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Ohio University Lancaster
1570 Granville Pike
Lancaster, OH 43130

Teaching Spotlights

Bachelor of Science in Education

Teaching Spotlights

 

At OHIO Lancaster, our teachers aren't just educators; they're the heartbeat of our thriving community. Each brings a unique journey, a distinct perspective, and a shared commitment to shaping the future of healthcare. Get ready to be inspired as we shine a spotlight on the outstanding instructors who embody our values of dedication, resilience, and empathy.

Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Emma Beery

Class of 2025

Why did you choose to complete your degree at OHIO Lancaster?

I chose OHIO Lancaster due to the flexibility and closeness of home. I have had to maintain a part time job while I’ve been in school and being able to have multiple options and flexibility with classes has been very helpful and convenient.

How has your professor(s) or field placement colleague(s) made an impact on your life? 

My mentor teachers have been incredible. Themselves as well as the kids have taught me so much while I’ve been in the field. Every second I’ve spent in the classrooms has made me even more excited to have my own classroom in the future.

What inspired you to pursue becoming a teacher? 

My mom was an elementary teacher, and although I’ve heard my fair share of the negatives and the positives of the field; I can’t see myself doing anything else. I intend to not only educate my students but also be a person they can trust and know that someone cares and loves them.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

I see myself hopefully teaching 2nd or 3rd grade in a local school district. I would love to have the opportunity to teach in Pickerington or Bloom Carroll but would be happy with any opportunities elsewhere.

Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Kylen Bosworth

Class of 2025

Why did you choose to complete your degree at OHIO Lancaster?

I chose to complete my degree at Ohio University Lancaster because I knew it was the right school for me after my first visit. I have family in the Lancaster area and I love the scenery of Fairfield County, Ohio!

How has your professor(s) or field placement colleague(s) made an impact on your life?

My professors and mentor teachers have shown me the skills and knowledge that are necessary in the teaching profession. I am so grateful for everything that I have learned from them during this journey. 

What inspired you to pursue becoming a teacher?

The reason that I chose to be a teacher is because of my own personal experiences with teachers that I had growing up in school. 

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I have some ideas for where I see myself in 5 years. I am considering enrolling in a graduate program through OU Athens, but may end up accepting a job after graduation if presented the opportunity. 

Early Childhood Elementary Education
Alaina Dolence

Class of 2025

Why did you choose to complete your degree at OHIO Lancaster? 
 
I originally was in Athens during my freshman year of college, and I came home every weekend. I loved the campus, I just missed home. I love being home with my friends and family and going into education, it just felt right to move back and come to Ohio University Lancaster. I could still pursue the degree I loved while being in an area where I felt comfortable and could be provided with so many different opportunities.
 
How has your professor(s) or field placement colleague(s) made an impact on your life?
 
Dr. Dunning has made the biggest impact since I moved to OUL. She was the reason I made the final decision to come back home and transfer. Dr. Dunning is so passionate about what she does, and it made my family, and I excited about the transfer. She introduced me to the tutoring grant at Amanda Clearcreek Primary, which I have been doing for 2 years along with my good friend Claire. This taught me so much about teaching and helped me further my skills for the classroom. Dr. Dunning also invited me to join Kappa Dealt Pi which is another way I could be a part of education after I leave college. She has absolutely been wonderful and made my college experience at OUL better than I could have ever imagined.
 
What inspired you to pursue becoming a teacher?
 
Growing up in school I loved helping others, but I also struggled with school. I appreciated all the work my parents and teachers did to help me be as successful as I could. I really bonded with my teachers and keep in touch with them today because they made such an impact on me growing up. Due to their hard work, they put into helping me, it made me want to do the same when I was deciding what to go to college for.
 
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
 
In the next five years I see myself teaching, married, and getting my masters in mild-to-moderate intervention specialist. I do plan on being in the general education classroom for a while before completely moving into special education, however, it is something I do feel will be beneficial in my background and will do in the future. I am hoping to either live in Fairfield County or around Pickaway County with a backyard for my dog and hopefully raise my future kids as well.
Middle Childhood Education (Social Studies and Language Arts)
Luke Kennedy

Class of 2026

Why did you choose to complete your degree at OHIO Lancaster?

My academic career at Ohio University Lancaster started in high school when I opted into the college credit plus program. My professors were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their student's success. The campus is beautiful and close to home which doesn't hurt!

How has your professor(s) or field placement colleague(s) made an impact on your life?

Before I decided to become an education major, Professor Tudor was a teacher that challenged me to be the best student I can be and was there to help me every step of the way. Professor Wanat inspired me to pursue a career that I would be passionate about with the infectious enthusiasm he displayed in his own teaching.

What inspired you to pursue becoming a teacher?

My High School art teacher (Mrs. Martin) and social studies teacher (Mr. Osbourne) instilled in me a passion for history that would last a lifetime. Mrs. Martin showed me how monumental figures like Vincent Van Gogh were people just like us- that exploring their lives went beyond memorizing their accomplishments. Mr. Osbourne demonstrated how substantial a role the study of history can have in enriching a person's life.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In five years, I hope to be an educator! I hope to work in rural schools where I believe I can make a deeper impact on my student's lives. If I can inspire even a fraction of the enthusiasm for learning that the teachers I've had did in me, I would consider it a success!

Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Claire Kilger

Class of 2025

Why did you choose to complete your degree at OHIO Lancaster?
 
I chose to complete my degree at Ohio University Lancaster because truthfully, I have always been a homebody and OUL has a great education program so this was a no-brainer for me.  Since I knew my plan was to stay in the central Ohio area, OUL seemed like a good fit for me, and I have been able to spend time in many different Fairfield County schools.  Ohio University Lancaster is also very affordable and that was another factor in my decision to attend OUL.
 
How has your professor(s) or field placement colleague(s) made an impact on your life?
 
My professors and field placement colleagues have made a huge impact on my schooling and my experience in the classroom.  I loved how honest and straightforward my professors and my mentor teachers were. They always encouraged us to ask those difficult and hard questions because they truly were there to help us learn and grow.
 
What inspired you to pursue becoming a teacher?
 
Since I was a little girl, I have wanted to become a teacher.  I have many teachers in my family, and I have always wanted to follow in their footsteps.  I have also been drawn to children.  Whatever the age is, I have always had such a good connection with children, and I want to help them.  Growing up I was lucky with how amazing all my teachers were. They were always so helpful. They always made me feel safe, loved, and were people I could always go to.  I want to be that person for my students.
 
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
 
In the next five years I see myself teaching in a school district that I love, working with students whether that is whole group or even small group.  At this point, I plan to be in the central Ohio area.  



 

Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Sarah Rarick

Class of 2015 

3rd Grade Teacher with Gifted Reading Cluster students,  Tarhe Trails Elementary in Lancaster

Why did you choose to complete your degree at OHIO Lancaster?

I chose OHIO Lancaster because of its affordable tuition, scholarships, and its location. I had heard that OHIO Lancaster had a wonderful Early Childhood Education program. 

How has your professor(s) or field placement colleague(s) made an impact on your life?

The Early Education professors and I still keep in contact. I have been invited to sit in on education panels in their lectures and am a mentor teacher for their field students. They have helped support my career and make me feel valued in my life. 

What inspired you to pursue becoming a teacher?

I have loved teaching and helping kids grow since I was a kid. I have volunteered at the Lancaster Police Department's Safety Town Program since I was in the 5th grade. I was a Girl Scout Leader, who trained the high school girls to teach the younger girls at summer camps. Most of all, I had a teacher who cared about who I am overall as a person and made me feel supported. 

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I would love to continue teaching. I would like to be an instructional coach (someone who supports and helps teachers and staff). I enjoy mentoring education majors and helping them prepare for their future classrooms.

Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Laura Richardson

Class of 2015

Why did you choose to complete your degree at OHIO Lancaster? 

I chose to attend Ohio University Lancaster because I wanted to attend a college that had a strong sense of community & smaller class sizes. I felt that I received a high quality education with incredible professors.

How has your professor(s) or field placement colleague(s) made an impact on your life?

I was especially impacted by Dr. Quiping Cao who was my academic advisor from 2009-2015. She was an absolutely incredible mentor/professor/advisor! Terri Green taught me so much about phonics/phonology & Dr. Dunning was so helpful! OUL has the best professors around!

What inspired you to pursue becoming a teacher?

I have always wanted to be a teacher since having so many incredible teachers myself. I love being creative and finding cool projects to go with our lessons.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years I hope to still be teaching 1st grade at Tarhe Trails and working on my Master's!