Elementary Education Degree Gives Alumnus the Foundation to Achieve Career Success Friday, March 18, 2016
Meet Scott Manns
Job title: K-12 Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Coordinator
Employer: Pittsburgh Public Schools
Degrees earned: B.A. in Elementary Education, Point Park University, 2002; M.Ed. and Principal K-12 Certification, California University of Pennsylvania, 2008
Hometown and current residence: West Mifflin, Pa.
High school: West Mifflin Area High School
Hobbies/interests: Music, mixed martial arts, camping and spending time with family
LinkedIn: Scott Manns
How has your education degree from Point Park helped you advance in your career?
My elementary education degree from Point Park University gave me the foundation for a wonderful career in education. The applicable lessons I learned as a student at Point Park contributed to my future success in education as a teacher's aide, a teacher, a principal and eventually, an administrator for the second largest school district in Pennsylvania. I am grateful for the education faculty as they were influential in my studies and dedicated to my success as a student.
What's your favorite Point Park memory?
My favorite memory of Point Park was the graduation commencement ceremony. The University went above and beyond in their efforts to contribute to the elated feeling one gets when they accomplish something BIG in their lives. For me, it was receiving my degree from Point Park's education department.
Tell us about the work you do as a K-12 curriculum, assessment and instruction coordinator
In this position, I am responsible for leading projects and tasks that directly impact the development, operationalizing, reporting and communications of district-administered assessments as well as implementing academic initiatives that contribute to teacher effectiveness across the district.
Additionally, I provide assessment training and professional development and work in collaboration with district administrators to ensure principals and teachers are implementing the highest quality educational practices to build student success.
What are your career goals?
My career goal is to teach at the college/university level. I would like to work with education majors, sharing my experiences as a way to help them prosper as they enter into a career in education.
What advice do you have for our education majors?
My advice for education majors is to gain as much experience working with children as possible. Volunteer, observe and never believe that you know it all. Being an educator is being a lifelong learner.
Do you have a favorite quote?
Don't settle for anything less than you personally believe you deserve!