In our undergraduate program, I teach ELEC 238 Literacy Practices for the Emergent Learner and ELEC 440 Curriculum Integration: Theory into Practice. I also supervise field experience students and student teachers. In our Graduate Reading Program, I teach literacy courses for students who seek certification as a reading specialist.
In our Professional Development Schools (PDS), I use a “teaching hospital model” where teacher candidates conduct “rounds” to see how current research is embedded in instruction. Several times a semester, I assume the role of “teacher” in an early childhood classroom. While I teach the PK- grade 4 students, teacher candidates observe and then participate by assisting the students. After the lesson, we have a “debriefing discussion” to discover the effective components of literacy and integrated lessons.
What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?
My most rewarding scholarly projects are ones that involve SRU students. Currently I am working with four students as they prepare their presentation, “Cultivating Deeper Engagement in the Text with Interactive Read-Alouds of Various Genres,” for the PCTELA (Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of English/Language Arts) Conference. Once SRU students have a taste of attending and presenting at conferences, they see the value of lifelong learning as teachers. They also enjoy the travel opportunities to see new cities!
I am the advisor for the NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) Student Affiliate at SRU. Members of NCTE are early childhood, middle grades, and secondary education majors. The organization’s events include professional development sessions, service projects, and social events.
What student success stories can you share?
The months of July and August include many calls from principals who seek to hire SRU candidates and from candidates who describe their excitement when they receive their first teaching job. Recent graduates who participated in the PDS experiences are now teaching in schools both near and far from SRU. Adelaide Aukamp, Melissa Berchtold, Chelsea Feronti, Liz Ferringer, and Mallory Jones, were hired by local school districts. Julie Oritz was hired as a teacher in Cleveland County Schools near Shelby, NC.
What do you do for fun during time off/school break?
I love to read and look forward to my book club’s discussions. We read a variety of texts, often those recommended by the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, the oldest continuous book club in the country. I enjoy yoga for both relaxation and flexibility.
What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
SRU is small enough to know students by first name and to build relationships that extend beyond the time they spend in my courses. Former students often stop by to share recent experiences. Graduates frequently stay in touch throughout their teaching careers. As a member of PASSHE, students and faculty at SRU have access to learning tools, services, and programs offered by a larger institution.
