Dr. Sara Tours

What is your educational background and where have you worked previously?

I have my PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education from Florida State University. I taught at FSU while getting my PhD and I have taught birth to 4th grade over the past 10 years.  

 

What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the education department?

I enjoy exploring other countries educational systems, and I really liked that SRU is committed to this. There are so many opportunities for the students to explore education at SRU on a global level. 

 

What has been your most rewarding experience as a teacher/professor? If you cannot narrow it to one, describe one rewarding experience.

I had an undergraduate student approach me and ask what he could do with a literature review paper he had written. I suggested he submit his paper to a conference. He gladly accepted my idea and not only presented at a conference, but an international conference in Italy.  

 

What advice would you give to students who are entering or are currently in the teacher preparation program, and to SRU students in general?

My advice to students is to always ask questions. There is so much to learn and questions to be asked. 

 

What other information would you like to provide?

Some things you will often hear me say are "sharing is caring," "book is a friend you read again and again," and "teamwork makes the dream work!" 

Dr. Istvan Kovacs

Tell me about yourself. What is your educational background and where have you worked previously? 
I was born and grew up in Hungary and got all my education in my home country. I have two undergraduate degrees, one in physical education and one in coaching, and a masters in physical education. All from the Hungarian University of Physical education, the country’s premier institution in the field of health, physical education, and other related fields. My Ph.D. is in biomechanics from Eötvös Lóránd University of Budapest.

I started teaching as a high school physical educator in Budapest before accepting a teaching job at my alma mater, the Hungarian University of Physical Education. I worked at the Track and Field Department there for 11 years. My work experience includes coaching in track and field, swimming, and strength and conditioning for various pro and semi-pro sports clubs.

What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the education department? 

SRU’s physical education program has been one of the leading programs of our country for a long time. I was proud to join the department and continue my work in teacher education. My former job in Hungary was very similar to what I do here at SRU, so the transition was easy. I am happy to teach a variety of courses that I have passion toward. In general, Slippery Rock students are curious, eager to learn, and that creates a fantastic workplace for us, professors. Slippery Rock area is also a great place to live. It has a beautiful campus, and we have four great seasons for all sorts of outdoor physical activities that I thoroughly enjoy. 

What research projects are you currently working on?

I am currently part of a department research group looking at physical activity participation patterns and fitness levels of college students, as well as intensity levels provided by different physical activity designs for educational, sports, and recreational purposes. We have presented our findings at SHAPE America national conventions, which is the forum for health and physical education teachers and at the ACSM national conference, which is the biggest exercise science conference in the world.

What has been your most rewarding experience as a teacher/professor? If you cannot narrow it to one, describe one rewarding experience.

The most rewarding part of this profession is when I see students eager to learn day after day. It sounds simple, but in practice you do not always see that. How to generate or sustain students’ intrinsic motivation toward any particular subject area is the key. I was fortunate to be able to do that in many cases. Just one or two examples: when I was about to leave my high school position for college teaching, a student visited me in my office. He was really said because even though he did not excel in PE, he thoroughly enjoyed learning new motor skills in class. When the non-athletic kids like him say that, that can be the most rewarding experience. Similarly, when I heard from one of my SRU students that the Wellness through Movement class that she took with me was life-changing, I was very glad.

What were you like as a college student?

In college I considered myself a hard working individual, and that has not changed since. In college I had specific goals and strong motivation toward both academic excellence and success in sports. After the morning classes I attended varsity practices of the track & field team. In that sense my life was similar to our varsity athletes here at SRU. On the other hand, as a young man in a big city, I enjoyed socializing with friends and occasionally going to parties too. Interestingly, I started learning English as a second language relatively late in life, as a junior college student. I still remember the struggles through the first few English classes vividly. I always encourage our students to study a foreign language and see the world.

What do you know now that you wish you would have known as a college student?
I do not have any regrets. Obviously, I did some things that seem stupid looking back, but I did not get in any major trouble and finished my studies well. As a college student I apparently knew much less about life than I know now, but that is how it was just fine. My motto is that the past is the past; just look forward and imagine what great things are ahead of you.

What advice would you give to students who are entering or are currently in the teacher preparation program?

Volunteer. Seek for volunteer opportunities in classes, on campus, and outside campus in the community. Focus on your studies of course, but add volunteer service which gives you much more in rewards for your social, emotional, and spiritual wellness. In addition, be physically active. Find a physical activity that you love not necessarily for the health benefits, but because of the enjoyment of the activity. That will keep you in for a life.

What is one way that Slippery Rock University has positively influenced your life and/or professional career?

Having my studies completed in a foreign country I had a different view on education. After starting my tenure at SRU and learning about the educational climate in our country, my view on education changed dramatically. I now have a great understanding on what our society needs to live a healthier and more active lifestyle.

In addition, I am happily serving our community. Four years ago I reestablished the Slippery Rock Table Tennis Club which is open to student, faculty, staff members, administrator, and community members alike. We have players between ages 12 and 70 or so, and some of them even commute 50 minutes to get to practices. This volunteer service has changed my life tremendously, and I am glad to provide our 25-30 members with the opportunity to actively seek physical, social, and emotional health and wellness. Without the support of the PHE Department and SRU Athletics, this could not have happened.

Dr. Ashlea Rineer-Hershey

Tell me about yourself. What is your educational background and where have you worked previously?
Dr. Rineer-Hershey is an Assistant Professor for the Department of Special Education at Slippery Rock University as well as the Coordinator for the Community Programs for Americans with Disabilities (CPAD) program. She graduated from Millersville University in 2003 with a dual certificate in special and elementary education. She earned her M.Ed. in Special Education as well as her teaching certification in English as a Second Language from Eastern Mennonite University in 2006. Dr. Rineer-Hershey then went on to complete her Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership & Instructional Management from Robert Morris University in 2010. She teaches graduate and undergraduate special education courses as well as advises all the students enrolled in the Special Education Transition Program. Dr. Rineer-Hershey has taught for Slippery Rock University since August 2014. Prior to that time, she worked for California University of Pennsylvania for 2 years as an Assistant Professor in the Early, Middle and Special Education Department. Additionally, she was a special education teacher in the public schools for 5 years and also worked in the Technical Training and Assistance Network for the Pennsylvania Department of Education for 2 years. Her research interests include the areas of transition services, inclusive practices, co-teaching as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has written several articles for peer-reviewed journals as well as written one textbook. Additionally, Dr. Rineer-Hershey presents at various state and national conferences across the country each year.


What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the education department?
I taught for 2 years as a temporary faculty member in the special education department when I first moved to the Pittsburgh area in 2005. I knew nothing about SRU at that time, but I was just thrilled to have a job. As I learned more about the community, university and the special education department, it became obvious to me that I never wanted to work anywhere else. So once my doctoral degree was complete, I was thrilled to be able to get a tenure track position in the special education department and return to SRU for my career. 


What has been your most rewarding experience as a teacher/professor? If you cannot narrow it to one, describe one rewarding experience.
I have had the opportunity to be part of growing the SRU Transition Program for local high school students with disabilities. These students come on campus 1-2 days per week and participate in an educational program that is run by graduate and undergraduate students from the Health & Physical Education, Special Education, and other departments. It has been a joy to watch this program grow and see how our SRU students work hard to assist students from the community become more successful and independent.


What were you like as a college student?
I was an elementary and special education major, so I was very diligent with my studies. I had to maintain a high GPA to stay in the education program. I was involved in a different student organizations related to teaching and education. I attended Millersville University, another state university in Eastern Pennsylvania, which was very similar to SRU. I enjoyed my time there and felt very well prepared to be a teacher after I graduated.


What do you know now that you wish you would have known as a college student?
I wish I would have known how quickly college ends and the real world/life starts. I would give college students this advice: Enjoy the opportunities that SRU offers. Have fun, learn as much as you can, build relationships with your peers and professors. The relationships you build will last a lifetime.


What advice would you give to students who are entering or are currently in the teacher preparation program?
Be open to different grade levels, content areas of certification, and be willing to move outside of western Pennsylvania to get a job. Make yourself so appealing to a school that they can’t pass you by for a job. Once you get some experience under your belt, then you can get more picky about what you’d like to teach. And it is entirely possible that you will enjoy teaching a different grade level of students than you originally thought.


What is one way that Slippery Rock University has positively influenced your life and/or professional career?
Honestly, SRU has influenced my life positively in so many ways. I have never had a job where I was happy always. I enjoy walking outside of my office and across campus to see students and staff all over. SRU is a great place to be! But what I most love about SRU is my colleagues in the special education department. We all work together to help each other be successful. Many of us collaborate together on research and presentations out in local school districts and at conferences. It is wonderful to work in such a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Dr. Deborah Wells

Tell me about yourself. What is your educational background and where have you worked previously? 
I have taught at Slippery Rock University and lived in Slippery Rock since 1987.  I moved here straight out of graduate school at Arizona State University where I earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Literacy.  My first degree was a B.A. in English but I returned to school (at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama) to earn a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.Ed. in Elementary Education and Reading.

I taught kindergarten, first grade and fourth grade in rural Alabama. I also tutored extensively during that time.

What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the education department? 
To be honest, there were two job openings in the area: one at SRU and one at Edinboro.  I asked a friend in Arizona who was from this area where it snowed the most.  She said Edinboro, so I applied to Slippery Rock.

During the job interview, I became very aware of the student oriented focus of the professors on the hiring committee:  Jack Burtch, Tom Kandl, Chuck Rice and Garry Quast.  I felt like the department would be supportive of both faculty and students.  Being part of a strong faculty union was also important.

What research projects are you currently working on?

I am currently analyzing themes and literary elements in Newbery Award winning books between 2000 and 2016. 

What has been your most rewarding experience as a teacher/professor? If you cannot narrow it to one, describe one rewarding experience. 

My most rewarding moments come when I see former students in their own classrooms as cooperating teachers. I love to see their dedication and energy as they prepare the next generation of SRU students.

What were you like as a college student?

I loved being in literature classes especially. When I took Children’s Literature for the first time, I knew that is what my career would be.

What do you know now that you wish you would have known as a college student?

I wish I had been more concerned about learning for the sake of learning – not just doing the assignments simply for a grade.

What advice would you give to students who are entering or are currently in the teacher preparation program?

Get as much experience as you can working with children.

What is one way that Slippery Rock University has positively influenced your life and/or professional career?

Slippery Rock University has always given me the opportunity to combine teaching and scholarship.  Throughout my career, I have worked with caring faculty and dedicated students. I wouldn’t change that for anything.

Dr. Joseph Merhaut

Tell me about yourself. What is your educational background and where have you worked previously?
I received my undergraduate degree in special education in 1989 from SRU. I received my Master of Education from California University of PA with Principal certification. In 2000 I received my doctor of education from Duquesne University

What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the education department?
My entire career I always wanted to come back to Slippery Rock so that I could teach pre-service professionals about the realities of education. I have a wealth of experience in the field and I also have a daughter with significant special needs. Sharing my experiences from work and family with my students has been invaluable in their preparation.

What research projects are you currently working on?
I just completed a project on sensory environments specifically for student with Autism. The research was submitted, written up, and published in the Pennsylvania Administrator  magazine in October of 2016.

What has been your most rewarding experience as a teacher/professor? If you cannot narrow it to one, describe one rewarding experience.
Being nominated by several of my students, and being the recipient of The 2009 Presidents Award for Excellence in Teaching.

What were you like as a college student?
If you would have told me then that I would end up as a college professor, I would have told you that you are crazy. I wasn't a bad student, but I played football and was a little bit on the crazy side as an undergraduate student. I didn't really get serious until graduate school.

What do you know now that you wish you would have known as a college student?
How important studying really is. The more you learn about your field you will be that much further ahead of the game in the workplace. Study, study, study, and learn as much as you can.

What advice would you give to students who are entering or are currently in the teacher preparation program?
Gain as much experience possible working with diverse groups of children. The diversity includes children with all levels of disability. The law has made a tremendous push on integrating students with disabilities into the general education classroom so having as much experience as possible is crucial. I would also highly recommend that students dual certify in special education. I know principals throughout the entire state, and they tell me that they will only hire teachers with dual certification.

What is one way that Slippery Rock University has positively influenced your life and/or professional career?
Slippery Rock University has given me tremendous flexibility to do research, scholarship, and service in so many different ways. These opportunities have not only impacted my professional life but my personal life as well. SRU is a great place to work.

Dr. Jeffrey Lehman

 

 

 

What did you before you got to SRU? What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the education department?

Before SRU, I was a professor of education at SUNY Albany. At SUNY Albany, I taught courses related to secondary education science. When I came to SRU, I taught courses in elementary and secondary science education -- which meant that I was responsible for teaching the entire K-12 science instruction curriculum! Being originally from Lebanon, PA, coming to SRU was welcoming because of my familiarity with the area and the people. 43 years of my life have been spent teaching, and 28 of those years have been at SRU.

  

What is your favorite course to teach? Why?

My favorite course to teach is SEFE676: Teaching Integrated Science and Math, which is a face-to-face course with graduate students. This course is normally the first instructional methods class that these students take -- as well as their first exposure toward becoming a teacher. These students are normally coming into my class with undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry, geology, physics, or mathematics. I enjoy this course because students regularly learn a lot of helpful information about testing, standards, and instruction which helps them prepare for the years to come.

 

What research have you worked on in your career?

My favorite research in the past has involved studying the use of technology for math and science instruction. I also conducted research which considers the role of laboratories in science instruction.

 

What has been your most rewarding experience as a teacher/professor? If you cannot narrow it to one, describe one rewarding experience.

Having 5 student teachers each semester has been rewarding because it means that I am constantly in area schools, interacting with students and professionals. Doing so keeps my instruction informed and relevant because I see many of the students, who I had during my early methods courses, at end of their teacher preparation program as they student teach! Seeing their progression allows me to evaluate what I can change in my courses to reflect what is needed in the schools and how I can assist future teacher candidates. That is very important to me.

 

Related to that, in 2010, 2011, and 2015, I supervised 25 student teachers each fall semester who completed their student teaching in Ireland. It was a lot of fun being able to travel with them, explore new areas, and interact with different people.

 

What were you like as a college student?

I was always a good student who enjoyed learning. I liked chemistry and science and wanted to teach those subjects. Both of my undergraduate and graduate degrees were in chemistry, and I worked toward my teacher certification during my graduate degree. After teaching high school classes for 4 years, I decided I wanted to prepare teachers for the field. As a Florida Gator, I earned my Ph.D in curriculum instruction in science education. Being involved in teaching and education has always been what I have enjoyed doing since being a college student.

 

What advice would you give to students who are entering or are currently in the teacher preparation program?

Avail yourselves to as many experiences as possible --  whether it is tutoring, overseas student teaching, urban student teaching, etc. Explore everything! Get involved in clubs and sports and take advantage of the opportunities that you have right now.

What is one way that Slippery Rock University has positively influenced your life and/or professional career?
Teaching here gave me the flexibility to pursue areas in which I had tremendous interest. I would not have considered the possibility of going to Ireland, for example, to supervise student teaching were it not for the opportunities provided to me by SRU.

Lastly, when I go out in schools, it is terrific to see former students of mine now working at nearby schools, many of them volunteering to be co-ops for field students and student teachers. Having these students so long ago and seeing them enjoy what they are doing now is excellent and important to me.