Sunday, October 29, 2023

Jessica Rene Johnson (Duncan)


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

Educational background:


undergrad health and physical education

Masters APA 

Both achieved at SRU

PHYS ED/ HEALTH TEACHER

K-5     R BRUCE WAGNER ELEMENTARY 2014-2015

6,7,8   WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL 2015-2016

4,5,6,7 HERMITAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT (CURRENT)

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


MY HPE COHORT …. this was back when we were graduating 100-300 so our class size was much larger than current numbers.

The people I had the privilege of getting to know and spend time with and grow with, those who were randomly assigned to or a makeshift group or the friends I made along the way to senior year, those people are where some of my most cherished memories are.

 

Dr. Joanne Leight

She saved my life.

You’ll never be turned away, she’ll always be there for you, and she is one of the most kindhearted blessings I’ve gotten to experience in my life.


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


Lol JEFF SMITH

I’m not sure he even knows this, but I was originally going to SRU for Physical Therapy

My mom and I were touring the campus and we got stopped and shown the field house and the way he described the HPE (health / PHYS ed) program made me want to switch right there and so I did. 


5.  5. What do you love most about teaching?


My students, the amount of love I never knew I had for my kiddos and to be a small ray of sunshine in their day warms my heart.  Their faces light up when they see me outside of class or even the school, you couldn’t ask for anything better than that.

6. What makes a great teacher?


Empathy 

Kiddos have a lot going on in their lives and if you can take a moment to try and see what they’re going through. 


 

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Johnna Regan


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 2013 with a degree in Exercise Science and from Pitt in 2014 with a Masters in Exercise Physiology. I then returned to The Rock obtaining my degree in Middle Level Science education in 2018. I held long term sub positions in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science at Dorseyville Middle School and Derry Area Middle School. I am in my 4th year teaching 7th grade science at Dorseyville Middle School in the Fox Chapel Area School District. 


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

There are many wonderful memories from SRU, but one experience that always sticks out in my mind is playing at PIMBA with the Marching Pride during my undergrad. Aside from an outstanding performance, the whole experience was a lot of fun and one of our last times playing together that season. 

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

Dr. Hicks was one of my most influential professors during my time in the College of Education. His passion for education was apparent in each of his lessons. He led by example and had many stories from the classroom to share. Although he was not my advisor, his door was always open to help with any question or issue. 

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 and would find myself playing pretend school any chance I had. I also had many influential teachers and coaches throughout high school that showed me the positive impact of compassionate educators. The first time I was in a classroom in the teacher’s role, I knew that was where I wanted to be. 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

I love getting to share my passion of science with my students and see them get excited, make connections, and become inquisitive about our world. Seeing students have their “ah-ha!” moment, or hearing a student say that now they enjoy science makes all of the challenges that come with education worth it. Additionally, every day brings something new and I enjoy building my classroom community to be a welcoming and fun place for students to be. 

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is one who teaches by example- shows students how to succeed, but also how to embrace making mistakes while learning. A great teacher is empathetic, compassionate, excited, resourceful, and flexible to meet the needs of students. 

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Stone Helsel


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

I recently graduated from SRU, this May (2023) with a degree in Secondary Education: Social Studies/History 7-12. In addition to my excellent field experiences while at Slippery Rock, I have worked as a day-to-day substitute and a summer schoolteacher. I am very excited to start my first year of teaching as a 6th grade Social Studies Teacher at Floyd T. Binns Middle School (Culpeper County Public Schools, Virginia)! 


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

My time at The Rock provided me with innumerable opportunities to grow not only professionally but personally too.  I made life-long connections and memories with close friends and mentors. In particular, one memory that stands far among the rest was my final student teaching evaluation. After my university supervisor had left the classroom, several of my students eagerly shot their hands up and immediately peppered me with the question: "Did you pass?". I confusingly asked them to clarify their question and they almost shouted, "Did you pass your student teaching...Are you going to graduate?". I replied that I passed with flying colors and the whole class stood up and gave me a thunderous round of applause. As an educator, you work so hard to support your students but it means an incredible deal when your students show their support to you as their teacher.   


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

There have been a multitude of professors and support staff that has made me the educator I am today. Dr. Hicks was an incredible advisor and he always reminded me to place the values and life lessons I want to instill to my students at the heart of my lessons. Dr. Hoge has been a generous mentor with overseeing the SEFE Club, an organization that linked me with amazing professional development and a community of fellow educators. Finally, Germaine Newstrom, our department secretary, truly makes McKay Education Building a home on campus by knowing every student by name and story; while being our go-to problem-solver for all questions and much more. 


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

I have wanted to be an educator since Elementary School. I have been blessed to be taught by passionate and dedicated teachers throughout my schooling. Growing up, my parents encouraged me to do what makes a sincere impact on others, irrespective of its size, along with doing what I love. In my current role, I get to achieve a perfect trifecta every day: Helping others, Working with Adolescents, and Teaching History. 


5. What do you love most about teaching?

It has become cliche to say that there is no other profession other than teaching; but I have discovered maxim to be gospel. Every day, I have the privilege to mentor students in their learning and to collaborate with a community of thoughtful professionals to support all aspects of my students' growth. Specifically, teaching gives me a different adventure or challenge every day to solve and explore with my students. Teaching middle school has both humbled me and inspired me in the same day. Even on days where my lesson may not have gone as planned, I remind myself of the mantra: "Progress not perfection". This reflection is one I try to apply not only in my career but life generally.  

 

6. What makes a great teacher?

Teachers are like lighthouses; we shine a light and give direction to guide our students while remaining ever present. Students will not remember decades or even months after your class what they learned but more importantly how you led by example and created a culture of respect and rapport. Practice humility and flexibility everyday are the most practical pieces of advice I would give to pre-service teachers. Overall, great teaching develops over time and centers around motivating students to inquire for knowledge. Always know your "why" as a teacher.

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Tanner Garry

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

I graduated in December of 2017 with a degree in Health and Wellness education. I am currently in my sixth year as a high school Health and Wellness educator in the Canon McMillan school district.  I teach grades 9-12 Physical Education and 9th grade Health. 


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


I remember the day that I learned where I would be placed for my student teaching experience. I was placed at North Allegheny and Dr. Nichols said he placed me there to challenge me and force me out of my comfort zone of growing up in a small school district. My time at North Allegheny helped me realize what I needed to do in order to be on the cutting edge of what schools should and could offer in their Health and Wellness programs. The programs that were offered at NA should be what all schools in PA aspire to become. 


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


I would have to say Dr. Leight had the most impact on me. Whether it was assisting with getting me into classes that I needed or providing me with mentoring, she was so helpful in so many ways, even after I graduated and was very active in our lives outside of the classroom. She was an avid fan of Slippery Rock athletics and she made sure to wish us well and congratulate all of our efforts. 


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


My family is made up of teachers. My grandfather, father, mother, Aunt, and sister are all teachers. Education was a very big part of my upbringing. It just seemed like a natural choice for me to become a teacher.


5. What do you love most about teaching?


I love that I can impact so many young lives in a positive way. Whether it be in health class where I am teaching, so many crucial topics to young teenagers, or through physical education and teaching the importance of being a lifelong wellness participant.


6. What makes a great teacher?


I think great teachers are the ones that actually care about their students and are willing to help them in other ways besides the material that is being presented in class. Students need to feel comfortable in a classroom in order to learn. I never wanted students dreading to come to my class. I am hopeful that they are eager to attend my classes and learn things that will assist them in living better lives. 

 

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Stephani Damato

 


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 2014 with a bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education & Writing, and I graduated again from SRU in 2016 with my master's in Special Education 7-12. I worked at a school for troubled youth, George Junior Republic in Grove City, PA, for seven years as a high school special education teacher and high school English teacher. I taught various subjects including English, reading, creative writing, writing in the workplace, science, math, history, and health. Currently, I work at Commonwealth Charter Academy, a public cyber school that spans across Pennsylvania, where I teach 10th grade English. 

 

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

There are several experiences during my time at SRU that I will never forget. One thing (or, I suppose, several things) that I cherish the most are the trips I went on with the Honors Program (now the Honors College). Through this academic program, I was able to attend various musicals and productions, and travel to other cities like Chicago and Washington D.C. Experiencing the culture, diversity, and education that these trips offered, as well as simply spending time with my peers and professors, are memories that I hold dear. I believe travel plays a critical role in a person's life and growth, and I am extremely grateful that this SRU program gave me so many momentous experiences that I reflect fondly on to this day. 

 

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

One faculty member that had, and continues to have, a positive influence on me is Dr. Timothy Oldakowski (T.O.). I took several of his courses during my undergrad years and attended my first Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts (PCTELA) conference with him and my fellow English cohorts, which in and of itself was a unique and enlightening experience. T.O. also supervised a project for me in order to earn credit hours for the SRU Honors Program, now the Honors College (which he helped me with, successfully). My project was to write a young adult fiction novel which was then critiqued and reviewed by T.O. Recently, I was invited by T.O. to attend a Zoom Q&A session with his current education students. He is someone whom I am in contact with to this day, and I am grateful to have made this connection during my time at SRU.

 

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

I have been "teaching" my younger sister since we were very young. I have always had an interest in educating people and helping them when they are in need. In middle school, my love for English and writing launched into motion, and I have never truly considered another career path since. I remember sitting in my 9th grade English classroom as the teacher spoke about Romeo and Juliet, and specifically thinking to myself: I can't wait to be at the front of the class instead of sitting in the audience. I made it my goal to be the best teacher I can be, and have been pursuing the craft with vigor and curiosity ever since. 

 

5. What do you love most about teaching? 

I love many aspects of teaching, but one thing that stands out among the rest is my students. I enjoy communicating with and collaborating with my students. Being able to teach the youth of America, and to see the amazing things that they create, is one of the highlights of my career so far in education. I love when my students have clearly taken away something from our discussions and lessons, and in turn, I learn a lot from them as well.

 

6. What makes a great teacher? 

A great teacher is someone who knows the content and can lead others, but most importantly, someone who is passionate and empathetic. Every student has the capacity to learn regardless of their circumstances, but some students have obstacles and barriers that threaten their access and attitude toward education. In order to reach all students, a great educator must be able to step away from the curriculum and purposefully create a positive rapport with each student so that together, they can break down the barriers to education that they, their family, or even society have constructed.