Dr. Carmine Decarlo

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?

I am teaching ELEC 460: Instructional Strategies for Science and Technology Pre-K-4. I am most proud of the fact that I have the opportunity to integrate authentic teaching experiences into the course assignments for my students. I also supervise student teachers and I am exceedingly proud of how well each and every one of them represents SRU.

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?

I was part of the grass roots efforts that developed the Professor Protégé Program which is currently in its second year of development. I am really proud of being involved in the program because I enjoy being a mentor to freshmen and working one on one with them to give them a behind the scenes look at what it takes to be an effective teacher. Another accomplishment that I am very proud of is the creation of the elementary “science room” in the McKay building. Using grant monies, my colleague Dr. Snyder and I, completely revamped McKay 125 and designed a state of the art science lab, complete with Smart Boards, Ipad cart, and a plethora of science supplies. As far as service projects, I am a member many committees at the department, college, and university level. Currently, I am the COE representative to the University Promotions Committee, and play an important role in the fair evaluation of my peers’ academic performance, service, and teaching effectiveness.

What student success stories can you share?

I got a call from a former student the other day, Jimmie Altman, who told me of his new job teaching third grade math in Texas, and all about his growing family. It was delightful to hear from him. Over the past 25 years, I have received many, many calls and emails like Jimmie’s. It reminds me that my “success” as a teacher educator is really tied to my students’ success as teachers. The countless emails and photos and phone calls from former students over the years that describe their teaching position, and their classrooms, and the joy they get from teaching, are what make me feel that my career has been a successful one.

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?

I love all things outdoors! I am absolutely addicted to golf…I’ve not gotten any better at it in the last five years that I’ve played, but I keep hoping and trying! My new passion is stand up paddle boarding, but the kid in me still feels the thrill of a good, old fashioned, bike ride on country roads.

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?

I have always, since day one, appreciated the fact that I can pursue any scholarly interest, service project, or new teaching strategy I want, and find SUPPORT here…either through my Department Chairperson, Dean, or even the President. There has always been the sense that nothing is impossible here at SRU…If I can dream it, I can achieve it, and I can find the support I need to make it a reality. I have loved the freedom to develop new ideas and new courses and new projects, knowing all along that I am not alone in whatever I pursue. I appreciate the “family” that I have found here.

Dr. Linda Zane

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?

I currently teach Theory & Practice in Early Childhood Education, and I also supervise student teachers. I love being able to see students at the beginning of our program (in the Theory & Practice course) and also at the end of our program (during student teaching). They are both equally rewarding because I am able to share my passion for early childhood education with students throughout their time at SRU.

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?

I enjoy being involved in many different areas, all of which emphasize the importance of early childhood education. I authored a book entitled Pedagogy and Space: Design Inspirations for Early Childhood Classrooms, which will be released in February 2015. This blends my interest in architecture and early childhood spaces, aiding early childhood teachers with ways to spice up their classrooms.

Recently, I was the co-investigator for a research study investigating the hiring practices of Western Pennsylvania school districts. I am anxious to share the research finding with our students, so that they can better prepare themselves for obtaining a teaching position.

Finally, I am thrilled to accompany students to Sweden during spring break. I have taken trips with students during the 2013 and 2014 spring break weeks, and am making plans to accompany students during the 2015 spring break as well. While we are there, we visit preschools, elementary schools, Kristianstad University, and an outdoor preschool—all of which are fascinating for our students. The students enjoy experiencing the Sweden culture, and return with an appreciation of educational practices around the world.

What student success stories can you share?

My favorite success stories are when students leave SRU and obtain teaching jobs. All five of my spring 2014 student teachers obtained full-time teaching positions, of which I am very proud. Our SRU graduates always report that, while their first year of teaching is a lot of work, they have been extremely well-prepared to take over their own classroom—the greatest sign of success!

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?

I love attending plays and the opera. I also enjoy going to Pirates’ games and Pitt football and basketball games. During breaks, I read books and catch up on articles that I may not have time to read when school is in session.

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?

All of the people, from the administration, to faculty, to staff, and students, are friendly and welcoming. Our campus holds a wonderful mix of people, from many different places—but each is warm-hearted, and truly cares about their school, colleagues, and peers.

Dr. Richael Barger-Anderson

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?

Graduate Level Courses: The enrollment numbers are so high and I am so proud of how well our Special Education Program is doing. It is doing so well due to the great SRU reputation for Special Education. Many of our undergraduates return for our masters level courses.
607- Positive Behavior Interventions
618-Language and Literacy for students with disabilities

Undergraduate Course: 325 Inclusive classroom
The students are able to use the textbook that myself, Joe Merhaut, and Robert Isherwood created called, “Strategic Co-Teaching in your school”. The book consists of many instances where one or all of us is applying practical experience from schools in the content of the course.

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?
We finally created the Education Doctorate in Special Education. We are the first school in the PASSHE State System to have created a doctorate in special education. We will also have the first teaching associate on SRU’s campus due to this program.

What student success stories can you share?
Alyssa Williams is teaching special education at Greenville school district.
Kaleigh Hoover is an administrator in Baltimore, Maryland.
Anthony Uniejewski is the Graduate Assistant in the Deans office and is enrolled in our Special Education Autism Program.

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?
I enjoy spending time with my family, skiing at Peak and Peak and boating in the summer in East Brady!

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
Plain and simple answer, I enjoy the people. I like collaborating with faculty, the sheer dedication from the students enrolled in my courses, and most importantly having a supportive campus environment.

Dr. Traci Zilifro

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?
1. Educational Movement in Health and Wellness 243 – I am most proud of relaying the message regarding the importance of physical activity in the schools and instructing future teachers on how to implement strategies to increase physical activity in the schools.

In this class I teach future educators, those who will teach in the gymnasium and those who will teach in the classroom, about how physical activity improves not only physical health but cognition and mental health as well. The research has been done and the statistics are in, we need to get kids moving throughout the school day to improve the quality of their education, as well as their lives.
Second year on the new textbook and it is more of a school wide focus rather than just one class. Same activities just different content.

2. Administration & Management of Physical Activity Programs 332 – I am most proud of preparing students in our Physical Activity & Fitness Management track to carry out the leadership role in which I am sure they will find themselves in the future. We cover concepts such as marketing and risk management of physical activity programs and we go off-campus and design and lead two different programs open to community members.

3. Personal Physical Fitness 141– I am most proud of the fact that I try to make physical fitness relevant to them personally, before they are expected to teach it to anyone else. We, as a department, want to encourage students to “practice what they preach”. We want them to know the facts about physical activity and learn how to scrutinize and identify the fiction. 

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?
I do a service project each year with my students in the Administration & Management of Physical Activity Programs class that consists of planning and executing 2 programs in the Slippery Rock Community. One is held after-school at Slippery Rock Area Elementary, the other is held at the Slippery Rock Area Senior Center. Both programs are centered on the idea of increasing physical activity in a way that is enjoyable and will encourage future involvement. Elementary hopscotch, jump-rope, hula hoop, tag games, yard games, golf (First Tee). Disc golf, Frisbee, can jam. Elderly (recreational activities) cornhole, ladder golf, bocchi, wi bowling, Nordic walking, line dancing, any fun incorporation of activity.


What student success stories can you share?
Student success to me is when a student goes into the schools or other physical activity setting and makes a positive change. It takes knowledge, time, energy, and courage to make a difference and it makes me very proud to see our graduates doing just that.
On a smaller scale, every time a student comes back from a field experience and is able to tell me what they saw happening in the gym and why it was good or not so good, I feel that I have made a small difference in improving the awareness of quality physical education.

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?
I spend time with my husband and 2 children. We like to be active in the outdoors at Moraine State park.

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
I appreciate the small town atmosphere, combined with the perks of having a university close-by. Appreciate the strong history and quality of the Physical Education Program and the faculty is amazing. It pays attention to the quality undergraduate education where large state schools lose that attention.

Dr. Donald Strano

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?

I teach all Graduate Level courses.
Foundations of Adulthood--- I am most proud of this course because it allows for a masters of arts in community counseling. Students get to narrow their focus on content based on population. Youth, addiction, adult, gerontology etc.
The content is more advanced and then their skills advance. This was taught in Australia and it focused on narrative therapy which is story based on therapy. Instruction comes from having students do some reading and reflection but instead they are having students tell a story that stands out and has meaning/connects. I stress the application of these narratives and incorporating this method in multiple courses.

Family Counseling
Student Affairs Practicum course

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?

I traveled to Australia to enhance my counselor identity development. I conducted a qualitative study about the narrative therapy and asked professionals to tell me how they are as a professional. I take a video recording of this interview and have a group of 4-5 people watch the recording and they interview each other on what they thought. Then the second recording is brought in, we watch the group and we have a final interaction. When training professionals we talk about not bringing in personal stuff so we create this idea of what it means to be professional. Expert in knowledge and narrows what a professional is. The research is to think about how counseling trainers create richer and fuller history, background, etc. Connection of personal and professional life.

What student success stories can you share?

One recent student is a professor at Youngstown training professionals.
Any of my students who went to get doctoral degrees to teach at a college level or be involved as a doctorate in psychology.
Generally, if you’re in this region, at any location that provides services, there is at least one or more of SRU’s graduates. We staff many of the facilities with our graduates. We are taking care of the people in Western PA. In some ways I have impact on thousands of people in this area due to staffing agencies all starting with me. One student is taught by me, who then becomes a counselor and helps people, who then becomes a college professor educating hundreds of students per year. In a way it is a ripple effect which starts with me.

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?

I enjoy archery hunting and fly fishing in the Neshannock area or Slippery Rock Creek. I like to watch baseball and hockey. I also enjoy gardening and traveling.

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
I enjoy the notion of training professionals and allow people to develop as professionals. The value, I am a firm believer of great quality regional schools that are accessible to citizens of the area. If it wasn’t for the state to make this available, students would suffer. If it wasn’t for this I would be an unemployed waste. There is such competitiveness around this area and having this access to a good quality education is essential. The mission is to serve the people in the area and the practitioner value is why this area is the best for Psychology Education.

Dr. Patrick Grant

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?
Low Incidence---The students have opportunities to meet with potential teachers and gives me the opportunity to develop a thinking foundation so they work from their own minds and not just the text. They think about the impact they have with teachers.
Americans with Disabilities -----This is a liberal studies class and it reaches across ...campus so we get all sorts of people from different majors. It gives me the opportunity to inform them about students with disabilities. Exposing them to this allows for optimal success.

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?
I am currently writing three articles and chapters for texts. One article is about the role of the church and how it impacts the education of our youth today. The impact of the articles is so cutting edge that to divulge the information would be potentially dangerous to SRU because the information would be leaked out to other universities therefore robbing Slippery Rock University of the credit.

What student success stories can you share?
The Interns that I work with over the summer are exceptional! Most of the interns are hired by the places they are interning at. This shows that we are doing a great job due to the sheer number of hires. Multiple students are at the graduate level and expanding their education.

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?
I enjoy reading and traveling to New York, Atlanta, and Boston.

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
The nature of the people here in and around the departments not only education but social work, sciences, geology’s, etc. It’s a sharing friendly atmosphere. The students are here to learn, they cooperate, and this makes my job more pleasurable because you are working with people who care and want to learn.

 I enjoy keeping in contact with students after graduation and years to come. Students and myself own each other in a sense to ask for advice and just to catch up. This shows that you connect with the students.

Dr. Christine Walsh

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?

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.

Dr. Ashlea Rineer-Hershey

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?

I currently teach SPED 432: Interventions in the Content Areas. This course is in the Professional Semester during the semester before student teaching. I love teaching this course because it is full of hands-on and practical research-based strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners in a classroom. This is the perfect class for students to take the semester before student teaching.
I also teach a course called SPED 625: Instructional Strategies for Students with Mild & Behavioral Needs. This course is taught online at the graduate level. It gives students who are already teachers or are working towards becoming a teacher a great background in instructional approaches to reaching the students in the classroom who may be struggling. Topics like differentiated instruction and co-teaching are covered.

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?

Right now, I am serving as the Coordinator for the CPAD program. CPAD stands for Community Programs for Americans with Disabilities. The students who enroll in this program are interested in working with individuals with disabilities but do not want to teach in the PK-12 classroom. I am working in conjunction with other faculty in making improvements to this program and increasing enrollment. This would be the project that I most excited about right now. I really feel that there is a need in our communities for individuals who are skilled and knowledgeable in working with individuals with disabilities outside of the school setting. I believe that special education does not end when I child leaves the public school system.

What student success stories can you share?
I think my greatest success stories have been when I was supervising my students in the Fall while they were out in their field placements at the end of the semester. I get so excited when I see my students out in the classroom implementing what I have taught them. It is great to see them excited and the kids learning and having fun.

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?
I enjoy spending time outdoors and traveling with my family. My husband and I have a young son and daughter and they love learning and exploring new places with us. I really enjoy skiing in the winter as well.

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
I love the students and the faculty that I work with at SRU. The special education faculty has been very welcoming and supportive since I joined the department in the fall 2013. The students are fantastic as well. They are eager to work hard and learn the skills to make them the best educators out there. I feel very confident sending out students out into classrooms because they are so driven and hard working.

Dr. Robert Snyder

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?
I currently teach the Pk-4 Science methods course (Instructional Strategies for Science and Technology) along with science courses in the online Math and Science Master's Degree program. I am most proud and excited about the resources available for the students in the methods classes. The new science room has two Smart Boards, a 30 unit iPad station, along with every major resource science kit available. Our students truly get to excel in teaching science content and developing competency with the latest technology. With regards to the graduate courses, technology has also allowed for online courses that have a "classroom feel". Both myself and the students in the courses are able to post secure videos of science demonstrations and activities for the class to collaborate and respond to with feedback and comments. The enrollment is growing and we now have senior level students enrolling in the courses, so that when they graduate with their Bachelor's Degree, they already have anywhere from 6-12 credits of the graduate program completed as well.


What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?
Currently, I am working with Dr. Gordon and Dr. Katsafanas to develop an International Track for education majors. This will become a choice for students to help expand their global education and will prepare them for a more rich experience when selecting a student teaching experience in Ireland or Mexico. I am also working with a great team of colleagues across the College of Education to develop a new Master's Degree program in Technology for Online Educational Instruction. This program will help teachers become better prepared to teach in cyber and online classroom environments. Personally, I am developing new applications of technology to aid teachers with differentiating instruction in their classrooms. I am also developing new STEM science based activities for early childhood teachers to use in their classrooms. I have presented on both of these topics at education conferences this past semester in Charlotte, North Carolina and Wakiki, Hawaii.


What student success stories can you share?
I have been so proud of all of the students who have become members of the National Science Teachers Association Student Chapter on campus, which I have assisted as faculty advisor. I have watched our students excel in professionalism for each of the last 7 years, while they have annually helped Girl Scouts earn science badges, assistEd the Carnegie Science Center with programs, and developed novel science activity ideas and presented them to in-service teachers at the state science teachers conference each year.


What do you do for fun during time off/school break?
I love to exercise and be active. I have completed the P90x, P90x3, Insanity, and Focus T25 programs and am currently one month into P90x3. I also look forward to playing church league softball along with my wife for St. Peter's Parish. My wife and I also love to golf as often as we can.


What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
Slippery Rock is a very close knit community with so many caring people! I have been on this campus first as an undergraduate student taking courses from 1986-1992, as a graduate students from 1994-1997, and now as a faculty member from 2000 to the present. There is no better place to be a student or a faculty member! I will highlight one example. When I was activated by the US Army to deploy to Baghdad, Iraq in 2003-2004, the students in my courses created a hard cover book, where each student filled out a page. Each wrote a personalized message of encouragement. When I received it, I was absolutely amazed by the caring of this SRU community!

Rebecca Badgett

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?

It's always a pleasure to teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, and each is accompanied by a sense of pride. Currently, I am teaching two undergraduate sections of Developmental Disorders and two on-line graduate courses: Graduate Practicum and Developmental Disabilities.

The undergraduate course Developmental Disorders is conducive to the incorporation of assistive technology, along with the opportunity for teaching a multiplicity of hands-on skills. Years of teaching this course have enhanced my delivery methodologies; and the changing arrays of students have supported my excitement for teaching.

Ideally, on-line classes maintain their compression of geographical distance while simultaneously providing the warmth of interpersonal relations that typify traditional classrooms. In an attempt to achieve this synthesis, assigned videos and their ensuing reflections, along with the reading and critical analyses of related novels, are integral components of my on-line classes, as is the frequent and uninhibited flow of student comments.

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects? 

In collaboration with Dr. Rob Bost, I am continuing a document-based chronology of SRU's Department of Special Education ranging from 1978 - Present. As departmental archivist, I welcomed and thoroughly enjoy the compilation of this documentary. Additionally, I am assisting in the design of a new course for our proposed on-line doctoral program.

What student success stories can you share?

Having served almost 36 years as an SRU faculty member, I am privileged to have been associated with a broad diversity of students. Unsurprisingly, virtually every time I visit a surrounding school district or intermediate unit, I experience the pleasure of a renewed relationship with a former student. Moreover, many of these professionals have moved into administrator roles. Regardless, however, of their respective positions, these educators demonstrate a high level of professionalism that reflects pride on our department and university.

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?

When apart from teaching, I'm as enthusiastically engaged in organized leisure or home life as I am in my profession. Yet, whether it's traveling (Especially to Disney: I am a zealot), outdoor and/or interior decorating, reading and discussion, dining in or out, each is preceded and followed by detailed organization. I don't believe that my family or friends consider me rigid; because if we're organized, we get more done and have more fun, this time and the next.

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?

Between my time as an undergraduate student and as a faculty member, I have been involved in SRU for about 2/3 of my life. My tenure here has been a progression of mostly high professional and social plateaus; and I am blessed by my affiliation with wonderful people who made and continue to make SRU a great place for study and work.

Dr. Michelle McCollin

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?
Intro to Low Incidence Disabilities and Americans with Disabilities…
My connection and rapport with my students is my greatest accomplishment in all of my courses.

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?
I am currently involved in a national sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and our focus is Community Service. The project for which I am most blessed is EYES4Africa… I collect new and gently used prescription eyeglasses and readers and donate it to indigenous people in Nigeria, West Africa each year.

What student success stories can you share?
Many of the students who have graduated over the past 10 years, who have come through my hands… are still in contact with me….I have attended marriages, funerals, and baby dedications…One of my students that I had my first year at SRU is currently in a PhD program at Pitt… and has come to me over the years to assist her… prep her for interviews, review documents etc…And now she is about to graduate with her doctorate and start her academic teaching career….Amazing!

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?
For fun, I love to travel …I have traveled to 5 out of 7 continents.

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
The environment and rural nature of Slippery Rock is most alluring ….I am from Brooklyn NY…and Slippery Rock is stark different from Brooklyn.

Dr. Dallas Jackson

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?
My current teaching assignments include the following courses: (a) introduction to adapted physical activity, an undergraduate course, (b) biomechanics for individuals with disabilities, an undergraduate course, (c) program design in adapted physical activity (APA), an undergraduate course, (d) advanced study of disability in physical activity, a graduate course, and (e) lifespan, disability and physical activity, a graduate course.
I take pride in knowing that my courses involve a student-centered approach to learning, infused with technology, presentations, and assignments that foster students’ ability to critically think. I am proud that my courses offer students the ability to gain a content knowledge through lecture, as well as, experiential learning through a practicum-based (i.e., hands on) experience. My goal is to have students develop an understanding of various health conditions (i.e., disabilities) that individuals may have or acquire throughout the lifespan, as well as, apply that knowledge through developing and implementing active living community-based physical activity programs.

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?
As two major components of the professoriate (i.e., service, scholarship), I strive to maintain an outstanding level of scholarly and service-oriented projects. My research interests include evidence-based physical activity for adjudicated youth and also increasing physical activity participation of individuals with disabilities. Within the last three years, I have been fortunate enough to give two international, two national, one regional, one state, and four local presentations. In addition, I have had numerous peer-reviewed publications. Moreover, I have really enjoyed being professionally engaged with the field of study that I am passionate about (i.e., adapted physical activity), as well as, university through serving on numerous national, university, and departmental committees. I served as the APSCUF faculty representative to the Slippery Rock Student Government Association as a faculty senator. I also served as a member of the President’s Commission on Disability Issues. This was a very rewarding experience. I really enjoyed and was honored by being able to serve on a commission that deals so closely with my passion. That is, reducing barriers for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, I served as vice president of Slippery Rock University’s Black Faculty and Staff Association, an organization that is vitally important for the contribution of diversity to the Slippery Rock University campus. I continue to serve at the national level and am currently the secretary for AAHPERD’s Adapted Physical Activity Council which is a part of the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation. I was recently honored as the recipient of the Pennsylvania-based Talk Magazine’s Minority Achiever’s Award, and humbled to be recognized by my peers. I am most proud of the level of collaboration and learning that I gain through interaction with my peers on these various projects, and that I am contributing.

What student success stories can you share?
I can think of numerous student success stories of both my undergraduate and graduate students. However, one of the greatest honors that was bestowed upon me during the 2012-2013 academic year was the opportunity to be a faculty presenter at the Outstanding Graduate Student Honors Award Reception. One of my students/graduate assistant, Brad Martinez, a person whom I had the opportunity to work with closely during my fourth year, was an award recipient. I took great pleasure in reflecting back on our faculty-student relationship and his growth as a graduate student while developing his award presentation. 

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?
I really enjoy remaining conditioned through various health-related fitness activities. However, the most rewarding and valuable thing for me to do during “time off” and/or school break is spending time, whether through travel or staying home, with my wife Marisa and two daughters, Phoenix and Sydney.

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
I really appreciate the opportunity to interact and collaborate with my students and colleagues at the Rock. So far, every year that I have spent at the Rock has provided me with a variety of very rich experiences.

Dr. Marybeth Miller

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?
PE 754 – Leadership in Adapted Physical Activity – my greatest pride is to actively contribute to the graduate level knowledge and skill development the vast amount of experience in programming and leading initiatives throughout my professional career involving individuals with disabilities and the many professional in health care and education who work with them.
PE 243 – Educational Movement in Health and Wellness – my greatest pride in this course is the creation of Moving Concepts, a course embedded on-campus service-learning program involving over 50 preschool children with and without disabilities who are taught by the undergraduate students enrolled in the course from Physical and Health Education, Early Childhood and Special Education and Elementary Education. While the undergraduate study from me, they apply their knowledge and skill set to the children. It is free program and there is no other like it in the surrounding area.
PE 455 – Student Teaching Supervision – it is wonderful to mentor teacher candidates in their transition from the classroom to the school communities in developing themselves as a professional educator.

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?
My scholarship includes research centering upon the effect of service-learning as a pedagogy in preparing future teachers. This recently resulted in the publication of my co-edited book Service –Learning in Physical Education and Related Professions: A Global Perspective;
I am the 2013-2014 Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education , Recreation and Dance University Teacher of the Year – an honor presented to be my the top state-level peers of my professional association (PSAHPERD)
I serve on various Department and University Committees but what I am very excited about is serving as a Co-chair the President’s Commission for Disability Issues here at Slippery Rock University. This is a significant leadership position that impacts the actions and reactions of faculty, administrators, staff and students on this campus.

What student success stories can you share?
Those that graduate from the PHE program and are rewarded with meaningful employment in the profession of teaching or a related profession. It is wonderful to hear back from them and the positive feedback they provide about the program and the faculty who teach in it.

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?
I am a very active individual – always have been my entire life. I enjoy running (long distance) and am preparing to run the Pittsburgh Half Marathon, I snowshoe, ski, winter camp, backpack, I love to ride my bicycles and tour around the great lakes and the trail from Washington, DC to Pittsburgh. I play the Bodhran which is an Irish hand drum one would see in groups of musicians playing traditional Irish music. I also love to watch birds to relax.

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
SRU provides me the opportunities to develop my best professional self. I work in an amazing College of Education and in particular a fantastic and nationally known Physical and Health Education Department. The windows of opportunity to thrive in my scholarship, service and best-practice high quality teaching have been very rewarding. As well, I find the faculty, administration, staff and students to be kind and caring.

Dr. Junko Yamamoto (old)

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?
During spring 2014, I teach one section of SEFE230: Production and Utilization of Instructional Technology. I also supervise 15 student teachers. The most proud moment was made possible by the collective work of my colleagues and students. I was visiting my student teachers during the first week of this semester. One principal at a nearby high school gave me a huge smile and spoke highly of the SRU student teachers in recent years. Later in the same day, one cooperating teacher, who has supervised student teachers two semesters in a row, praised SRU by stating how well our program prepares our teacher candidates. It speaks volume as to the dedication and teamwork in our department, and how our candidates meet our expectations through their hard work.

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?
I am proud of being a part of organizations and teams that reach their goals. For example, I serve on the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association’s Executive Committee. We worked tirelessly for our Pittsburgh conference for the fall of 2013. Now we are getting ready for awarding school districts with outstanding world language programs, and are gearing up for our State College conference for fall 2014.
I was also an editor-in-chief for two instructional technology books. It was wonderful to work with many brilliant people. One of the chapter contributors from the book projects recently contemplated becoming an editor-in-chief for the same publisher and we have had insightful phone conversations. I find that scholarship lead to further discussions with other scholars.
My recent publication also was a product of teamwork. Dr. Stephen Larson in the Computer Science Department and I co-authored:
Larson, S., & Yamamoto, J. (2013). Flipping the college spreadsheet skills classroom: Initial empirical results. Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences, 4(10), 751-758. Retrieved fromhttp://www.cisjournal.org/journalofcomputi…/…/vol4no10_3.pdf
The inter-departmental scholarship gave me a unique perspective from a computer scientist. I believe that scholars need to seek truth and honesty through modest findings better than earth-shattering research claims that twist the truth. We shared the same philosophy as scholars. Moreover, Dr. Larson has a good sense of humor and speaks Japanese, my native tongue as well; it made the process more enjoyable.

What student success stories can you share?
I co-sponsor Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society for education majors with Dr. Linda Zane, another wonderful colleague. Every semester, the members organize service projects to make an impact in our community. Last year, for example, we partnered with Wexford Elementary School in Pine-Richland to plan and deliver a day to promote reading. Four of the key members from the project presented about their learning through service in Slippery Rock University’s Professional Development Day. They were poised and articulated their reflections on their learning through the service very well. This year, Kappa Delta Pi is partnering with Moraine Elementary School in Slippery Rock to promote world culture awareness and the literature by using stories from China, France, Mexico, Thailand, Ukraine, and West Africa.

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?
It is always nice to catch up with family during the time off.
I started oil painting last summer. I have also done some woodcarving and mosaic artwork (see picture).
I also like to read Japanese novels. I have recently read “Kiku’s Prayer” and its sequel “Life of a Woman: Part II: Sachiko’s Case” by Shusaku Endo during the winter break. I read both books in Japanese, but I believe there is an English translation for the first novel if anyone is interested.

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
Meeting the students, staffs, and faculty who are motivated to do good work and willing to support each other.

Dr. Jeremy Lynch

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?
I currently teach Special Education 430: Positive Behavior Strategies and various courses in our online graduate programs. I truly enjoy the 430 courses because I get to work with a wide variety of students from colleges across the campus. My students are education majors, but also, psychology, public health, and therapeutic recreation majors. I appreciate the conversations we have and the dialogue that comes from students with varied educational backgrounds.
This semester I am teaching one section as part of a unique block of courses located in Case Avenue Elementary School in the Sharon Area School District. I am grateful that I have been invited to be a part of this special program that connects my students with teachers, administrators, and young learners in local school systems and provides them with “hospital model” approach to learning.

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?
I currently have several scholarly projects that I am working on. I am currently the lead investigator on a project that is examining the College of Education’s Professor Protégé Program. Along with Dr. Carm DeCarlo and Dr. Geraldine Jenny, we are looking at the effectiveness of this unique faculty-student engagement program at SRU.
Staring later this spring, I will be leading a group of graduate student researchers from SRU along with faculty and student researchers from Westminster College on a study that will investigate the efficacy of mathematical problem solving framework for young learners in grades 2, 3, and 4. I am very excited about this project because it allows me to work with both students and other faculty to bring meaningful instructional strategies to young learners in our local community.

What student success stories can you share?
Since joining SRU in 2012, I have been inspired by my students’ commitment to their education. In just 3 short semester, I have met some amazing young professionals who represent what SRU is about and have made an impact in their fields and in their communities.

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?
I have two young daughters so my time off is spent sled riding, swimming, going to the park, and playing every board game imaginable.

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
The people and students. Having grown up in the Pittsburgh area I was aware of SRU’s reputation as an institute of higher education, and based on my experience it lives up to that reputation. I sincerely enjoy coming to class and I appreciate the hard work of all people across campus that make that possible and make my job easier.

Dr. Matthew Erickson

What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?
Currently, I am teaching Assessment in Special Education, Special Education Law and Procedures, and a Special Education Supervision Practicum.
I’m most proud of collaboration that takes place in within the Special Education Department to make each course during student’s professional semester relevant and engaging.

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?
Most recently, I’m working on a publication focusing on the impact of blended learning on achievement of students with special needs. This semester, members of the Special Education Department and I will be presenting at the Conference on Higher Education Pedagogy at Virginia Tech, and the Council for Exceptional Children in Philadelphia, Pa. This semester, I also plan to complete test preparation courses to assist students as they prepare for the Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT).
Over this past year, I have also joined the Syria Shriners to raise money to aid children with orthopedic impairments and burns. The Syria Shriners operate 19 hospitals nationwide that provide services to families free of charge.

What student success stories can you share?
A number of recent graduates have found employment within schools where they completed their three week special education field experience. Their hard work and dedication has provided exciting opportunities soon after graduation. I’m very proud of how they represent the Special Education Department and Slippery Rock University.

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?
Most of my time is dedicated to my family. My wife Nicole and I have been blessed with two great children, Aidan (5), and Rylee (3). As they become involved in community and school related activities our time is happily spent at practices, playdates, grandma’s house, movie theatres, and more.

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
I truly appreciate the sense of community in Slippery Rock. The relationships that are formed between the faculty and students make the SRU experience unlike any other college or university. I believe the level of customer service is second to none. I appreciate the opportunity to be part of a great university community.