Claire Facemyer

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

I was a Secondary education (7-12) Social studies major at SRU when I got my  Bachelor's Degree, and I am currently enrolled in graduate school through SRU to receive my Masters in Secondary education (7-12) social studies! I am currently teaching 9th grade World History and European History at Lake Worth High School in Lake Worth, Florida!

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

One SRU related experience I will never forget was student teaching in Ireland! I met the most amazing people from SRU and in the school in Ireland. Traveling and having the opportunity to teach in another country was truly the most eye-opening experience! You learn unique teaching tips and see how countries value education differently!

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

One professor who had the most positive influence on me was a professor in the history department, Dr. Bergmann. While Dr. Bergmann's courses were challenging, he pushed his students to be the best they could possibly be. I had him for 'The Historian's Craft' where we learned the fundamentals of HOW to study history. In this class, we were given a research project that seemed IMPOSSIBLE. But after a LOT of hours in the library and a few meetings with Dr. Bergmann, I created a research paper that I was proud of. Eventually, Dr. Bergmann chose my paper, along with a few other classmates' papers, to be presented at a state conference, which in itself was another amazing experience that helped my professional growth.

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

I had always considered being a teacher, however, initially, it was my 'back up'. I wanted to go to law school, but wanted a bachelor’s in something I knew I could get a job in, in case law school did not work for me. However, through my time at SRU and student teaching, I realized teaching is my passion, and it is what I was meant to do!

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

The most rewarding aspect of my job is the look on students’ faces when they find a concept that 'clicks' for them. History is a subject that not a lot of students are interested in, so it is the MOST exciting thing for me when I can make students look forward to learning about history by finding that 1 thing that they're interested in and understand. It shows the students that you care about their success, not only in your class but in them overall as well!

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is someone who is dedicated to building relationships with their students. Students need to feel valued as people and individuals, not just a student sitting in a desk in a classroom. A teacher who develops a relationship with students is able to foster a positive environment that makes the students feel valued, understood, and appreciated.