Kennedy Carnahan

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

I earned my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood (PreK-4) and Special Education (K-8) from SRU. I chose to expand my special education certification up to 12th grade to teach my dream position of high school life skills. I graduated from Slippery Rock in May of 2021. I began my first year teaching at New Brighton as their High School Life Skills teacher for grades 9-12. I moved districts this past Summer and am currently the High School Life Skills teacher at Freedom Area School District. Go Bulldogs!

 

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

Slippery Rock gave me many wonderful, hands-on experiences while on my path to becoming a teacher. However, my most memorable experience was my student teaching in a high school life skills class at Mohawk. I always knew the field of special education had my heart, but this experience is where I found my passion within the high school setting. I was blessed with a great mentor teacher who pushed me to become the educator I am today. 

 

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

I think I can speak for many when I say Slippery Rock gives us so many wonderful professors within the college of education. One professor in particular who made a lasting impression and positive influence on me would be Dr. Lynch. His classes showed the raw side of education and all that comes with being a teacher in today's world. One of the most important things I took away from not only his class, but SRU in general was the point of creating a safe, welcoming environment for my students to grow academically, functionally, and socially which is one of my biggest focuses in my own classroom today. 

 

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

I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was a young girl. My older cousin, who teaches autistic support, helped me find my passion within the special education field. Once I began field experiences in a special education setting I couldn't imagine teaching anything else. 

 

5. What do you love most about teaching? 

The thing that I love most about teaching is watching my students flourish and cross milestones, big or small. At my current district, Freedom High School, my students run a cafe for other students and teachers to purchase drinks. Seeing my students thrive socially and make connections with other students throughout the building is heartwarming. Watching a student grow before your eyes is what makes it all worth it!

 

6. What makes a great teacher?  

As a special education teacher, I am devoted to being an advocate for my students so they can grow and reach their maximum potential. I do that by remembering the 5 P's: passion, patience, perseverance, persistence, and purpose. The greatest of teachers light flames in students by never letting their own dim or burn out, we continue to be the light even in the darkest of times for our students. A great teacher does not just teach their students, but connects with them and gets on their level - they impact them, which is what my goal is with each student in my classroom.