Jacquilyn Paxton

 

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

Background:  Bachelor's in Elementary / Special Education-Graduated in 2008,  I also have a Masters in Autism, Masters in Math/Science K-8

Positions held: I taught 5th grade for two years-SRASD-2009-2011.  I currently teach Life Skills grades 9-12 at SRASD. I have taught Life Skills for 11 years.

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

I specifically remember learning so much from the Special Education department. I was able to gain a lot from the CEC conferences, field and student teaching.   Being in the classroom and learning from teachers was the best part of all. Their knowledge and organization helped me grow each and every day. 

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

There were many great faculty members at SRU. Someone that sticks out in my mind is Dr. Merhaut. He inspired me every single day. His knowledge in the field was an inspiration to me. He always motivated his students to do their best and it truly shows in his teaching. 

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

My mom is a teacher. I always had that interest from her growing up. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher just like her. Watching her teach was what motivated me to become a teacher today.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

The students. I love watching them learn and grow every single day. Each day is new and exciting and I love that about my job. They are truly the light of the world and I love seeing them excited about school. They make me a better person. 

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is someone who has patience, loves what they do and shows empathy towards their students. 

Corrie Cook

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

My name is Corrie Cook and I am a 2018 graduate of the masters of education with certification in social studies and am currently dual certified in 7-12 social studies as well as k-12 art. I also hold a Bachelors of fine art with a minor in art history from SRU. I currently teach history for grades 7, 10, and 11 at Kennedy Catholic middle/high school.

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

During my times at SRU some of my favorite memories were made spending time with fellow grad students and mock teaching each other during field.

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

One of my favorite professors was John Hicks because he always supported all of his students and gave us the judgement free advice that new teachers need.

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

The reason I wanted to get into teaching was for my own children and  because I knew I could make a difference in someone’s life by being a positive role model for the students in my classroom. 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

The thing I love most about teaching is building relationships with my students and seeing them grow as individuals.