On March 12, more than two dozen students gathered in the Muriel and Virginia Pless Center for Performing Arts to hear from a panel of St. Joseph’s University, New York alumnae who currently work as educators across Long Island and New York City.
Organized by SJNY Assistant Professors of Child Study Maureen DelMonico and Lauren Miller, the event was an opportunity for students to get a firsthand account of what it will be like teaching across several different environments, as well as how to find the right teaching job that will blossom into a fulfilling career.
A Panel of Experienced Educators
The panel of alumnae included Alexandra Brown ’19, Marisa Leocadi ’20, Brittany Spitz ’18, ’21 and Kayla Schweers ’19. Despite all once walking through the doors of SJNY as child study majors, the four women found themselves in drastically different corners of education. The one thing they had in common: none expected to be in the positions they are in today. It was their willingness to seek out opportunities and think outside the box that allowed each of them to find their place in education.
Throughout each of their presentations, the four alumnae took students through their individual experiences, in addition to offering general teaching advice and ways to stand out when interviewing for positions.
Brittany Spitz ’19, who works as a teacher for a psychiatric hospital, spoke on helping students learn through trauma-informed teaching. The SJNY alumna informed students on the delicate yet rewarding work of assisting children with mental health needs and why it is pivotal to explore any and all opportunities applicants are presented with.
As for fifth-grade teacher Alexandra Brown ’19, she enlightened students on the benefits of working in New York City as opposed to Long Island, as well as differences between working at a charter school and public school.
Kayla Schweers ’19, a third-grade teacher on Long Island, discussed the importance of a digital portfolio, which students should be begin working on while still in school, and also the strength of believing in one’s self while interviewing, despite the odds.
“Among 2,000 applicants, you might feel like you’re competing with 1,999 people who are after the same job, but remember that there is only one of you,” she said.
Meanwhile, Marisa Leocardi ’19, a life skills teacher at a high school on Long Island advised the room of future educators to make great connections with parents.
“You are more qualified and prepared than you think. Be confident,” Leocardi said.
The event concluded with a Q&A session and the opportunity for students to speak with the women one on one.
