Stacy (McCall) Panei

  

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

I earned my undergraduate degrees in Elementary Education (k-6) and Special Education (k-12) from Slippery Rock University.  I completed my postgraduate studies in Special Education and Supervision in 2012, also at Slippery Rock University.

 

Starting in 2007, I was employed by the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV as an Itinerant Inclusion Support Teacher (including emotional support, autistic support, and instruction in the home) in Butler, Lawrence, and Mercer Counties.  Additionally, I provided direct instruction to incarcerated inmates at the Butler County Prison (up to age 21) who were identified under Chapter 14 and had not yet earned their high school diploma. 

 

In 2012, I accepted a position at Shenango Area School District, in Lawrence County, as their inclusion support teacher and intervention specialist (k-12).  I also served as their transition coordinator.  In 2018 my duties at Shenango shifted to learning support (math and ELA – grades 3-4), where I continue to serve as the department chairperson today.  Go Wildcats!

 

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

Some of my best and most cherished friendships began at SRU.  Although we may not all live close by, we make staying connected a priority.  We plan an annual girl trip and have made a point to visit the Slippery Rock area often.  It is fun to reminisce and see how the campus and surrounding areas have changed over the years.  Bob’s Sub has not changed – it is always a fan favorite! 

 

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

While I had many outstanding teachers during my years at SRU, Mrs. Rebecca Badgett made the most positive impact on me as an educator; pre-service and in-service.  Her ability to make connections with others (faculty and students) is what made her classes so engaging and memorable.  She naturally fostered a community that supported growth, exploration, and meaningful discussions.  I especially loved how she would take current research/best practices out into the field and report back to her students about what worked, what did not work, and why.  I admire her dedication to the field.    

 

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

Like many teachers, I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher.  My love of learning came from the many positive role models throughout my time as a student.  Having an uncle with special needs is what helped lead me to specialize in special education. 

 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

I love building relationships with my students knowing that I have the opportunity to help make positive differences in their lives. 

 

6. What makes a great teacher?

Great teachers inspire others to learn and give them the tools to help them succeed. 

Jessica Paugh

 

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

I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Penn State University and received my Master's 3 years later from Slippery Rock University. I have held positions in both kindergarten and first grade within the Danville Area School District. Most recently, I have taken on the role as a K-2 Reading Specialist, I have served as the K-2 writing co-lead for the district. I am also currently the childcare director for a local 501c3 non-profit community center.

 

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

 

I will never forget my experience shadowing and working alongside a reading specialist within my building to complete my degree. That experience was what truly made me fall in love with the Science of Reading.

 

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

Dr. Rose was such a light during my experience at SRU. She is both knowledgeable as well as passionate about reading - it is so apparent through her teaching and interaction with her graduate students.

 

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

I have aspired to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I have a love for learning myself, and love even more to foster that same interest in little ones!

 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

I love creating connections with students and families that last for years beyond their short time in my classroom.

 

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is someone who is able to connect with students beyond the curriculum. They are able to make learning fun and applicable to daily life. They give students a "why" for learning.

Melanie (Hughes) Bryant

 

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

In 2011, I earned my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education from SRU. Building on that foundation, I virtually completed my master's degree in Special Education with a focus on Autism from SRU in 2014. Seeking to further enhance my expertise, I pursued a master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University in 2020. Currently, I am working on my doctorate at SRU, in special education. My goal is to graduate in 2025.

After graduating with my bachelor's degree, I moved to Stafford County, VA where I worked as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher from January 2012 through May 2023. I was a primary support teacher for the Head Start Program from 2012-2016, then taught students with Autism from 2016-2023. I moved back to Pittsburgh, PA in July 2023 where I started working for a new private special education school, River Academy of Excellence where I am the Director of Special Education. In addition to working for River Academy, I also do some early intervention services for River Therapies.

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

I am so proud of my education at Slippery Rock. I have learned so much, and the rigorous program allowed me to soar in my field. That's the main reason I keep going back. While my education was, and is, so important to me, I have to say attending Slippery Rock and meeting my now husband and our group of friends, that we still have 13 years later, will be something I forever remember and am grateful for! My husband and I even got married at the gazebo in the Quad in July 2021!

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

I have had so many amazing professors at Slippery Rock. My advisor, Dr. Isherwood, as he helped me navigate my undergraduate and graduate degrees. His classes, especially the emotional disability classes helped guide me towards a career working with not only students with autism but emotional disabilities as well.

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

Ever since I was in preschool, I always said I wanted to be a teacher. I enjoyed working with kids and I loved volunteering with the Special Olympics. It sounds so cliche, but I just have always known that's what I wanted to do.

 5. What do you love most about teaching?

Seeing the students succeed through all the hurdles they have to overcome with their disabilities.

 6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher goes beyond being a conveyor of information; they are mentors, motivators, and guides who contribute significantly to their students' personal and intellectual development. 

 

Taylor Bronowicz

 

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 in May 2019 with my Bachelors in Elementary Education and a minor in mathematics. I graduated from the University of Alabama in May 2024 with my Masters in Educational Leadership. I'm also certified to teach middle school math as well as high school algebra and geometry. I am currently pursuing my National Board Certification in Early Adolescent Mathematics. I teach 6th grade math at Albertville Intermediate School in Albertville, Alabama. I previously taught 7th grade math and before that, 6th grade math in Stafford County, Virginia. In my free time, I review manuscripts for Solution Tree publishing company and was interviewed for "Lessons from Great Teachers to Teachers Who Want to be Great" which is coming out in January 2025.

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

I have two experiences that really stick out to me from my time at Slippery Rock. My student teaching experience made a huge impact on me. Mrs. Albert and Mrs. Eyth at Summit Elementary helped me become a better teacher, especially in areas I felt I needed to improve. They helped build my confidence and supported me in the fun engaging lessons I taught. Just a few weeks before I started student teaching, I had the opportunity to travel to Spain for about two weeks. During this time we visited the American School of Valencia and toured both Valencia and Barcelona. It was an eye opening experience to see another culture and school setting as well as my first experience working with bilingual students. I wish I was able to spend more time there!

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

Dr. Tours always went above and beyond to get to know her students and address their concerns. She is constantly striving to improve what she does to support her students. I still remember her being someone I spoke to during my first year of teaching. I am so grateful to have been in multiple of her classes!

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

Growing up, I was always interested in becoming a teacher. My high school had a preschool on campus where I taught students during my junior and senior year after having taken child development. It was such a rewarding experience that solidified my decision to become a teacher.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

I love getting to build relationships with my students and creating engaging lessons that students find memorable. It's so rewarding to see how much they grow academically and as individuals as the year goes on!

6. What makes a great teacher?

I think great teachers work really hard to build positive relationships with both their students and their families throughout the entire school year. They see their students as individuals and know what makes them unique. I believe it's important for teachers to incorporate their students' interests into lessons the best they can while being flexible to meet the needs of their students.

Jennifer Bytheway

 

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

I am currently the K-5 Special Education Supervisor at Commonwealth Charter Academy- aka CCA. Prior to that I taught at East Liverpool Jr/Sr High School. I began there in the Jr. High Multiple Disabilities classroom and then moved into teaching remedial reading in grades 7-12. Before that, I taught 6th grade Language Arts at CCA for 2 years. My very first teaching job upon graduating SRU was in alternative education in Youngstown, Ohio.

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

I had so many experiences during my time at SRU that prepared me fully from graduation day one to be an educator. One of the most memorable experiences without a doubt though was my student teaching. Dr. Kim Creasy was my co-operating professor and he offered me so much great advice when he observed. He also helped me see my own unique strengths and how to build upon them.

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

Dr. Erikson had such a large impact on where I ended up today. He introduced me to the world of cyber education and gave me an opportunity to explore during my field experience. He was also a huge support when I was completing my special education supervisor program. He always had a great way of encouraging us to think outside of the box while not losing sight of our number one reason for what we do: students!

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

I wanted to make a positive impact in life. Having some personal experiences within my family dealing with education for learners with unique needs inspired me to want to be part of change. I realized that I was fortunate to have an extensive understanding and empathy of these situations that could really be used in any school setting.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

The forever impact we have even when we do not always get to see it first hand. I am old enough now where students reach out to me to tell me where they are now. Nothing is more rewarding than hearing from the kid many thought would not graduate sharing that he has a great job and is succeeding in life! 

6. What makes a great teacher?

There are so many important traits but at the end of the day I think the most important thing is flexibility and a growth mindset. The world we live in, and the children we are so lucky to teach, all have so many different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and attitudes towards learning. We have to have a willingness to change and adjust to our kids' needs.

Anthony Cacciotti

 

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 in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education: Social Studies with a minor in Special Education. I am currently in my third year of teaching at my Alma mater: Bishop McCort Catholic High School in Johnstown, PA. I teach 8^th Grade Pennsylvania History and 11^th Grade U.S. History II.

 

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

 Although my major was Social Studies education, I had really great experiences with Special Education! During my time at SRU, I helped with the Special Olympics and absolutely loved the experience. I still try to help with the Special Olympics back home in Johnstown. I was also involved in a program called the Transition Assistance Program at SRU. Two to three days of the week, students from local high schools with learning disabilities were on campus to complete daily tasks. Students would work on their physical, emotional, and nutritional lifestyle. I had a great experience every time I helped out with the Transition Assistance Program!

 

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

 Professor John Hicks! Dr. Hick’s is an awesome individual and a fantastic teacher and leader. I went out of my way to take his courses while I was at SRU. Dr. Hick’s is extremely approachable as not only an educator but a person as well. I enjoyed talking with him about education and sports. He made scheduling classes enjoyable and easy.

 

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

 My parents are both educators and actually both attended Slippery Rock University to get their education degrees! They helped me in every step of earning my degree and my teaching experience. From a young age, I saw how much they enjoyed their occupations, so I decided to follow in their footsteps. It’s also very nice to have weekends, holidays, and summers off!

 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

 The process of student learning and building relationships with students! It’s an amazing feeling when you assess a student on material they have learned and they understand it. Education can sometimes fall into a pattern of rote memorization. I strive to have my students work on their critical thinking skills and problem solving skills. I also coach football, basketball, and baseball at Bishop McCort, so it makes building relationships with students much easier!

 

6. What makes a great teacher?

 A great teacher is a great person! An educator may see students for 7 hours of the day, but has no idea what their students are doing the rest of the day. In those 7 hours, teachers should do their best to make their students better scholars and better individuals. A great teacher is an understanding teacher. You may not know what students are going through at home or outside of school. Teachers should always be understanding of their students and always want to help in any way possible. Teachers can be role models that exemplify good behavior and maturity which students can see and strive to do the same.

 

Lauren Shoup

 

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

I earned my undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Carlow. I’m a special education teacher at Donaldson Elementary in the West Allegheny School District. Prior to this, I taught high school learning support at Fort Cherry High School.

 

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

Graduation day was an unforgettable experience at the Rock for me. I had just given birth to my first son, and he was there to witness his mom earning her Masters.

 

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

In high school, I spent my free periods volunteering in the Life Skills classroom. I knew I wanted to make special education my career.

 

4. What do you love most about teaching?

I love the relationships I've built with the families I work with and our community. Through my role, I've taken on extra duties that have really allowed me to make our neighborhood a better place.

 

5. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher cares about the development of a whole child, and can recognize the importance of meeting student needs that aren't always educational.

Katie Johnston

 

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

I have my dual certification and bachelor degree in early childhood education and special education with a minor in leadership through Slippery Rock University. I loved SRU so much that I also completed my masters in special education - autism through SRU.  This will be my fifth year teaching in Pennsylvania. I taught special education for three years at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Academy (K-2) and one year as an elementary autistic support teacher (5th-6th) at Crawford Central. This year I will be stepping away from special education to be a kindergarten teacher in the same school district. 

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

There are too many great SRU experiences to pick just one. However, from those experiences I will never forget how great of a home SRU was for 5 years, the lessons I learned, or the friendships that I made during. 

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

It is so hard to name only one professor. I absolutely loved and looked up to the entire Special Education Department. The names that stick out the most are Dr. Erickson, Dr. Mild, Dr. Merhaut, and Dr. Bieniek - they always went above and beyond as educators. They were always caring, passionate, encouraging, and insightful. I know I owe a lot to them for helping shape me into the educator I am today. 

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

I have always said I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. I love to help others and to help students reach that “ah ha moment” that I saw during early childhood classes in high school. I had an amazing first grade teacher- Mrs. Neill-Meade -  she inspired me to become a teacher. She cared about everyone and made sure everyone was pushed to do their best. She was able to be silly with us, but could also give you the ‘teacher look’ that would snap you right back into place. I admire how she was able to balance good classroom management and relationships with her students. I knew that I wanted to be like her one day. She actually let me come into her class when I was in my 3rd year at SRU to read to her current class. She still had my class picture from when I was her student years ago. She was an amazing role model.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

I know it’s very cliché to say - I love to build relationships and watch my students grow and to witness their “ah-ha” moments. It is the most rewarding feeling to see how far they go and to see the big smiles and glow in their eyes as well as that sense of pride in themselves when they successfully complete a hard task. I love getting drawing or pictures from my students and being able to joke around with them, but be serious when needed. It’s very rewarding to be a teacher, there are rough days but the kids make it worth it. 

6. What makes a great teacher?

I think what makes a great teacher is compassion and listening. You have the greatest looking classroom, lesson plans, and classroom management plan, but without having a mutual relationship with your students it won’t get you far. It’s important to listen to your students and to make them feel like they are heard and matter. Students love when you are yourself and being silly with you - and they respect you back when you give them routine and follow through. 

Jessica (Murrman) Recker

 

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

I am currently in my 11th year of teaching Special Education at Duquesne City School District. During my time here I have taught grades K-8, currently teaching 6-8 Life Skills/Autistic Support. I have also taught in the learning support classroom ranging in grades 4-8. In addition to this I have been a teacher mentor to roughly a dozen teachers in the special education field. I obtained my bachelors and masters degree from SRU as well as my Special Education Supervisor Certificate.

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

While at SRU I was able to have a variety of field experiences including a few week summer experience in inner city Philadelphia as well as student teaching in Ireland for 6 weeks. Both of the experiences provided me with a different perspective to teaching and provided me with skills I may not have gained otherwise.

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

Joe Merhaut has had a positive influence on me in multiple aspects. The first one as a professor, showing me how to keep education engaging and fun while learning at the same time. He continued to be a mentor as he was the Special Education Supervisor at my district for three years. He also shows pride in his family which provides a positive influence outside of the education world.

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

As a child I was always playing “school” with my younger sister and insisted on always being the teacher. I then found a passion to teaching Spanish to her at a young age while that was introduced to me in middle school. I always found myself helping others in one way or another and decided that teaching was my passion.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

My favorite thing about teaching is building relationships with the students and watching them grow. I radiate kindness in my classroom and encourage my students each day to be the best them. When I see that happen it reminds me that I am right where I need to be.

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is someone who is kind, has patience, and believes in their students no matter the hurdles they may be facing.

Cameron Meyers

 

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

I am a 2023 Slippery Rock graduate, holding a Bachelor’s of Science in Middle Level History Education, as well as a minor in Criminology. I am currently deployed to Africa with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. 

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

I will never forget my time as a student teacher at Slippery Rock Middle School but especially when I had missed a week or so due to military training and when I returned my students were ecstatic to see me which made me realize that this is something I would do for the rest of my life and I am so thankful for the opportunity to teach at the school and under such an amazing teacher. 

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

This is the hardest question I’ve ever had to answer because all the SRU faculty I have encountered over my years there were exceptional. If I had to choose one though it would be my success coach Julie Ferringer, she always had open availability if I needed to talk with her about anything and she was always there to help and genuinely cared and helped me get through some tough times. 

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

Throughout all my years of schooling I have always found history to be so interesting and I enjoyed talking about it to everyone, so when I decided to change my major I knew I wanted to be a history teacher to show others how interesting and creative history can be. 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

The thing I love the most about teaching would have to be seeing the growth of my students from my first day of student teaching to my last. Watching them develop and enjoy the information being shared to them as well as teaching me new things. I am grateful for my time at Slippery Rock Middle School. 

6. What makes a great teacher?

I believe wholeheartedly that being creative and engaging with the students is crucial to success as a teacher but also being able to positively impact students’ growth and learning is also important. Teachers need to create an environment that students feel welcome and excited to learn in. 

Abigail Buzzie

 

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 the fall of 2022 with my Bachelor's in Elementary Education PreK-4 and Special Education PreK-12. I am about to start my second year at Queen of Angels Catholic School as a fourth grade teacher!

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

One SRU experience in the field that I will never forget would be during my first student teaching placement when I was teaching a fourth grade math class at Maxwell Elementary for Hempfield School District. During my last week at the school I participated in a fundraiser event where the students earned the prize of "pieing" teachers in the face. When it was fourth grade's turn to pie teachers in the face, I kept getting picked by my students to be the one getting pied! The kids were going crazy and it was so fun to do that with my cooperating teacher and the rest of the staff members!

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

An SRU faculty that had a positive influence on me would have to be Dr. Preston. Dr. Preston supported my success at SRU and helped me to become the teacher that I am today.

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

When I was in fourth grade I was picked to go down to a first grade classroom in the morning and work with students in the classroom. I would go over sight word flash cards with them and go over small skills that they needed to practice. I loved being able to help the first graders and it became something that I looked forward to doing! After completing my "teacher role" with first grade, I received a little teacher themed gift from the class! I knew after that experience that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

What I love most about teaching is being able to help my students learn and grow every day. I love having fun with them and seeing students improve and enjoy the material that we are working on. Noticing their progress from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is so rewarding and special to see.

6. What makes a great teacher?

What I think makes a great teacher is patience, a passion for teaching, and empathy. Every child has different needs and as teachers we need to help make an impact and be an advocate for every student. 

Jess Kreider

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

I was the head preschool teacher at Tommy Tinkers Too in Oxford, Pa for three years.  After that, I was a 4th grade teacher at Linville Hill Christian School for 16 years.  Recently I am teaching 5th grade in a Title 1 School in Edgewood, NM in the Moriarty-Edgewood School District.

 

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

A professor Elementary Education Department, left an indelible mark on my academic journey with her unwavering dedication and passion for literature. Her enthusiasm for the subject was infectious, igniting a newfound appreciation for the power of words within me. Beyond her scholarly expertise, Dr. Smith possessed a genuine interest in her students' growth, often taking the time to engage in meaningful discussions and provide personalized feedback. Her approachability fostered a supportive learning environment where I felt encouraged to voice my thoughts and explore complex ideas without hesitation. Through her mentorship, I not only developed a deeper understanding of literature but also gained confidence in my analytical skills. Dr. Smith's impact extends far beyond the classroom, as her guidance continues to inspire me to pursue excellence in both academic and personal endeavors.

  

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

A professor in my Elementary Education Reading class left an indelible mark on my academic journey with her unwavering dedication and passion for literature. Her enthusiasm for the subject was inspiring and she made her lessons relevant and practical. Beyond her lecture and lessons, seemed genuinely interested in us as her students; often taking the time to engage in meaningful discussions and provide personalized feedback. Her approachability fostered a supportive learning environment where I felt encouraged to voice my thoughts and explore complex ideas without hesitation.

  

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

My interest in pursuing a degree in education was initially sparked by my innate passion for fostering growth and facilitating learning in others. Growing up, I found immense fulfillment in helping classmates understand complex concepts and witnessing their "aha" moments. These experiences ignited a desire within me to delve deeper into the art of teaching and learning. I was also inspired by the impact educators had on my own life, shaping my values, perspectives, and academic journey.

  

5. What do you love most about teaching?

What I love most about teaching is the impact it can have on individuals' lives and the community. Witnessing the moment when a concept clicks for a student, seeing their eyes light up with understanding, and knowing that I played a role in their learning journey is incredibly fulfilling. Teaching offers the opportunity to inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and empower students to reach their full potential. It's an amazing profession that constantly challenges me to innovate, adapt, and connect with students from diverse backgrounds, ultimately contributing to their personal growth and the development of a more knowledgeable and compassionate society.

 

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher possesses a unique blend of qualities that go beyond mere instruction, embodying empathy, passion, adaptability, and expertise. They foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to learn. Their passion for their subject matter is contagious, igniting curiosity and enthusiasm in their students. A great teacher adapts their teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles, recognizing that each student is unique. They are patient and empathetic, understanding that learning takes time and effort, and they provide guidance and encouragement every step of the way. A great teacher continually seeks to improve their craft, staying updated on educational trends and innovations while maintaining a growth mindset. Ultimately, their impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the minds and hearts of their students and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

Kate Colbert

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

After graduating from Slippery Rock in 2020, I moved to Southpointe and began teaching for a school that I student taught with. This was during the start of the COVID pandemic, so my student teaching location was moved to cyber. I had never thought about teaching cyber before this! After becoming a long term Math and Science substitute for PA Cyber Charter School, I realized how much I enjoyed it. I ended up with a 4th grade Virtual Teacher position with PA Cyber. I have taught 4th grade Language Arts and Social Studies for almost three years now, and I absolutely love it! At first, it was a challenge to try to use engagement in different ways in a cyber setting. I have developed so much creativity within this job, and found a deeper passion in teaching than I ever thought was possible. I am currently going back to Slippery Rock online to pursue my Masters Degree in ABA- Applied Behavioral Analysis.

 

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

I will never forget my field experience at Emily Brittain Elementary School in Butler. I remember feeling so nervous to be teaching in a Kindergarten classroom. At that point, I did not have a lot of experience with this grade level. This was a turning point for me because I remember walking in on the first day feeling like I was not cut out for it. It was a very large class with a variety of different behaviors to monitor. With the help from an amazing cooperating teacher at Emily Brittain and guidance from my professor, I walked out of that classroom on the last day of teaching feeling so beyond confident in my teaching abilities.

 

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

Dr. Lynch was amazing! He was great at connecting with the class on a relatable and an emotional level. I will never forget the quotes about strength through adversity and how engaged I felt with his lessons. "Tough times don't last, but tough people do" was a quote that sticks with me.

 

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

I have always felt a drive to want to be better than what I had experienced in school, and to help children learn and grow. When I was in elementary school, I mostly remember my teachers making me feel negative more often than positive. I never fully felt comfortable or cared for at school as a kid. I want to help students not only build their knowledge, but also learn that they are loved, appreciated, and accepted. In my classroom today, all of my students know that I respect them and care for them always!

 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

My favorite thing about teaching is getting to see the difference in confidence that my students build with me throughout the year. I love hearing from families that their child is more confident after being in my class! I try to implement a growth mindset in my classroom to show them that it is okay not to know how to do something yet. A lot of times I notice that students will get less frustrated when faced with a challenge at the end of the year. 

 

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is patient and curious. As teachers, we are always learning along with our students! Teaching is not all about the curriculum. Most of the time, it is about meeting a student where they are, and believing in them.

Sarah Butterfield Kumar

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

I received my undergrad in early childhood and special education at SRU. I returned to school online to receive my masters in curriculum and instruction and have a principal certification. 

This is my ninth year in education. I have taught grades K, 3,4, middle school special education, and am now the Associate Principal at Highlands Elementary School.

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

I will never forget the special education trip abroad to Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is an experience I’ll always remember, but seeing schools abroad and the similarities and differences between the American school in Ireland versus schools in America blew me away. However, one thing remained the same, the students loved being in the classroom with their teachers, the most important part of the education system. 

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

Drs. Katsafanas and Snyder were two professors I looked up to during my time at SRU and still do today. 

Dr. Snyder presented to two of the elementary schools I taught at and shared his book about what’s it’s like to be a veteran. The students were hanging onto his every word. I felt so fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from him. 

Dr. Katsafanas is the most kind and patient professor and teacher I have ever met. She is also the most stylish! I remember her genuine compassion and love for special education and I kept that in mind during my first job as an emotional support teacher.

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

I always wanted to be a teacher. No other profession ever crossed my mind, because I loved school so much. I remember “teaching” my brother in my parents’ basement. My mom had bought a desk and chairs from my elementary school and I was so excited to have my own school at home. To this day there is nothing I would rather do than be in a school with children. 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

My favorite thing as a teacher was seeing my students grow week to week and reflecting on what we accomplished together each year. Now, as an associate principal, I have the privilege of seeing hundreds of students grow week to week, year to year, and see their teachers grow along with them. I am extremely fortunate to be able to lead and guide students and staff, all working toward the common goal of a positive school community.  

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is someone who puts relationships first and academics second. A great teacher is easy to spot-just look at the students' faces.