Domenica Camarote (Manno)

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

-I graduated from SRU in 2018 (Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education & Special Education) and in 2021 (Master’s in Special Education Supervision). After graduation, I was offered a substitute position as a Special Education Access Teacher at Quaker Valley Middle School. A few months later, I received my first contract position with Pittsburgh Public Schools as a 3rd Grade Reading Teacher. Later I moved to East Allegheny Junior Senior High School where I was the 7th Grade Special Education Teacher. Currently, I am a Learning Support Teacher in North Hills School District.

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

-My best SRU teaching experience was student teaching in Deer Lakes School District! I had two of the best cooperating teachers that both taught me so much about teaching that I still use! I still have a relationship with each of them today.  Both have been so supportive in my career and personal life!

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

-There are so many wonderful faculty members at SRU, so I can’t just pick one!

—The first is Dr. Michelle McCollin, who was not only my academic advisor, but my school mom, mentor, and friend. She made everyone feel so welcomed and loved. She taught me about advocacy, persistence, and self-worth. She never went a day without telling her students how proud she was. Her experience as an educator, administrator, and educational advocate is what made her class and her so fun & relatable. Her flexibility and kindness was truly unmatched.

—Next is Dr. Eric Bieniek, who I was so lucky to have for multiple classes during my time at SRU. He is one of the funniest, most supportive, and most relatable professors. He always connected what we were learning in class to his own experience, which was so beneficial. I know I can reach out if I’m struggling with something in my career or if I just need someone to tell me to “be great.” He even helped me with deciding on my Master’s program!

—Last, but certainly not least, is Dr. Jessica Hall-Wirth, who played such a huge role in the Best Buddies program at SRU. She was always there to give advice and suggestions to help make the program and the events we held a success. Her classes were always so engaging, and she made you feel like your voice mattered.

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

-Growing up, I had some of the best teachers. Each one of them inspired me to go into education because of their kindness and support, as well as their passion and love for teaching.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

-I love the bonds that I’ve created with students throughout the years! I still see students from my student teaching experience and previous positions, and they make me feel like a celebrity just by entering the room. It’s little moments like that that help me realize I’ve made a difference. I also love the friendships I’ve made; I work with some of the most wonderful people, and I’m grateful that the relationships go beyond the classroom.

6. What makes a great teacher?

-Being a teacher is more than just teaching educational and foundational skills, such as math, reading, and writing. A teacher and the classroom need to be a child’s home away from home. A child should feel safe and comfortable with their teacher and the environment they have created. The best way to establish this type of environment is to know your students— their personalities, strengths, needs, interests, triggers, and barriers. You need to build a relationship with them and their families. As Rita Pierson said, “Kids don’t learn from people they don’t like.”