Lorah Momeyer

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

I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education from SRU and a minor in Adapted Physical Activity. I am currently a long-term substitute teacher at Pine-Richland School District teaching 9th grade Health & PE. 

 

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

An experience at SRU that I will never forget was my student teaching at Moon Area School District. I had always thought that I had a preference for elementary school, and while I loved that experience, it was when I switched to the high school that I felt like I really grew as an educator. My cooperating teacher was such an amazing role model and taught me so much about building positive relationships with students. I specifically remember her forcing me out of my comfort zone during my 1st week to teach dance and being so nervous about something I had never done before. However, that experience taught me that no matter the subject, students are willing to learn from a teacher who is passionate, enthusiastic, and genuinely cares for them. 

 

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

There were so many amazing faculty members at SRU that had a positive influence on me, but 2 specifically stuck out to me. The first one is Dr. Nichols in the Health & PE Department. From my very first day on campus as a freshman up until graduation, Dr. Nichols was someone who I knew I could turn to whenever I needed help or guidance. He instilled a deep passion for teaching wellness in myself and so many of my peers, and I do not think that I would be the educator I am today without having him as a professor. 

Another faculty member that stands out as having a positive impact on me is Julie Varnish in the Student Engagement and Leadership Department. Julie is the advisor for the University Program Board and served as an amazing mentor to me during my time as Director of Special Events. She would consistently push me to do my best and encouraged me to think outside the box. The knowledge and experiences I had with Julie and UPB are skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, no matter where my career takes me. 

 

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

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher because I experienced 1st hand how much a good teacher can influence a student's life. I knew that I wanted a career in which I could see the direct impact I was having on those around me. Once I discovered SRU's renowned Health & PE program, there was no turning back for me. I instantly knew that that was the career path I wanted to pursue, and I would not have changed anything about my decision! 

 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

The aspect that I love most about teaching is building relationships with students. I love being someone that they can turn to in times of need. It is such a blessing to be able to shape the course of a student's life- not only academically, but who they are as a person. I love being able to teach students how to be the best version of themselves. 

 

6. What makes a great teacher?

 A great teacher is someone who is able to instill a passion for learning in their students. I believe that if an educator is able to get students excited about learning in whatever that subject area may be, they are a great teacher.