Kaiti and Ian Hillman

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

Kaiti-

I graduated from SRU in 2007 with a Bachelors of Science

in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education.

I began my career as a PreK teacher in Berkeley County

Schools, WV. During the past 15 years I have also taught 1st

grade, I was a media specialist (K-5), technology coach

(K-12), and an instructional coach (K-8). I am currently an

Elementary Instructional Support Facilitator (K-5) for

Jefferson County Schools, WV. 

 

Ian- 

I received my Bachelors of Science at SRU in Secondary

Education with a concentration in Social Studies. I have

taught several high school Social Studies courses, and Special

Education. I have been an assistant principal at a middle

school and high school, a principal at an elementary school,

and am currently the principal of Musselman Middle School in

Berkeley County Schools, West Virginia

 

2. Name one SRU experience, in general or specific to the

field, that you will never forget and explain why. 

My best SRU experience was my field/student teaching

experience at Moraine Elementary. I was lucky enough to be

in the same classroom from November through April, with a

cooperating teacher who became like a second mom. I

learned a lot from Mrs. Glover and I’m thankful for the

experience!

A memorable experience is when our class had to prepare

mini lessons and our professor, Dr. Thomas would act as a

disruptive student and give us practice in how to handle that.

It kept us on our toes and gave us practical experience we

could use in our future classrooms. 

 

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

and explain why. 

Dr. Vetere was my advisor. She helped guide me in making

good decisions for my future. I had considered just doing

early childhood education, but I’m glad I kept the dual major

so that I had more options.

Two SRU faculty members that had a positive influence were

Dr. Dixon in the history department who taught me many

things about writing and the art of storytelling, and Dr. Mraz

who taught us how to make history come alive for our future

students through movement and creativity, in addition to

teaching me a few ways to tie a tie. 

 

4. What initially piqued your interest in pursuing a degree in

education? 

Honestly, I had my mind made up at 5 years-old, that I was

going to be a teacher. I love children, and I love helping them

learn by being a guide on the side. Over the years I’ve also

become very passionate about advocating for all students to

ensure they receive a quality education and that they’re able

to reach their full potential with someone believing in them.

Throughout school, I had teachers and coaches that pushed

and challenged me, and I wanted to be part of that process

for future generations. When we can get students to achieve

something they did not think they could, it is very rewarding. 

 

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

The most rewarding aspect of my job is getting to watch

students collaborate with one another and flourish. I love

making connections with the students and teachers and

watching new strategies help students.

When you work with a student and they grow to like school

and want you to share in their success, it makes all of the

effort you put in worthwhile. Also when you have former

students contact you and mention you had a positive impact

and were a factor in them becoming a teacher, that is

certainly gratifying. 

 

6. What makes a great teacher? 

One of the most important characteristics of a great teacher

is to be a lifelong learner with a growth mindset. As a teacher,

you must continue to grow, continue to learn best practices as

new research comes out, and learn the latest technologies so

you can help your students thrive in a digital world. Another

quality of a great teacher is being flexible. Everything is not

going to go according to your plan and you’ve got to be able

to roll with it. Whether it’s a well planned lesson that students

just aren’t grasping, or the internet is down, you need to be

cool under pressure, and ready to change your plans. And of

course, loving your students and wanting them to succeed is a

must!

The recipe for a great teacher requires a few components.

First, a teacher must create relationships with their students

and find ways to support, motivate, and challenge them. Great

teachers constantly assess student progress and work with

their peers to find new strategies when needed. Great

teachers never stop learning and never give up on their

students.