capture their students' attention and help them succeed in every aspect of life. Great teachers never give up and never stop modifying and updating their teaching techniques!

Sammie Walker Herrera

 

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

I graduated with my Master's in Student Affairs in Higher Education from the SRU Department of Counseling and Development. Prior, I had studied at Carnegie Mellon University where I earned two Bachelors of Arts degrees, one in Psychology and the other in Hispanic Studies. During my career, I have worked in diversity & inclusion, nonprofit association management, professional staff training, and clinical outpatient support, at various institutional types including mid-size public, Research 1 (R1), small Liberal Arts, and now a large, public R1. Currently, I work as a Career Coach at the University of Florida Career Connections Center (C3) in Gainesville, FL and advise students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). UF is the #7 top public schools in the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report ranking and our work in the C3 directly supports student outcomes that influence this ranking. 

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

I will never forget resurrecting one of the CDEV traditions for a year, our in-house professional development conference. As President of our Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA), our team worked hard to coordinate sessions, encourage students to submit programs, organize the schedule of events, and even hire SRU alumna and superstar, Elise Michaux, to take headshots. It was an awesome opportunity to see what knowledge our peers wanted to share and help them get their toes in the water to present at regional and national conferences in the future.

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

I advise graduate students in education to really look out for opportunities to build experience during your program. There are so many scholarships, internships, and volunteer opportunities that only exist for graduate students, so take the time during a lull in the program to see what opportunities your faculty know of and what's out there through an internet search. For example, I served as a Graduate Association for NASPA, the largest Student Affairs association internationally, an opportunity only open to Master's and doctoral students. This will help differentiate you in a competitive job market. More importantly, you learn about yourself and make lifelong friendships that propel you past your first entry-level job and into a career you're proud of.

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

My undergraduate university didn't have an education department, but if it had, I would have been the first student enrolled! I was trying to find myself in experimental psychology or cognitive science but those weren't social enough areas for me. I did take one education course in undergrad on how K-12 students learn English, math, and writing and though I knew I didn't want to work in K-12, I was hooked to these principles of teaching and learning and started applying them to my own studying. I knew then that I had been an educator the whole time (as a career services peer mentor) and that I could only keep growing my skills.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

I love how personal teaching is. Even when teaching a group of 5 or a seminar with 200 students, I find it so fun and rewarding to learn student stories and help them tell these to others. I try to share more about my identity and my career journey so that if something resonates with another, they can feel confident reaching out to me and knowing I have shared experience. You have to be you to teach.

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great educator is a person who is well-trained in human development and able to navigate many roles: advisor, supervisor, mentor, role model, engaged community member, and higher education advocate.

Ashley Samluk

 

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

I attended SRU for 4 1/2 years and majored in Secondary Education (English). After I graduated in December of 2016, I moved back to my hometown, Erie, Pennsylvania, and began long term subbing in a local school district right away. In the meantime, I decided to pursue my master's degree at Edinboro University. I still wanted to stick to English-based content, so I decided to enroll in their Reading program to be a certified Reading Specialist. While working towards my master's degree, I was hired full time at the high school that I attended and graduated from in 2012, which is also where I work now, McDowell High School. I teach at the 9th and 10th grade building, specifically teaching 9th grade English. I also have the privilege of serving as the assistant coach to the varsity softball team at McDowell. I recently finished my Reading Specialist program and will be starting my third year at McDowell. I am STILL absolutely overjoyed I get to teach and coach in such an amazing district!

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

In addition to being an education major, I was an athlete and played softball during my four years at SRU. While managing both my academic and athletic schedules was pretty stressful, I wouldn't have traded those four years for the world. The people I met while on that journey are still some of my best friends and mentors and I continue to stay in touch with them to this day. 

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

Be fearless. I struggled with this a lot going through college, especially when I started field work and student teaching. At first, I really doubted myself and my knowledge, or if I really was ready to actually teach. The truth is, I feel everyone has their doubts about themselves in some way, but in order to overcome those doubts and fears, we have to face them and tackle them head on. Being fearless, especially in this field, is such an important trait to embody because a lot of people (especially students) depend on you and look to you for guidance and support.

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

Ever since I was little, I remember my sister and I playing "school" in our basement. My parents were always very supportive of us playing and even bought us a big white board, supplied us with markers, pens, pencils, paper, you name it! We would even go as far as making up tests. As mean as this sounds though, I always made the argument that because I was older, I always had to be the teacher and she always had to be the student with the ten other stuffed animal "students". I always had a passion for helping and teaching people, so when decision time came to pick a major, it was pretty easy!

5. What do you love most about teaching?

The most amazing aspect of being a teacher is the relationships I get to make and keep with my students. It is really cool to see former students who I had a year or two ago pop into my room just to say hi and catch up, tell me something exciting that happened to them, or talk to me about their game the night before and how they scored a goal. Those positive adult connections truly do mean a lot to young adults and it's really fun to see them grow up and mature through their high school years. 

6. What makes a great teacher?

Authenticity. I think students, especially older students, appreciate when teachers are genuine and can legitimately depend on them. Half the battle of forming a relationship with ANY type of student is showing them that teachers and students are on the same team and that we are in this together.

Autumn Bender

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

I graduated from Slippery Rock University in May 2018 with a degree in both Early Childhood Education PreK-4 and Special Education PreK-8. I am currently pursuing a Master’s of Special Education with an Emphasis in Autism from Slippery Rock University. After graduating, I was a substitute teacher for East Penn and Parkland School Districts. In May 2019, I got my first full time teaching position as a Middle School Classroom Teacher at the Vanguard School in Malvern, Pennsylvania. The Vanguard School is an approved private school that provides individualized intervention and instruction to students with autism, emotional disturbances, developmental disabilities, and speech-language deficits.

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

During my time at Slippery Rock University, there were many experiences that I will never forget. My four years at Slippery Rock were honestly the best years of my life. One thing that I will never forget is my memories with CRU. Through CRU, I met some of my life-long friends that continue to support and encourage me. I loved having a close-knit group of people that could always count on. I also had the opportunity to spend a summer in Ocean City, MD. This allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, gain confidence, and meet people from all over the country and the world.

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

SRU is full of phenomenal faculty. One faculty member that had a positive influence on me was Dr. Lynch. He was my academic advisor for my four years at Slippery Rock. He had an inspiring passion about teaching and would always go out of his way for his students. Dr. Lynch also taught me effective and different strategies to manage my classroom. I still use the same strategies in my classroom today.

Another faculty member that had a positive influence on me was Dr. Bieniek. He was passionate about teaching and used real-life experiences in his lectures. His class helped me to realize my love for working with children with autism and influenced me to become a Verbal Behavior teacher.

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

A relative of mine was diagnosed with a learning disability. A teacher told him that he was “stupid and unteachable” in front of his whole class. He would come home crying and refuse to go to school, because of his teacher. I wanted to become a teacher because I never want someone to go through what he went through. I wanted to prove that everyone can be taught and everyone can achieve greatness in life.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

I love that I can change the world and create a positive impact on the world around me. As a teacher, I can give my students the necessary skills that they need to be successful, independent, and active members of their community. By giving them these skills, I can change their life for the better. I cannot wait to look back years from now and see the impact that I had on each of my students’ lives. 

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher always puts the students first. They make sure that they do whatever they need to ensure success in the classroom. They build strong and positive relationships with their students. Students learn best when they feel comfortable and welcomed. Great teachers know their students and differentiate their instruction to ensure that each student is learning in the way that they learn best! They incorporate student interests in their lessons to make lessons engaging and fun. Most importantly, a great teacher speaks up and advocates for their students, especially when students cannot do it themselves.