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.
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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment