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"My student teaching experience reaffirmed that I am meant to teach and that I have chosen the right path for myself. Every day I worked extremely hard to make sure my students' needs were being met and that I was listening, watching and applying all the advice that my cooperating teachers gave me to help me improve and better myself as a future educator."

Nicole Bon '22, Master of Education, PreK Through 4th Grade

Point Park University School of Education graduates Nicole Bon '22 and Jerome Mathews '22 were recently honored by the School District University Collaborative (SDUC) as 2022 Pittsburgh Public School Exemplary Student Teachers due to their academic achievements, exceptional contributions to their students and educational community and the dedication they have demonstrated in the field. 

The SDUC is comprised of professionals representing the Pittsburgh Public School District and Schools of Education from Point Park, Carlow University, Chatham University, Duquesne University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock University and the University of Pittsburgh. 

"My student teaching experience reaffirmed that I am meant to teach and that I have chosen the right path for myself," said Bon, who received a Master of PreK-4th Grade Education and taught at Greenfield PreK-8. "Every day I worked extremely hard to make sure my students' needs were being met and that I was listening, watching and applying all the advice that my cooperating teachers gave me to help me improve and better myself as a future educator."

"Being recognized shows me that my hard work has not gone unseen," said Mathews, who earned a Master of Special Education and completed his student teaching at Milliones University Prep. "This experience has proven to me that I am headed in the right direction in my career as an educator and leaving my comfort zone has paid off."

In the Q&A below, read about Bon and Mathews' student teaching experiences and how Point Park has prepared them to meet their career goals.

Nicole Bon

Job title: Classroom assistant
Employer: Greenfield PreK-8
Hometown
: Pittsburgh, Pa.
High school: Pittsburgh Brashear High School
Now living in: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Hobbies/interests: Crafting, swimming, being outdoors, watching and playing sports and spending time with family and friends

Describe a meaningful moment from your student teaching experience.

My favorite memory is the moment I realized just how much my students loved learning from me every day. During one of our spirit weeks at school, we were invited to dress like our favorite superhero or someone we look up to. I couldn’t wait to see what my fourth graders would dress up like. I was amazed to see three of my students come to school dressed like me, “Ms. Bon,” with ID badges and all. When I saw my students walk into class that morning, my heart melted, and I felt so much love from those three students that day.

Are there any Point Park faculty members who had a significant influence on you?

Kamryn York, Ed.D., who was my student teaching advisor, pushed me to the next level because she knew I could do it. She built up my confidence when it came to teaching and completing my schoolwork. She never had a doubt in her mind that I would pass student teaching. She helped me to believe that I could teach, learn and not be afraid of not knowing how to do something. 

Another faculty member who impacted me was Christal Edmunds, Ph.D. She was my professor for the Teaching Social Studies course, and I loved her class! She made the lessons and material fun and engaging. Every week she would hold an optional Zoom session if we wanted to attend, which was great because we got to talk about our assignments. One of the impactful things she said to me was, "We are going to work on you not being so perfect." She sensed right away that I was that type of student that had to have every assignment perfect or else I would re-do the work until it was flawless. I have worked really hard over my years of being in school, and it’s just who I am, but Dr. Edmunds has reminded me that no one is perfect and that I need to just stop, think and relax because everything will work out.

Why would you recommend Point Park's School of Education to a prospective student?

Point Park’s School of Education offers flexible options for completing your master's degree, whether online, in person or in a hybrid format. I was able to work at my own pace, from my house or workplace. I highly recommend Point Park to other students as I had an exceptional education experience, met amazing classmates and learned from awesome professors throughout the program.  

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

A quote that every teacher needs to be reminded of is from illustrator George Evans: "Every student can learn, just not on the same day or in the same way.” I have seen this statement in action during my years of working for Pittsburgh Public Schools, as well as student teaching. Every student learns in their own way and on their own time. This is something all educators need to understand so they can work with those students who learn differently and remind them that it’s OK to be different. Life and learning would be very boring if we all learned and looked the same way. I'll carry this message with me to my future classrooms. 

Jerome Mathews '22

Job title: Educational assistant
Employer
: Milliones University Prep
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa. 
High school: Schenley High School
Now living in: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Hobbies/interests: Coaching high school football for Pittsburgh Public Schools, coaching track for Future Stars Athletics Club

What are some of your favorite memories from your student teaching placement?

My favorite memory was participating in science experiments with my students. They responded really well when I implemented such hands-on activities, and every time I presented a science experiment they were excited and engaged with the material. 

Are there any Point Park faculty members who had a significant influence on you?

My student teacher advisor, LaVerne Anthony, played a significant role in my student teaching experience. She always challenged me to do better, even when my observations went really well. She drove me to succeed and pushed me to achieve at a higher level than just the bare minimum effort.

Why would you recommend Point Park's School of Education to a prospective student?

I have recommended Point Park’s School of Education to several colleagues and friends already! One of my friends is entering his second year as a Point Park graduate student. Every professor at Point Park goes above and beyond for any student to help them understand what it takes to become a successful teacher and equip them with the necessary skills to achieve their goals.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

If you are thinking about going back to school, just do it! You will overcome the obstacles that you believe that will hinder you from excelling in school.

Learn more about Professor Kamryn York in the video below: