What programs do you teach at Point Park University? What drew you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

I teach across all levels at Point Park University in the education department. This includes undergraduate special education courses, graduate online special education courses, and doctoral program courses. In addition, I am the chairperson for several dissertation committees.

I love teaching at Point Park University. After 35 years as a public educator, I have an opportunity to develop future special educators and leaders in education. I spent more than half my public education career as an administrator. But when I came to Point Park University and began teaching in the classroom, I fell in love with teaching again. Because in my heart and soul, I am a teacher.

I always thought of education as a calling for me. I am genuinely passionate about special education. I never felt as though my teaching and administrative career was a job.

How will your programs better prepare/equip educators for the current climate they are facing? How will it help them tackle today’s education challenges?

Practitioners design the education programs at Point Park University in the field.

The course content and embedded experiences are very realistic to schools and classrooms. None of us predicted how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced how we teach. But together, we worked to ensure that our students and student teachers could continue with their teaching experiences even though we shifted our teaching platforms to online learning. We modified, adjusted, and adapted our instruction as needed. These are qualities of a good teacher.

What attracted you to teach at Point Park University? What sets them apart?

Point Park University is a very diverse campus within an urban environment. Today’s classrooms are very diverse, and teachers need to become culturally responsive to the needs of the students in their classrooms. I love the melting pot of differences at the university, as I believe this makes us a stronger community.

I also love working with the other professors in the education department. We are supportive of each other and work collaboratively as a team of educators to ensure that our students have the best programs possible.

What is your professional background as an educator?

I have a bachelors, a masters, and a doctoral degree. I am certified as a special education PreK-12 teacher, a K-12 principal, a supervisor of special education, and have a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility.

I taught as a special education teacher and then became a Supervisor of Special Education classrooms for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. I have also been a Director of Special Education for the Armstrong School District and an Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Pupil Services for the North Allegheny School District.

Tell us a little about yourself. Why did you become interested in education?

I have always wanted to be a teacher. In elementary school, the teachers would call my mother to come and pick me up as I never wanted to leave school. My family would tease me about being a perpetual student. I like to refer to that as being a lifelong learner.

I started at Indiana University as an elementary teacher. Still, when I had an opportunity to work with students with disabilities, I fell in love with the idea of becoming a special education teacher. And back then, you could not have a dual certification as you now can at Point Park University. I always thought of education as a calling for me.

What would you tell prospective students considering your programs about yourself? What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?

I am passionate about the field of special education. It does not take long for students to recognize that passion. I tell them that I have been blessed to have found my life’s work. I walked into the field of education full of excitement about my career, and the day I retired from public education, I still felt that same excitement and passion about education. I hope my students experience that same “gift.”

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their special education graduate degree? How can people stand out in this field?

I always believed that students with disabilities need the most talented teachers in the field. Be passionate about your students. Be excited every day to see them as your enthusiasm will help support their learning and self-esteem. To those students, you are the one teacher who understands them the best.

The students deserve 100% of you each day. When I was hiring special education teachers, I looked for those with the “heart” to work alongside students with disabilities. Not every day is easy. In fact, most days you go home very tired. But, when that student finally learns to read or do a math problem or tie their shoes, there is no greater feeling in the world. Be the difference in a child’s life!

The post Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Arleen Wheat, Associate Professor, Special Education Coordinator, M.A. and M.Ed. in Special Education PreK-12 Programs appeared first on Point Park University.

What programs do you teach at Point Park University? What drew you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

At Point Park University, I primarily teach in the doctoral program in leadership and administration and the master’s programs in education (school law). As a career educator, teacher, administrator, and now professor, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my knowledge with those who will be our educational leaders in the future, in the classroom, in the school buildings, in school districts and other educational venues. Our children and adolescents need quality educators at every level, and I am blessed to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience to promote this level of excellence.

How will your program better prepare/equip educators for the current climate we’re in?

The Master of Education with Secondary Education certification will prepare those who are knowledgeable and passionate about their content:

• Mathematics
• Social Studies/Citizenship
• English
• Biology

This allows them to impart that knowledge and passion to those who love to work with adolescents. The coursework and field experiences will develop pedagogical skills and strategies that will enable them to be outstanding secondary educators and leaders in the field.

What attracted you to Point Park University to teach at? What sets them apart?

The reputation of Point Park University’s School of Education for providing innovative educational programming at all levels and being committed to taking students from where they are to reach their goals attracted me to becoming a member of the faculty.

Point Park University’s School of Education provides a personalized experience where all students get to know their faculty, and their faculty gets to know them, not only as students but as individuals. Our size and this commitment to personalization indeed does permit us to create an educational family.

What is your professional background as an educator?

I am currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Point Park University, having served in the role since August 2018. Before joining the faculty at Point Park University, I served for nine years as the Executive Director of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. This educational service agency serves the 42 suburban districts in Allegheny County, as well as parochial, private, and charter schools.

Previously, I served as the Superintendent of Schools for 13 years in the South Fayette Township School District and the six years prior as the high school principal. Previous to my administrative work, I served as a high school mathematics teacher and mathematics department chair.

While serving the PreK-12 public schools as an administrator, I served as an adjunct professor at Duquesne University, teaching courses in organizational leadership and leadership theory for 15 years.  In addition, I designed and taught courses in the Letter of Eligibility program at the California University of Pennsylvania.

I remain active in PreK – 12 Education in the region, serving on the Remake Learning Cabinet, the Executive Committee of the Forum for Superintendents, the planning committee for the Tri-State Study Council Jean Winsand, Women in Leadership Institute, and the Education Committee of the Institute of Politics. I am also a lifetime member of the FBI Citizens Academy and the HOPE Initiative.

I earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in mathematics education, Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Supervision from the University of Pittsburgh, Principal Certification, Letter of Eligibility, and Doctorate of Education degree in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Duquesne University.

Tell us a little about yourself. Why did you become interested in education?

In addition to my world of work, I have two grown children – a daughter, Meredith, the clinical services coordinator for animal services, and a son, Rob, who graduated from Allegheny College, is married, and works for Henderson Brothers. I have one beautiful granddaughter, Reagan Mae, who is almost two years old.

In 2013, my husband passed away after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Through that experience I learned how important it is that we as leaders understand those we lead and are considerate to their needs, personally and professionally, every day in the workplace.

My interest and passion for education began many years ago when my seventh-grade mathematics teacher in the Chartiers Valley School District gave me the opportunity to teach a lesson to the class.  Both that teaching experience and my father sparked my interest to become a high school mathematics teacher.

I have had many wonderful teachers who served as role models as well. My continuing roles in education as an administrator were provided by individuals who saw my potential leadership ability and inspired me to continue my education and then hold administrative positions as a principal, superintendent, and executive director.

What would you tell prospective students considering your program about yourself? What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?

I have always set high expectations for myself and others throughout my career. I believe in the importance of producing quality and work to achieve that in all that I do. When individuals are part of a high-quality program and work to achieve high levels of excellence, they are proud of their accomplishments and are prepared to excel in all they do.

Students who enter the program at Point Park University will be provided with the opportunity to be prepared for an outstanding career in education. Throughout the program and beyond, I will be available for the students as an advisor and a mentor to help them meet and achieve their educational and career goals.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their educational leadership degree? How can people stand out in this field?

In the words of Kouzes and Posner: “Leaders are ordinary people who do extraordinary things.” Learning about leadership benefits you in every aspect of your career and your personal life. Though my positions have changed over the years, I have found that the skills you acquire and the leadership qualities that you develop can be utilized with you in every position you hold and every task you attempt, both formally and informally.

As you navigate your career in education, take every opportunity presented to you – to learn more, lead more, participate, and develop and grow. Even when you think you don’t have time for one more thing, consider saying yes. Those times provided experiences or opportunities to connect with others that had long-term benefits for my career.

Never be afraid to embrace change. With change comes opportunity; look at change with the glass half-full and not half-empty.

And finally, let me remind you never to lose your integrity. One of my favorite quotes is from John Maxwell, “Doing what is right isn’t always easy, but it is always right.” Throughout my career, I have attempted to follow this belief. As leaders in a world of challenges, we must step to the forefront and do what is right.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. I can tell you that I have been fortunate to love every position I have held and, most importantly, to have chosen the field of education to pursue my career. To have the opportunity to prepare is humbling and can sometimes be stressful. The rewards far outweigh the challenges, however. For the opportunity I have had, I am forever grateful.

The post Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Linda Hippert, Assistant Professor, Coordinator, Superintendent Letter of Eligibility Program appeared first on Point Park University.

At Point Park University, I teach courses at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral level focusing on PreK-4 Education, Technology Integration, Reading Methods and Research Methods. I have developed and revised courses for the undergraduate PreK-4 program and supervise students in the initial certification student teaching program.

Over the past five years, I have also served as the Assessment Coordinator for the School of Education. At the graduate level, I have developed new M. Ed. programs in reading specialist certification, as well as athletic coaching. I have served as a Chair of Dissertations in the Doctoral Program and served on Dissertation Committees.

What drew you to this field of study?

I began my career as an elementary teacher. Throughout my time in the classroom, I often served as a cooperating teacher to student teachers. I valued my role as a mentor to preservice teachers, and I realized I had a passion for working with students new to the field of teaching. I decided to earn my master’s and doctorate in reading education because I saw firsthand how difficult (and rewarding) it is to teach students how to read.

What keeps you excited about it?

Education is constantly evolving. Teachers are focusing on student-centered learning with an emphasis on collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking. Our programs at Point Park University are research-based and provide students with a well-rounded education. We offer a variety of experiences for students including: time spent in the K-12 classroom beginning freshman year, study abroad opportunities (including student teaching abroad) and STEM-focused education through the use of our new Makerspace Lab.

How will your program(s) better prepare/equip educators for the current climate we’re in, specifically with COVID-19 and the move to online/hybrid learning?

Our faculty have always focused on best practices and preparing our students for the current classroom. We utilize a variety of technology in our coursework and model effective techniques for lesson planning, classroom management, instruction, and professional development. We have partnered with organizations such as Common Sense Media and our students have the opportunity to earn a Badge of Distinction from Common Sense Media that demonstrates their thorough understanding of appropriate and valuable technology integration across different modes of delivery.

What attracted you to Point Park University to teach at? What sets them apart?

Point Park University is a wonderful institution located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. The university supports the various initiatives in the School of Education with new programs and unique opportunities for students and faculty. We offer small class sizes and the faculty get to know our students on an individual basis. Our master’s courses are offered fully online to accommodate working professionals. The faculty in the School of Education at Point Park University have diverse backgrounds with extensive experience in education. It is truly a pleasure to teach at Point Park University.

What is your professional background (including degrees) as an educator?

Prior to joining Point Park, I was a Research Assistant and University Liaison for the Reading Specialist Intern Program at the University of Pittsburgh. During my doctoral studies, I participated in New York University’s Steinhardt Global Program at the Institute of Education in London and Oxford, England.

Before beginning my doctoral program at the University of Pittsburgh, I was a second-grade teacher and kindergarten teacher at Takoma Park Elementary School in Takoma Park, Maryland, and a third-grade teacher at St. Paul’s School in Brooklandville, Maryland. I earned my M.Ed. in Reading Education and Reading Specialist certification from the University of Virginia and my Ed.D. in Reading Education from the University of Pittsburgh. I have published work and presented both nationally and internationally on children’s literature and reading.

Tell us a little about yourself. Why did you become interested in education?

I wanted to pursue a career where I knew I could make a difference. Teaching has brought me so much joy and I am committed to education. Because of my career in education, I have had opportunities to research, travel, and coach, and I have spent time with exceptional students, staff, and faculty.

What would you tell prospective students considering your program about yourself? What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?

I am passionate about teaching and learning. I look forward to teaching each and every course and getting to know my students. I also love being a student and learning new techniques and methods to better prepare my students. Recently, I have been focusing on STEM Education in connection to literacy. This past summer, I worked on a grant that focuses on interdisciplinary STEM Education in a Makerspace Lab.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their M.Ed. degree? How can people stand out in these fields?

Having a career in education takes a special person. It is hard work, but it is worth it! Students can stand out in our field by demonstrating a commitment to teaching, learning, and students. It is also important to take advantage of every opportunity and reflect often on your learning and progress.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

The faculty in the School of Education at Point Park University are thrilled to offer a new M.Ed. program in PreK-4 Education. Our program is comprehensive and will prepare students to teach successfully in a variety of educational settings. We look forward to working with future students in the program!

The post Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Ginny Chambers, Associate Professor, Coordinator for M.Ed. in Athletic Coaching & Administration and M.Ed. PreK-4th Grade Programs appeared first on Point Park University.