School of Education Alumna Jade Steele-Stripsky is a 4th-Grade Teacher for Springfield Public Schools

Meet Jade Steele-Stripsky '21

Job Title & Employer: 4th Grade Teacher, Springfield Public Schools
Major/Program: Instructional Studies
College Activities: Student Government Association senator for the School of Education
Hometown: Brookville, Pa.
High School: Jefferson County-DuBois Area Vocational-Technical School
Now Living In: Springfield, Mass.
Hobbies & Interests: Reading, painting, going to Disney World and listening to Taylor Swift

"If a student wants to gain real-world experience in urban education and first-hand knowledge from professors who have dedicated their lives to education and preparing future teachers, Point Park's School of Education is where they want to be."

Jade Steele-Stripsky '21

Why did you choose Point Park University?

I originally chose Point Park for global cultural studies. Then I auditioned for the Conservatory of Performing Arts. Once I found the School of Education during my freshman year, it was the perfect fit for me. My high school spirit colors were green and yellow just like Point Park, so it felt like a sign.

How did the Instructional Studies program prepare you for career success?

Point Park's School of Education set me up for success in urban education in part because I got to live in Downtown Pittsburgh. I was paired with amazing coordinating teachers in different schools around the city, and I gained actual experience in the exact career path I wanted to pursue. Point Park showed me I was meant to work in urban education.

Which faculty had a significant impact on you?

It is nearly impossible to pick which professors had the greatest impact on me in the School of Education. Christal Edmunds was truly the mentor I needed whenever I needed her. Stanley Denton gave me the resources I needed to realize urban education was my calling. Darlene Marnich was so supportive every step of the way. Point Park's School of Education offers programs made by teachers, for teachers.

What have you been up to since graduation?

I moved to Massachusetts and worked as a long-term substitute teacher in middle schools. I then received my license to teach in the state, worked with incarcerated children during the summer, got married and I accepted my current position in July. I am a 4^th-grade teacher teaching all five subjects.

There are so many things I love about my job. I am truly living my dream. My favorite part is working with the most incredible students. I spend my days with 22 9-10-year-olds who love to learn, and I know I have an impact on them. It is a really good feeling.

What’s your favorite subject to teach and why?

That's a tough question! My favorite skill to teach is social emotional learning (SEL), but if I had to choose a subject it would be English language arts. I love getting excited about what we are learning because it keeps the students more engaged.

What did you like about living and learning in Downtown Pittsburgh?

Living and learning in Downtown Pittsburgh was a really interesting experience. There was never a dull moment. I had the ability to experience city life and learn to be an adult, but with a safe environment around me. Spending four years in Downtown Pittsburgh was one of the best experiences of my life.

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

If a student wants to gain real-world experience in urban education and first-hand knowledge from professors who have dedicated their lives to education and preparing future teachers, Point Park's School of Education is where they want to be. A really awesome thing about my program was that none of us were competing against each other for jobs. We all genuinely wanted each other to succeed, and we still do.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I recently asked my students if they had to describe their teacher with one word what would it be, and the responses I received are too fun not to share: Supportive, kind, brilliant, funny and groovy. You can check out my experiences as the grooviest 4th-grade teacher on TikTok.

@stripskyteaches4th One of the best perks is getting to wear bright and fun clothes all the time! 💛 #firstyearteacher #supportteachers #teachersgetit #teachtok #4thgradeteacher #elementaryschool #teacherlife #newteacher #progressiveteacher #smallcreator #teachertiktok #teacherinfluencer #tpt #fy #firstyearteacherproblems #genzteacher ♬ original sound - HaileeHannick

School of Education Alumna Jade Steele-Stripsky is a 4th-Grade Teacher for Springfield Public Schools Alumni Profile