Dr. Jesse Smith

 

 

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

I earned a bachelor’s degree in political science (2003), a master’s degree in special education (2014), and a doctorate in special education (2017), all from the University of Pittsburgh.  Additionally, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).  For the past 20+ years, I’ve worked with a variety of students and their families including those who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, emotional/behavioral disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other developmental disabilities.   For nine years, I held several different roles at The PLEA School, a center-based school in Wilkinsburg, PA.  While there I happily educated students with disabilities in both the classroom and their homes.  Following my time at the PLEA school, I spent 5 years working for the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education.  The PASA Project was a grant-funded program that designed, implemented, and scored an alternative assessment for students where the PSSA or Keystone Exam was not appropriate. For a few years I worked as a Positive Behavior Support Specialist for the North Allegheny School District. And, most recently, I served an administrative role as a behavior analyst for Pittsburgh Public Schools.  As part of this role, I helped to design and implement a training program for paraprofessionals and teachers who work with students with complex needs.

2. What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the College of Education?

When I first started my doctoral program, I had not really considered a full-time career in academia.  Although I enjoyed teaching classes, conducting research, and being part of a university, my passion was still in K-12 schools.  As time went on, I grew more and more fond of academia.  That said, I did return to practice following graduation but kept my foot in the door by continuing to teach special education graduate courses at Pitt and California University of Pennsylvania. While I envisioned retiring from the K-12 public school system, I could not pass up the opportunity to apply for my current position here at Slippery Rock.  Slippery Rock’s reputation speaks for itself, and I have many friends and family members that graduated from here. I frequently witnessed their Rock Pride (most specifically, my brother-in-law; James Matsik, ‘04).  Additionally, I was born and raised in a small, rural town named Wilcox, which is in Elk County, PA. The town of Slippery Rock immediately reminded me of Wilcox.

3. What is your current role? What is your favorite course to teach?

I am currently an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the College of Education.  This semester I am teaching Early Intervention for Students with Disabilities, Introduction to Special Education Law, and Advanced Studies in Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Honestly, I enjoy teaching all my classes. 

4. What is your favorite aspect of working in your field?

Long story short, I love seeing children make important gains toward success and independence.  I am most interested in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and interventions related to ABA – specifically interventions that focus on remediating skill deficits often associated with severe cognitive and developmental disabilities.  This includes both the reduction of challenging behavior and the increasing of academic and functional skills.  Additionally, I am interested in researching and implementing effective ways to train others to engage in evidence-based practices, particularly paraprofessionals and teachers who work in inclusive settings.  

5. What were you like as a college student?

Shy, overwhelmed, and confused at first, but by the end of my undergraduate degree less so.  As I mentioned above, I grew up in a very rural part of the state – moving to the Oakland neighborhood in Pittsburgh was a drastic change for me.  I decided to attend Pitt because of its reputation as an outstanding academic institution.  By the time I got to graduate school, however, I was motivated and organized.  The city no longer phased me, and I was excited to learn whatever I could. 

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

College should be challenging – but not stressful.  I frequently say this to my students.  Professors are here to help you – and are eager to do so!

Dr. Jenna Copper

 

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

I attended SRU for my undergrad and master's degrees from 2004-2009. I met my husband, Mike, in Dr. Yamamoto's grad class! I was hired at Slippery Rock High School right after graduation, and during my first year of teaching, I applied for doctoral programs. I started my coursework at Robert Morris University two weeks before we got married, and I defended my dissertation while I was six months pregnant with our first child. I taught at SRHS for 6 years before accepting a position at my home district (also where my husband is teacher), Wilmington Area School District. I was the English department chair, a k-12 technology coach, and the AP English teacher. During that time, I taught night and online classes at RMU in the English department.  In 2021, when I was on maternity leave with our third child, I accepted a full-time faculty position at Westminster College. I earned my pk-12 Reading Specialist certification while I was there for two years before coming back to the Rock.

2. What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the College of Education?

My family has a lot of Rock pride! I went to SRU and had wonderful professors and a great education! My husband, Mike, earned his undergrad degree and master's degree in secondary social studies and teaches AP Gov and APUSH; my brother, Mikey, graduated from SRU with a special education degree and is now a director of special education; my sister-in-law, Brandi, graduated from SRU with a degree in special education and works as an education specialist for the MIU IV; and my brother, John, graduated from the safety management program and went on to earn his doctorate in physical therapy. My husband and youngest brother were stars on the football team. The Rock has done so much for our family, and the College of Education is unmatched in preparing future teachers! My goal was always to make my way back here!

3. What is your current role? What is your favorite course to teach?

I am an assistant professor in the CIEL department, and I co-advise Kappa Delta Pi. I really love them all so far, but my favorite courses are literacy and methods courses.

4. What is your favorite aspect of working in your field?

I love working with future teachers! They are so excited and passionate about our field, and it brings me so much joy to share their enthusiasm for a career I love! 

My undergraduate degree was in English Literature, and I love writing. I love that this field gives me the opportunity to write about topics I'm passionate about, and I enjoy collaborating on research projects with my wonderful colleagues and students.

5. What were you like as a college student?

You can ask Dr. Christmann, Dr. Yamamato, and Dr. Hicks! 😉 One of my professors in the math department called me Hermione (perhaps the big curly hair was part of that). I was a go-getter, but I struggled with overextending myself (something I had to learn to manage as a new teacher). I was a member of the Honors Program, a peer mentor, a reader for SLAB, and a competitive cheerleader for the Rock. I also had a job teaching gymnastics at a local gym and eventually became the GA for the Honors Program in grad school. 

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

My grandpa Conglose always used to say, "think and do." I needed that reminder to slow down and make deliberate choices. It was very easy for me to get caught up in the next thing and the next goal. I've gotten better at this over time, but it's been a good lesson to remind myself to enjoy the moment.