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.