Jada Jacobs

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

My educational background began at Butler County Community College for my first two years of college. I then finished off at SRU for my last two years in Early Childhood and Special Education. Currently, I am obtaining my masters degree through SRU as a Reading Intervention Specialist. Last school year, I landed my first job as a 6-12th grade special education teacher at Sharpsville School District. Now, I am employed at Shenango School District as a K-6th grade Autistic Support teacher. 

 

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

SRU will always be memorable to me because of the support given by the professors in the education department. I have met so many professors that I look up to and truly considered friends by the time I left. They were always willing to go the extra mile and were some of the first people I called when I landed my first job. They have always wanted the best for all of us.

 

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

Diane Papa is hands down one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met. From field experience to student teaching, whether I needed advice or just needed to talk, she was there. I am eternally grateful for the type of person, mentor and teacher she was to me for many years and still to this day.

 

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

I think having a position where you have the ability to truly help people is really something special. To have a chance to impact and support even one child is a gift. Helping children and young adults become who they are meant to be and supporting them in becoming their best selves is the only thing I could ever imagine myself doing.

 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

Being a special education teacher has given me an amazing lens to look through. I have had the opportunity to work with students in grades K-12 in just a little over a year. I love the chance to get to know each student as a person, as a learner, as someone’s family and as a member of society. The joy I get in being able to celebrate my students is what it’s all about. Being a constant in their lives is the best part about my job.

 

6. What makes a great teacher?

“And if those children are unresponsive, maybe you can’t teach them yet, but you can love them. And if you love them today, maybe you can teach them tomorrow.” - Jeffrey R. Holland