Category Archives: teachers

SEA/KDP 2019 Teacher Panel

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The SEA and KDP Teacher Panel is here for another year!

Join us on: Tuesday, September 17, 2019 

Do you have questions about teaching? Come to our teacher panel

The Student Education Association (SEA) at Governors State University (GSU) is part of a network of state organizations that promote education and support teachers, social workers, school counselors and others working in the field of education. SEA hosts and takes part in many events each semester.

On Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 from 4:30-6:30 pm, SEA leader, Katie Zalkowski will lead a teacher panel in the E-Lounge at GSU.  Dr. Katy E. Hisrich, SEA faculty advisor, is organizing and marketing our event to students and faculty across the university. Students with any major are welcome to RSVP and attend this informative event. Event attendees can hear from first-year teachers, student teachers, current teachers, principals, and educational specialists. Topics covered at the event include, but are not limited to: edTPA, student teaching, first year teaching, job applications, specialty fields in education. Attendees can ask questions and receive informed advice. Attendees who are members of the Student Education Association can receive free pizza. The event will be a great opportunity to meet SEA members, enjoy food, and gain helpful insights for success in the field of education. Students are required to RSVP to Caitlin Rich by September 16th with their name, email, and major.

To RSVP or for inquiries on membership, contact Caitlin Rich crich@student.govst.edu or Dr. Katy Hisrich khisrich@govst.edu.

Story written by: Kia Taylor

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Farewell, Graduates.

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Congratulations to two of our leaders who have graduated this month!
Unfortunately, their time as leaders for SEA/KDP has come to an end.
However, they are undoubtedly embarking on a rewarding career path.

We wish them the best of luck as they pursue a job and start their life as teachers.
They will both be remembered as remarkable leaders and will surely be missed!

Michelle Westergaard (left) served as the Vice-President of Student Education Association (SEA) and President of Kappa Delta Phi International Honors Society (KDP). She has devoted so much of her time to make sure that SEA & KDP events ran smoothly and efficiently. Michelle was an extraordinary leader who’s compassion for others and dedication to education radiated from her every being. Among other accomplishments, Michelle was presented with the “Rising Star Award” from Student Life and wrote an IEA/NEA grant on behalf of SEA/KDP. On May 18, Michelle was given the honor to be the student commencement speaker at the 2019 GSU graduation ceremony. She spoke of her involvement in SEA/KDP as a leader and her experiences in the elementary education program.
Please click here to listen to Michelle’s wonderful, and tear-jerking, graduation speech.

Sireen Hamarshah (right) served as the Secretary of Student Education Association (SEA) and Media and Public Relations Officer for Kappa Delta Phi International Honors Society (KDP). Although she helped plan and assist countless of SEA/KDP events throughout her time as a leader, the majority of her involvement in these two organizations included maintaining this website and blog. Her work helped contribute to winning the Student Life “Social Media Rock Star Award” for both SEA and KDP. Sireen was dedicated to her roles and duties. She worked hard on every task she was given and ensured that SEA/KDP members were always kept informed. On May 18, Sireen graduated alongside Michelle and 4 other students in their cohort with a B.A in Elementary Education.

Congratulations to our two fabulous leaders!
We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours.
Farewell.

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Written by Sireen Hamarshah

SPOTLIGHT – Dr. Marlon Cummings

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Welcome to the fourth “spotlight” blog post featuring one of the faculty advisors of SEA & KDP at Governors State University!

Spotlight Left   This week, our spotlight advisor is:   Spotlight Right
 Dr. Marlon Cummings
Assistant Professor

Marlon_Cummings (3 of 4)

1) What would students be surprised to find out about you? (hidden talent or hobby)

  • Most people are surprised that I was a percussionist and went to college on a partial music scholarship.

2) What does a typical Saturday night or weekend look like for you?

  • Every Saturday night is different. They range from low-key evenings with my wife and son, playing and sharing family time, all the way to being out with friends, dancing, laughing and being out way too late.

3) What/who inspires or motivates you?

  • The work of everyday classroom teachers continues to inspire me and motivate me. It is such difficult work and seeing their passion and dedication to the work drives me to make education better in Illinois and in our country.

4) What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?

  • To this point, I guess getting my Ph.D.

5) What is your favorite thing about your career?

  • I love this work. Building leaders, improving education, getting better at developing educators that are prepared to do this work is just great. I used to be an adjunct professor while working another job and now to have the opportunity to do this full time is simply awesome honor.

6) What is one thing you’ve done that you think people should do/try at least once in their life?

  • Visit Africa

7) What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to it yet?

  • Skydiving, although I’ve done it indoors.

8) What is your favorite GSU memory?

  • One of my favorite memories is the pie in the face fundraisers or any of the convocations.

9) If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be? Why did you choose these individuals?

  • Mary McCleod Bethune (education).
  • Barack Obama (achievement in the face of adversity).
  • Muhammad Ali (activism).
  • Quincy Jones (music).
    • They all represent something that’s important to me.

10) What are you most looking forward to in the next few months?

  • Celebrating my 10th year of marriage.
  • The summertime in Chicago…it’s just the best!

11) What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years?

  • Getting tenure.
  • Growing in my profession.
  • Watching my son grow into a young man.

12) What would be your best piece of advice to a future teacher?

  • Kids crave structure, focus on classroom management and organization, and worry about being nice later.

If you have any questions to ask Dr. Cummings or would simply like to share your thoughts, please use the comment section below. Thank you!

Answers Provided by Dr. Marlon Cummings
Spotlight Post Written by Sireen Hamarshah

SPOTLIGHT – Dr. Lisa Pennington

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Welcome to the third “spotlight” blog post featuring one of the faculty advisors of SEA & KDP at Governors State University!

Spotlight Left   This week, our spotlight advisor is:   Spotlight Right
 Dr. Lisa Pennington
Assistant Professor

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1) What would students be surprised to find out about you? (hidden talent or hobby)

  • I’m pretty sure I don’t have one of these. Unless you count the amazing amount of dessert I can eat in one sitting.

2) What does a typical Saturday night or weekend look like for you?

  • It could be one of two completely opposite things:
    • At home, reading/watching movies.
    • Out, at a concert.

3) What/who inspires or motivates you?

  • My colleagues who do interesting things and my students who change their mind about social studies and decide it is in fact an exciting subject to teach.

4) What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?

  • Taking my 10 year old niece on her first international trip and bringing her home in one piece.

5) What is your favorite thing about your career?

  • Sharing ideas for making social studies interesting and relevant to students.

6) What is one thing you’ve done that you think people should do/try at least once in their life?

  • Either skydiving or traveling solo.

7) What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to it yet?

  • A big hike-Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, or the Salkantay Trek.

8) What is your favorite GSU memory?

  • My hilarious first cohort waiting for me to finish eating cookies so we can take a class photo.

9) If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be? Why did you choose these individuals?

  • Jack the Ripper (so that mystery would be solved)
  • Tom Petty (because he is my all-time favorite musician)
  • Michelle Obama (because she is awesome)
  • Katherine Switzer (the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, registering using her initials)

10) What are you most looking forward to in the next few months?

  • I’m looking forward to taking my now 12 year old niece on her second international trip and running the Chicago Marathon in the fall.
  • In general, I’m looking forward to warm weather.

11) What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years?

  • Continuing to get to know Chicago.
  • Hopefully, lots more international travel.

12) What would be your best piece of advice to a future teacher?

  • Figure out an organizational system that works for you and stick with it.

If you have any questions to ask Dr. Pennington or would simply like to share your thoughts, please use the comment section below. Thank you!

Answers Provided by Dr. Lisa Pennington
Spotlight Post Written by Sireen Hamarshah

SPOTLIGHT – Dr. Timothy Harrington

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Welcome to the second “spotlight” blog post featuring one of the faculty advisors of SEA & KDP at Governors State University!

Spotlight Left   This week, our spotlight advisor is:   Spotlight Right
 Dr. Timothy Harrington
Committee Chair of SEA/KDP, Division of Education

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1) What would students be surprised to find out about you? (hidden talent or hobby)

  • I love to golf. I golf 2-3 times a week during spring and summer.

2) What does a typical Saturday night or weekend look like for you?

  • Netflix.
  • Spending time with family.

3) What/who inspires or motivates you?

  • My parents were a great inspiration to me. My mom was very compassionate and my father was directed. Both gave great advice and showed great love for their fellow man.

4) What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?

  • I got married and adopted 2 children while completing my Ph.D. all before I was 27 years old.

5) What is your favorite thing about your career?

  • The incredible students, DUH! But also the opportunities it affords me. Since coming to GSU I have attended many conferences and, this May, will have gone out of the country twice.

6) What is one thing you’ve done that you think people should do/try at least once in their life?

  • Train for and run a 5k. Running is not fun, but the sense of accomplishment is pretty remarkable.

7) What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to it yet?

  • Parachuting.

8) What is your favorite GSU memory?

  • Visiting castles with GSU students in Slovenia.

9) If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be? Why did you choose these individuals?

  • My mom and dad – I miss them greatly and would love to hear their advice and guidance for the next phase of my life.
  • My brother, Michael Edward – he died before I was born. It would be cool to know him.
  • Stephen Hawking – The Theory of Everything

10) What are you most looking forward to in the next few months?

  • China trip in May 2019.

11) What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years?

  • Retirement.
  • Traveling.

12) What would be your best piece of advice to a future teacher?

  • When you can’t write another report or lesson plan, when you can’t face another parent who seems disengaged, when you can’t look at your bank account for fear there isn’t enough, when you can’t take one more criticism, remember the child that learned to read or write or add, remember the child who didn’t eat breakfast or dinner the night before but is eager to better themselves, remember the child who only finds love and acceptance in your eyes, and put aside all of your fear and doubt. You are a TEACHER – could there be anything better?!?!

If you have any questions to ask Dr. Harrington or would simply like to share your thoughts, please use the comment section below. Thank you!

Answers Provided by Dr. Timothy Harrington
Spotlight Post Written by Sireen Hamarshah

SPOTLIGHT – Dr. Katy Hisrich

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Welcome to the first “spotlight” blog post featuring one of the faculty advisors of SEA & KDP at Governors State University!

Spotlight Left   This week, our spotlight advisor is:   Spotlight Right
 Dr. Katy Hisrich
Committee Chair of SEA/KDP

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1) What would students be surprised to find out about you? (hidden talent or hobby)

  • I would say I am an avid sports player and fan, but I think everyone knows that about me.
  • I love spending time with my dog (not a shock to anyone though) and completing jigsaw puzzles.
  • I love to cook and am pretty good (at least I think I am)?
  • I love gardening and yard work.
  • I love anything that has to do with technology.
  • I can play piano and I don’t really sit still very well.

2) What does a typical Saturday night or weekend look like for you?

  • Playing on a coed softball team on Friday nights (I coach and play).
  • Saturday – doing something fun with my boyfriend and dog (or errands/cleaning).
  • Sunday –work. On Sunday night, I play on a coed volleyball team.

3) What/who inspires or motivates you?

  • My parents.
  • The Olympics.

4) What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?

  • Obtaining my Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Arizona State University.
  • Traveling to over 50 countries on 5 different continents.

5) What is your favorite thing about your career?

  • Providing support to students so they can develop and grow in both their professional and personal lives.
  • Helping students realize their full potential.

6) What is one thing you’ve done that you think people should do/try at least once in their life?

  • Travel and see other places in the world. #YOLO

7) What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to it yet?

  • Developing my podcasting projects.
  • Crossing more stuff off my bucket list.
  • Spending less time at work and more time on my growth and health.

8) What is your favorite GSU memory?

  • Lots of fun memories with my SEA student leaders over the last few years. I’m not sure these should leave the circle!

9) If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be? Why did you choose these individuals?

  • I would have to do 5 people: My dog Izzy, my dog Kaiya (deceased), my parents, and my boyfriend Aaron. They are my favorite people in the world and my support system.

10) What are you most looking forward to in the next few months?

  • Traveling to China for the Study Abroad Trip in May 2019 (I get to cross off a country and wonder of the world off my bucket list!!)
  • Going to the wedding of one of my former SEA leaders.
  • SUMMER, SUMMER, SUMMER – warm weather, sun, fun with my boyfriend, and spending time with my dog outside.

11) What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years?

  • New experiences and adventures. You never know where the wind will take you. Change is inevitable. #YOLO

12) What would be your best piece of advice to a future teacher?

  • I have several:
    • Just do it.
    • Put forth effort.
    • Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow.
    • You are not in it for the money – find the joy in the little things.
    • Take a break from work each week on either Saturday or Sunday.
    • Remember the story – The Starfish Flinger.

If you have any questions to ask Dr. Hisrich or would simply like to share your thoughts, please use the comment section below. Thank you!

Answers Provided by Dr. Katy Hisrich
Spotlight Post Written by Sireen Hamarshah

S2S Conference Success!

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The Student Education Association (SEA) and Dr. Katy Hisrich’s EDEC 4570 Literacy Methods class participated in the S2S Conference on March 1st, 2019 at Governors State University.  This conference was offered to local high school students in the Crete-Monee area.  The high school students attended presentations given by GSU students. The presentations informed high school students on what to look forward to in college, helpful tips on how to be successful in college, and what they can prepare for currently in order to have a smoother transition from high school to college.

Katie Zalkowski and Keelin Crotty (SEA student leaders) presented “What’s Next?” along with EDEC students Tamara Coleman, Andrea Ivy, and Yasmin Ramos.  Karli Olszowka (EDEC student), Jaclyn Lukjanowicz (EDEC student), Amane Sbitan (EDEC student), Kia Taylor (student/ SEA leader), and Claudia Musa (EDEC student) presented “Navigating College and College Expectations.”  “Money, Money, Money” was presented by Guadalupe Mercado (EDEC student), Eman Ashkar (EDEC student), and Jamileh Shuaibi (EDEC student).  Lastly, Aimee York (student/ SEA leader), Hailey Czerwinski (student/ SEA leader), and Caitlin Kidd (EDEC student) presented “Campus Engagement and Involvement.”

The high schoolers left with an abundance of helpful tips, strategies, and advice that will benefit their future college careers.

Written by Keelin Crotty

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SPOTLIGHT – Kaitlyn Zalkowski

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Welcome to the ninth “spotlight” blog post featuring one of the student leaders of SEA & KDP at Governors State University!

Spotlight Left   This week, our spotlight leader is:   Spotlight Right
 KAITLYN ZALKOWSKI
Newest SEA Leader

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Kaitlyn Zalkowski is a 21 year old student in the Elementary Education program with a specialization in Math at Governors State University. She aspires to teach 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade when she graduates with her bachelors degree. 

Some of her fondest memories at GSU were when she became a leader of SEA and bonded with the other leaders at the IEA 2019 student conference. Kaitlyn would consider making the Dean’s list every semester that she’s been in college to be her biggest accomplishment.

In her free time, Kaitlyn loves to make crafts, like paintings and drawings, and going to concerts, which she does several times a year. In addition, she truly enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and camping. She would highly recommend that people horseback ride either in the Rocky or Smoky Mountains National Park, both of which she has experienced already. Kaitlyn has trouble describing in words how beautiful the scenery and overall experience was for her.

While at home, Kaitlyn enjoys watching several of her favorite TV-shows including One Tree Hill, F.R.I.E.N.D.S, and This Is Us. She has way too many favorite movies and struggles to select just one. Some of her favorite foods are pizza, chicken, and tacos. She loves the smell of food and her house. Kaitlyn’s mom uses the best candles and matches the scents to the season! 

If Kaitlyn had to choose something she couldn’t live without, it would have to be her family and boyfriend. They motivate and support her in anything she decides to pursue. She can’t imagine how her life would have turned out without them. The person that Kaitlyn looks up to the most is her mother who she considers to be the strongest person she knows. Kaitlyn’s mom always motivates her to be a better person and encourages her to always do the right thing. 

Currently, Kaitlyn is a front desk worker at Planet Fitness. If she was ever given the chance to pursue an office job, Kaitlyn would be bored out of her mind just sitting around. She’d be too antsy! A movie title that best describes Kaitlyn’s life would be Say Anything because she believes that people should feel free to say what’s on their mind and express their emotions. Kaitlyn tries to live by one of her favorite quotes, “She was unstoppable not because she did not have failures or doubts, but because she continues on despite them” – Beau Taplin.

In the next few months, Kaitlyn is looking forward to going to Florida. She’ll be visiting Disney World for the first time and reconnecting with her sister who she hasn’t seen for months. While in Florida, Kaitlyn is also excited to try fishing from an actual boat. She’s fished only offshore before. In the next 10 years, Kaitlyn is looking forward to graduating, becoming a teacher, moving in with her boyfriend, and getting married. Kaitlyn hopes that people will remember her as a kind and loyal person and that she makes a difference in peoples’ lives.

If you have any questions to ask Kaitlyn or would simply like to share your thoughts, please use the comment section below. Thank you!

Information Provided by Kaitlyn Zalkowski
Spotlight Post Written by Sireen Hamarshah

SPOTLIGHT – Kia Taylor

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Welcome to the eighth “spotlight” blog post featuring one of the student leaders of SEA at Governors State University!

Spotlight Left   This week, our spotlight leader is:   Spotlight Right
 KIA TAYLOR
SEA Activities & Membership

Kia Taylor

Kia Taylor is a 22 year old student in the Early Childhood Education program with an endorsement in ELL at Governors State University. She aspires to teach Kindergarten, 1st, or 2nd grade when she graduates with her bachelors degree. 

Her fondest memory at GSU is meeting new friends and getting closer to them every semester. Certainly, she’s made some lifelong friends throughout her time at college. In addition, she really enjoys her leadership experience and involvement in Student Education Association (SEA). Kia would consider her graduating and earning her first college degree in December 2019 to be her biggest accomplishment!

In her free time, Kia loves doing makeup/beauty and reading. In addition, she’s devoted to fitness and tries her hardest to live a healthy lifestyle. She would highly recommend that people try eating chocolate covered crickets. She assures that they are low in calories and very crunchy! 

While at home, Kia enjoys watching post-apocalyptic/Sci-Fi TV-shows. Some of her favorite TV-shows include The Walking Dead, Rick and Morty, and Law and Order: SUV. Her favorite movies would have to be Wanted, Spirited Away, and anything by Marvel. She enjoys eating sushi and any breakfast food. She loves the smell of eucalyptus and mint.

If Kia had to choose something she couldn’t live without, it would have to be her planner. It’s the one and only tool that helps keep her life organized. A movie title that best describes Kia’s life would be Pursuit of Happiness. She tries to live by one of her favorite quotes, “When they go low, we go high.” – Michelle Obama. 

Currently, Kia is working as a substitute teacher for a Charter School Network in the South/West side of Chicago. If she was ever given the chance to pursue any job as a politician, Kia probably wouldn’t last very long because she’s really bad at lying and pretending that she likes people when she doesn’t. She knows that she would only speak the truth which would make a lot of people upset with her! 

The person that Kia looks up to the most is her mother. In fact, she would consider her mom to be her role model because she’s the strongest person Kia knows. She taught Kia how to be independent and nurturing, both of which are invaluable skills. Sometime in the future, she would love to go camping at a national park with hot springs. She’s never been to a big national park and it’s been on her travel list for some time.

In the next few months, Kia is looking forward to going to China for a week and a half in May on a study abroad trip. In the next 10 years, Kia is looking forward to starting her career, getting her masters degree and perhaps beginning a PhD, getting married, starting a family, and adopting more pets. She wants to be remembered for her kindness and passion for education. In addition, she wants to be known as the educator who made a difference and evoked change in her community and country. 

If you have any questions to ask Kia or would simply like to share your thoughts, please use the comment section below. Thank you!

Information Provided by Kia Taylor
Spotlight Post Written by Sireen Hamarshah

SPOTLIGHT – Keelin Crotty

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Welcome to the seventh “spotlight” blog post featuring one of the student leaders of SEA & KDP at Governors State University!

Spotlight Left   This week, our spotlight leader is:   Spotlight Right
 KEELIN CROTTY
SEA PR & Activities and KDP Activities

Keelin Crotty

Keelin Crotty is a 21 year old student in the Elementary Education program with a middle school endorsement in Math at Governors State University. She aspires to teach 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade when she graduates with her bachelors degree. 

Her fondest memory at GSU is joining Student Education Association (SEA), meeting other members, and officially joining the leadership team. Keelin would consider buying her new car at the age of 20 and getting a 4.0 GPA while taking 24 credit hours to be her biggest accomplishment thus far.

In her free time, Keelin loves to make crafts, scrapbook, workout, run, and spend time outside in the sun. She enjoys several outdoor activities including swimming, hiking, and tanning. She would highly recommend that people hike in the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetime. She believes it to be the most beautiful sight she’s ever seen! In the near future, Keelin desperately wants to go sky diving, preferably sometime before her 22nd birthday!

While at home, Keelin enjoys watching her favorite TV-show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Her favorite movie would have to be Horrible Bosses. Some of her favorite foods are double baked potatoes, steak, and steamed broccoli. She loves the smell of a new box of crayons and tea tree oil.

If Keelin had to choose something she couldn’t live without, it would have to be her dog and family. In fact, the person she looks up to the most in her life is her mom. Her mother has done so much for her and her brothers. Keelin admires how absolutely positive and kind her mother is. A movie title that best describes Keelin’s life would be Trolls because she strives to be as happy and positive as Poppy, the troll. She tries to live by one of her favorite quotes, “She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future” – Proverbs 31:25-28.

Currently, Keelin is working as a nanny on days that she’s not attending classes at Governors State University. If she was ever given the chance to pursue a job in an office answering phone calls all day, Keelin probably wouldn’t last very long. She hates sitting still! She would rather have a job that involves movement and in-person communication.  

In the next few months, Keelin is looking forward to going on several of her planned trips to visit friends and work with the students at her lab II clinical experience site. In the next 10 years, Keelin is looking forward to graduating, getting married, traveling, and having kids. She hopes she’ll be remembered for being positive, making people laugh, and for being a happy and friendly person. 

If you have any questions to ask Keelin or would simply like to share your thoughts, please use the comment section below. Thank you!

Information Provided by Keelin Crotty
Spotlight Post Written by Sireen Hamarshah