Kiley Moore

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

I graduated in 2009 with a bachelor's in elementary and special education and in 2012 with a masters of special education supervision (all from SRU). I also hold a behavioral specialist license (since 2010). 

Ambridge Area School District- 2009-2014- Elementary life skills support teacher (k-6)
North Allegheny School District- 2014-2020- Elementary life skills and autistic support teacher (k-6)
North Allegheny Cyber Academy- 2020-2021- Elementary life skills and autistic support teacher k-3

North Allegheny School District-2021-current primary learning support teacher (k-3)

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

I loved all my field placements and student teaching assignments. Getting into the classroom early in my education was important to me. I love learning from others and the collaboration between professionals. I still use some of the ideas I learned in my teaching practice today. 

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

Dr. Joseph Merhaut has always been a positive influence. His mentorship through my SRU experience and even through my professional career has led me to be the teacher I am today. He is always someone I can turn to with my ideas and questions. His feedback is always delivered in a supportive and caring way. 

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

I did some volunteer hours within a special education classroom while I was in high school. I was so intrigued by the delivery of lessons and the caring approach the staff had. I loved the creativity. 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

I love seeing a student's confidence when he or she understands. I also love the collaboration between parents and teachers to ensure the best educational experience. 

6. What makes a great teacher?

The ability to problem solve when things are tough- you understand there are going to be bumps along the way but you will always find a way to move forward- even if it is the smallest step! 

 

Brittany Fabbio

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

After graduating in 2019 from SRU, I moved to Polk County in Florida and have been teaching Kindergarten for 5 years at Alta Vista Elementary. 

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

I absolutely loved my field experience and student teaching at Center Township Elementary. The staff there was fantastic and very supportive. I grew so much as an educator when I was there. 

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

I would have to say Dr. Amodei. She is truly amazing and very supportive. I worked a lot with her with SPSEA. 

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

Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I loved going to school and learning from my teachers. 

5. What do you love most about teaching?

I love to see all of my students succeed, especially the ones that need more time. When these students start to understand a concept, it is very rewarding. 

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is someone who is caring and loving towards children. The teacher is very helpful towards their students and always wanting them to succeed. A great teacher goes above and beyond for their students no matter what. 
 

Leah Smith

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

I went to SRU for Early Childhood Education and Dance. I worked at Plum Borough School District briefly before moving to Arlington, Virginia where I taught kindergarten, and am now teaching 2nd grade. I am in the Arlington County Public School District, right outside of Washington, DC.

 

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 first field experience during my 2nd year at Butler Area School District working with 4th graders. My cooperating teacher gave me a lot of teaching time and it solidified my decision on wanting to be a teacher. 

  

 

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

I knew from a young age I wanted to be a teacher, my mom is a kindergarten teacher and I grew up volunteering and helping out in her classroom. I also had an internship in high school working with my local elementary and pre-school, and it helped me make the decision to pursue teaching. 

 

4. What do you love most about teaching? 

My favorite part of being a teacher is seeing the academic and social growth students make from the beginning to the end of year. I love providing a learning community where students feel valued and successful with clear routines and expectations. 

 

5. What makes a great teacher? 

A great teacher is someone who is willing to adapt lessons when needed and stay relevant with best teaching practices. They aspire to make school a positive environment and understand what each child needs to succeed. 

Jodi Iddings

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

I have taught at the Environmental Charter School for 3 years. While finishing my student teaching here, I was hired as a virtual learning facilitator. I then transitioned to building substitute upon graduating SRU. I was then the MTSS specialist, then 3rd grade classroom teacher, and I am now currently the Autism and Emotional Support Teacher grades 3-5.

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

The whole experience of going to Slip is unforgettable. I loved working at the child care center and I still keep in touch with the parents of some of my preschoolers.

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

Dr. Rose, Dr. Erik B. I had a difficult time making connections in the education department, and these two people made me feel valued and heard as an educator. They were understanding of my present needs, and they offered down-to- earth perspectives. 

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

I decided in kindergarten that I was going to become a teacher. I've always felt like it's what I was born to do.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

The connections you make with other people. I love creating space for children go be themselves and to feel comfortable and safe.

6. What makes a great teacher?

Giving a loving awareness to everything you do around children. You create a safe and engaging environment by who you are, not the decorations you buy for your classroom. At the end of the day the children will learn something no matter what. Be the spirit they will remember when times are hard.