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.