Emily Armentrout

 

1. What is your educational background and what positions have you held? Please include current school district and grade/s.

I earned my BS in Early Childhood Education and Dance at SRU. I am currently completing my internship for my Masters in Adapted Physical Activity. Last year I was able to work as the Graduate Assistant for the SRU Child Care Center. This year I have a full-time position at Merrill Community Schools in Merrill, MI. I am teaching Physical Education grades K-6, an Exercise and Fitness class for middle schoolers, and a Dance class for high schoolers. All of my classrooms are inclusive, with 1/3 of our district's population holding IEPs or 504s. 

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

The trips I took abroad have changed my life. I also think that my relationships with my cohort and professors were like any other in the COE. I also had the experience to travel with Dr. Alexander (and Ayanna Weems) to Georgia to present research in October of 2019. The professional experience and relationships I gained from that trip were overwhelming and I still hold those memories dear. 

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

Trust yourself and your capabilities. The support you will receive from the COE is endless and lifelong. Make connections and find your place. Be open-minded to others and always remember where you started. 

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

It's genetic.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

I love impacting my student's lives. It is important to remember that every little thing you do has an impact on your students. Knowing that I can be someone who is a "positive" in their life, and sometimes one of the only safe, reliable people in their life makes it even more important for me to be the teacher I aspire to be. My students bring me so much joy, I hope that I can provide them just as much encouragement and support that they provide me every day. 

6. What makes a great teacher?

Respect. I find that when you can respect where your students are coming from, they will return the favor. Every day is different and you might not be able to meet each student where they are that day, but when you respect your students as the individuals they are, you're golden.

Sarah Mickinak

 

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

I graduated from Slippery Rock University in 2018 with a dual degree in Early Childhood Prek-4 and Special Education Prek-8. I am currently a master’s student at SRU in the Special Education program with an emphasis on Autism. I was a kindergarten teacher in Virginia for two years. I was the kindergarten team lead teacher as well.

2. What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the education department?

I always knew I wanted to go to SRU. I was automatically attracted to Slippery Rock because of their reputation of being a "teaching school."

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a teacher is seeing the growth that students make each day. In my first year of teaching, I had 13 students who spoke Spanish as their first language. With hard work and dedication, I got all 24 of my students on grade level for reading and math.

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

Dr. Lynch has had a positive influence on my educational career. He was my advisor all four years at SRU and is now one of my professors in my master’s program. He is an advocate for students with disabilities and continues to support me throughout my professional career. 

5. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is one who builds relationships with each and every student. A quote that has always stuck with me since my time at SRU is "Children don't learn from people they don't like." I work towards establishing a positive classroom community and building relationships from day one with my students.