Paige Coon

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

I graduated from Slippery Rock University in May of 2021. I graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. I am dual-certified in Pennsylvania and Ohio. I am currently in my second year of teaching. In my first year, I was a long-term substitute teacher in a third-grade classroom at Cambridge Springs Elementary. I am currently teaching fifth grade ELA at Jackson-Milton Elementary in Eastern Ohio. 

 

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

One of my best experiences I had while at SRU was being an Orientation Ambassador for two years. Through this experience, I was able to share my love for SRU with incoming freshmen. I gained confidence and skills that I will use for the rest of my life. SRU has so many different opportunities that will prepare you for the rest of your life. I am so thankful for all of the people and experiences that allowed me to gain the skills I needed to succeed. 

 

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

There were two people that played a significant role in my time at SRU, Brandi Weber-Mortomer and Robert Lagnese. I was able to work in both the Office of Graduate Admissions and the Office of Orientation. Brandi and Robert both gave me the opportunity to gain the confidence I have today to stand in front of a classroom. 

 

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

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. I have always been interested in my teachers’ duties while growing up. Many of my teachers became role models and mentors for me. My interest in teaching really grew stronger when I became an assistant dance teacher at my local studio. When I first visited SRU during my eighth-grade year, I knew that's where I wanted to go to college. Finding out how wonderful the education program was there, really sealed the deal.  

 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

There are so many different aspects of teaching that make it the best job in the world. First, I love giving the students a safe place to grow and learn. Secondly, I love seeing students grow into wonderful humans each year. Lastly, every teacher knows the feeling when their students have a moment where everything clicks. That is the best part of teaching to me.

 

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher has a toolbox of unique qualities. Some of the most important ones would include being able to demonstrate compassion, understanding, enthusiasm, flexibility and a never-ending love for learning. Although teaching is the best job, it is one of the hardest. Being a great teacher means showing up for your students every single day no matter what you are going through because your students are counting on you. You could be the only one that is consistent in their life and they are depending on you. Knowing this responsibility, along with holding these qualities is what makes a difference between a good and great teacher.