Norah Doyle

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

Graduated from Slippery Rock in May of 2020, I have a dual degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. Right now, I am getting my Masters Degree as a reading specialist from Slippery Rock. I am also a Special Education teacher at Pressley Ridge Day School in Pittsburgh (behavior school). I teach students in grades 5-8.

 

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

I completed a field experience at The Watson Institute in Sewickley, PA and that made me see a different side of schools. I like how it is only for some students, and not everyone mixed together. It allows students to grow in a different type of school community. That helped me make the decision to teach in a school like Pressley Ridge.

 

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

There were a few professors that really helped me grow and know where I want to be as a teacher. One was Dr. Monique Alexander because she showed me how important it is to build trusting relationships with students. Because of the relationships I built with my students, they have been able to tell me personal things they may be struggling with.

 

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

I have always felt that I was meant to be a teacher. Being able to start field work right away at Slippery Rock helped me be confident that I made the right decision.

 

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

I think the most rewarding part of my job is seeing students succeed. The students I work with don’t have a ton of confidence in themselves, so seeing them feel proud when they complete that math problem or read that story in front of the class makes all the hard days worth it.

 

6. What makes a great teacher?

I think patience makes a great teacher. Today in schools, teachers are asked to do 10 different things and still be able to be patient with that student who won’t stop talking or just needs more support. By being able to keep ourselves calm in stressful situations is one aspect of a great teacher.