Meghan Bright

 

1. What is your educational background and what positions have you held? 

I am currently the K-2 Wellness Teacher at Curtisville Primary Center in the Deer Lakes School District. I’ve been part of the district for 10 years, holding several different positions along the way. It’s also where I completed my student teaching, and I immediately fell in love with the school community.

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

My entire experience at Slippery Rock was incredibly meaningful. What stands out most is how the faculty encouraged me to take on leadership roles early, both on campus and at the state level. That support helped me build the confidence and skills needed to stand out in a competitive field. I also have to mention the lifelong friendships I made at SRU. My two best friends and I met there, and we’ve navigated every chapter of life together — from our first teaching jobs to weddings and now parenthood. I’m forever grateful for those connections.

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

Dr. Joanne Leight had a huge impact on me. She always had my back, encouraged me to take on new opportunities, and made me feel like she was always cheering me on. I still keep in touch with her today and am so thankful for her positivity and guidance. I also want to give a shoutout to Dr. Hannah Holl. She helped me discover my passion for all aspects of health and wellness. Her knowledge and kindness made a lasting impression on me.

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

I’ve wanted to be a teacher since second grade, inspired by the incredible educators I had growing up in the Seneca Valley School District. As I got older, I realized I was especially passionate about wellness education. I wanted to help others understand how to take care of their physical, mental, and emotional health so they can live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

There’s nothing more rewarding than watching students apply what they’ve learned in meaningful ways. Whether it’s using calming strategies, navigating social situations with empathy, making healthier choices at lunch, or proudly teaching their families how the body works, those moments are incredibly powerful. Seeing their confidence grow as they reach personal goals is amazing.

6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher builds strong relationships and approaches students with empathy and kindness. They create a classroom environment where students feel safe and heard. Great teachers help kids discover what makes them excited to learn. They lead by example and show their students how to enjoy life, stay positive, and care for themselves and others along the way.

Dave Tomko

1. What is your educational background and what positions have you held? 

I graduated from Slippery Rock University with an undergraduate degree in elementary and special education.  I then returned to SRU to earn my Masters Degree in Reading Education.  I also have attained my national board certification and also hold an administration certificate.  I have taught in the Sharon City School District for the past 20 years- 8 years in gifted education and 12 years as a sixth grade classroom teacher. I am currently an English Language Arts teacher.  In addition to my teaching, I started an after-school robotics program 15 year ago in the district, which now includes several robotics teams from grades 2-12. 

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

A memorable SRU experience was my student teaching.  Part of my student teaching experience was in Dublin, Ireland.  While I was there I was able to teach in a first and second grade classroom.  I learned about their culture, the country of Ireland, and made many memories with those involved on the trip.  This was a once in a lifetime experience, and I appreciate the opportunity that was provided to me. 

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

I had so many SRU faculty that had a positive influence on me while I was at SRU.  To name a few were Dr. Marilyn Yensick and Dr. Suzanne Rose.  They were both influential in inspiring me with my teaching career and stretched my thinking with assignments and projects in class.  

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

Teaching classes at my church growing up piqued my interest in education.   I was fortunate to know in high school that I wanted to be a teacher and was able to focus on that when I started college during my freshman year.  

 5. What do you love most about teaching?

I like the ability to inspire students to learn something new that could help them in their future.  Growing up and teaching in my home school district is especially rewarding.  Being able to make an impact where I grew up is something that I consider a perk of my teaching career. 

 6. What makes a great teacher?

A great teacher is one who is able to make a positive impact in the lives of their students.