Dr. Jessica Hall-Wirth

 

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

I attended Slippery Rock where I pursued a dual degree in early childhood and special education. During my undergrad, I worked at the Watson Institute as an instructional assistant and substitute teacher. Upon graduating, I became the graduate assistant in the department of special education at SRU while I worked towards my masters in special education with an emphasis in Autism. While working on my master’s I was a 7^th and 8^th grade special education teacher at Agora Cyber Charter School. Upon completion of my master’s program, I was accepted into the Doctoral program at SRU where I completed a Doctorate in Special Education and a Supervision Certificate. While completing my doctoral work, I served as an adjunct in the special education department. It was at this time that I also began working as the Director of Students with Exceptional Abilities (S.E.A.) at the Pine Richland Youth Center.

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

As a student who attended SRU, I have always admired the faculty within both the special and early childhood education departments. Both have provided me with the tools and knowledge I needed not only to become a teacher, but also helped me grow into the person I am today. The departments exemplify what it means to be a great colleague and mentor. Secondly, the programs overall that are offered are top-notch and really help to prepare teachers for the real-world. I felt very prepared moving forward into my career. I knew this was something special that I wanted to be a part of and I feel honored to work alongside such incredible colleagues. Lastly, the campus is so beautiful! Especially when all of the flowers are bloomed!

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

My first semester teaching, I had a student who was really struggling. She ended up needing to re-take the class at a later date. She retook my course the following semester and thrived! At the end of the semester she brought in her parents and boyfriend to meet me. It was then I realized how important relationships and the time we take getting to know students really is!

    4. 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 first piece of advice is to enjoy every minute. Your time in college is like no other time in your life. Take time to figure out who you are and make good friends. These are the friendships you will have for a lifetime. Secondly, find someone on campus that you connect with and make them your mentor. Having a good mentor to support you through the challenging times, cheer you on during the good and help you find your true potential is key.

    5. What were you like as a college student?

I loved college! I was very involved with student organizations and loved to work! I worked at the ARC and it was so much more than a job. I was also very quiet and worked hard to get good grades.