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.