What is your educational background and what positions have you held? Please include current school district and grade/s.
I earned my bachelors degrees in elementary education K-6 and special education K-12 from SRU. I have an ESL program specialist certification, as well highly qualified certifications in middle school Math, Language Arts, and Science.
My entire 11 years of teaching have been spent at George Junior Republic within the Grove City Area School District. I’ve taught a variety of courses. The last two years I have been teaching in a full-time emotional support classroom, and this year I will take on our ELL program.
2. Name one SRU experience, in general or specific to the field, that you will never forget and explain why.
Many of my classes in the special education department gave assignments and activities that we would use as teachers. I specifically remember digging through and analyzing redacted achievement tests, differentiating actual classroom materials, conducting a functional behavioral assessment, and even practicing relationship building activities in class. There were many conferences and committees on campus that were offered to us, as well. I enjoyed that many classes had a primary focus on certain disabilities, which I still refer back to today.
3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.
I’ve had so many wonderful professors at SRU, and I still keep in touch with many of them. Whether it be to catch up with or to seek advice from, it’s heartwarming to see how many of them care about their former students.
Dr. Barger-Anderson was my advisor, professor, and practicum supervisor. She always took the time to help guide me through every step of my undergrad career at SRU. Her calm demeanor, kindness, and passion for special education are some of the reasons why she had such a positive influence on me.
4. What initially piqued your interest in pursuing a degree in education?
I have many family members who have worked in the education field, and they all inspired me to become a teacher myself. To this day, my mom recalls how rewarding her time in the classroom was, and I always enjoyed hearing her stories from school and spending time with her there. I specifically remember when my aunt would come home from Virginia in the summer. She would haul all of her materials with her, and I enjoyed watching her prepare for the upcoming school year. I also remember going to “Take your Child to Work Day” with my aunt when I was still young myself. It was fascinating to see what school looked like from the teacher’s perspective.
5. What do you love most about teaching?
I enjoy the challenge of seeing through the tough exteriors of some students to see what they need from me to help them be successful in class.
I love learning about my kids and how uniquely different we all from one another-cultures, languages, beliefs, experiences, etc. and how we can embrace all of these differences and be an awesome classroom family.
6. What makes a great teacher?
Grace, patience, empathy, kindness, and consistency with flexibility.
I try not to take for granted that every day we have the ability to make a difference in a child’s life that goes far beyond just academics. We get the chance to inspire, support, and mentor some of the most meaningful life lessons and relationships. Without knowing it, we model how to positively interact with others, how we handle pressure, how we show respect, along with so many other things that are important to success in their futures.
