Kate Rauenzahn

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

I have my Bachelors in Physical and Health Education-Physical Activity and Fitness Management and Masters in Special Education- Applied Behavior Analysis from SRU. Since I graduated with my undergrad from SRU, I have worked mostly in the mental and behavioral health field in alternative education settings. I continued my education online with SRU as I was working full time. Currently, I am a manager for a not-for-profit organization, YWCA Tri-County Area in Pottstown, PA, in the Youth Empowerment Programs department. My position has 2 main components: I facilitate a program called Children Health and Movement Program Series at YW3CA’s Early Education and for outside child care centers as well. I also oversee and facilitate social-emotional programming that we provide at local school districts for girls in 1st-8th grades, and leadership/mentorship programs for girls 9-12th grades and young women 18-25 years old.

 

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

I remember my freshman year, it was my first semester at SRU as an undergrad. I was in Dr. Isherwood’s Low Incidence Disabilities class. I remember when he would share professional experiences and the clients he was working with in behavioral support classrooms. All of his stories really had an impact on me. I was very interested in the content as well. But when he shared his stories, I remember sitting in his class thinking “That is it. That is what I want to do.”

 

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

This is a really hard question. All the faculty in the PE department were so helpful and so influential in my education. Their passion for the field and education is amazing. If I had to choose 1, it would probably be Dr. Leight because she was so involved in everything in the department, and still took the time to get to know us as students. Even with her busy schedule, she was always there for me whenever I needed something related to my degree, whether it was a question, class substitution, or reference letter. I think it really speaks highly to someone’s character when they can be so successful in their field and in their own career, and still take the time to make personal connections with their students, and be a leader and a mentor.

 

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

I have always been really passionate about my own education and I wanted to help others find their way through their educational journey. I know that not every student likes school and not every student likes every class. I wanted to become an educational professional that would be able to help students understand that it is okay to not love it, but it was still important for them to do their best and view it as a more positive experience.

 

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

Getting to work with a variety of students. I love my job because it is the best of every world. I get to work with all ages, and I get to work in the two fields I am really passionate about: mental/behavioral health and wellness/movement!

 

6. What makes a great teacher?

I think what makes a great teacher is the combination of two things: having structure and high expectations and knowing when to bend and be flexible for the youth you are serving. I have found in my own practice and of the mentors I have worked with, that students thrive best when they have set expectations, but their educators are willing to listen and be open-minded.