Meet our Education Alumni and Students
In the profiles featured below, meet alumni and students from Point Park University's undergraduate and graduate education programs. These alumni and students discuss why they chose Point Park and talk about their experiences with course work, class sizes, student teaching, faculty and student interaction, campus life and how earning or pursuing a degree is helping them to reach their education career goals.
Angel Mahnick
Pursuing B.A. in Instructional Studies
Teacher's Aide, Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
"I liked that Point Park is a private university with a small student-to-faculty ratio and that all of my credits from the Community College of Allegheny County were accepted. It’s been a learning experience for me but I am definitely becoming a city girl."
"Point Park has helped to meet my needs by providing me with interpreters. The supportive services and tutoring center have helped me a lot. Also, Dr. Vincenne Revilla-Beltrán has been especially great. She knew what I needed from day one."
Michelina Pollini
Pursuing M.Ed. in secondary education
Fellow, Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program and Programming Assistant, Pittsburgh International Children's Theater and Festival
"What is truly beautiful about Point Park University’s education department is the viewpoint that current and future educators should respect and honor their students as individuals. I have observed the power of strong teacher-to-student interactions and how it creates successful cognitive learning."
"I hope to continue my development of innovative ways to communicate with students, parents and administrators as well as navigate the challenges of working in a public school throughout my pursuit of a master’s degree at Point Park."
Clifford Perkins
B.A. in elementary education, 2009
Pursuing M.Ed. in teaching and leadership
Science Teacher, Dilworth Elementary
"I chose Point Park for graduate school based on my positive experiences in the undergraduate program and for the small class sizes. A small classroom environment is where I learn best."
"My ultimate career goal is to become an administrator at some level. I’d like to be involved in the decision-making processes for classrooms using my experience as a guide. Long term, I'm also considering earning a doctorate degree in education."
Michelle Graham
B.A. in elementary education, 2009
M.Ed. in teaching and leadership, 2011
Third Grade ELA Teacher and Clinical Resident Instructor, Pittsburgh King Pre-K through 8th grade
"The rigor of my bachelor’s experience and relevance to 21st century teaching brought me immediately back for my master’s degree."
"Point Park’s education professors are skilled, knowledgeable, experienced, amiable and extremely responsive to student needs. They know what skills are necessary for 21st century educators and mold each student individually to ensure they have attained those skills."
Gary Smith
B.A. in English and secondary education, 2001
English Teacher, South Fayette High School
"Personally, I loved the idea that I could be close enough to my home that I could go there if I needed, but I was far enough away that I could live in the dorms and begin to grow as an individual. On top of that, I could live in Downtown Pittsburgh — Point Park was too good to pass up!"
"The education program was excellent; I had a wide array of classes that focused on both the theory and practicality of teaching, and my professors were so diverse that I was able to begin to see my future career from many different angles and consider what it truly meant to be a teacher."
Kelly Cortazzo
B.A. in elementary education, 2012
Kindergarten Teacher, West Elementary School in Arcadia, Fla.
"Nothing can prepare you for the 'real world' completely but Point Park did a great job of giving me an educational background that made me feel confident about my level of knowledge and experience when I entered my career. The level of field experience I gained at Point Park gave me an excellent view on how various educational systems operate."
"My favorite part about teaching kindergarten is that every day is interesting and full of activity. I am always on my feet and being challenged on a daily basis. Students at this age are so eager to grow and learn and their lively spirits are contagious."
Adam Sikorski
M.A. in educational administration, 2009
Principal, Pittsburgh Colfax K-8
"I chose Point Park for its reputation. As I was considering options, I learned that there were successful former Pittsburgh Public Schools administrators on faculty at Point Park. Additionally, I knew students who were enrolled at Point Park. They spoke with me regarding the rigor of the program and the quality of professors."
"I would describe Point Park’s education professors as experienced. There is so much talent and knowledge on staff. The professors all have intimate knowledge of the necessary qualities to prepare future administrators. The department is extremely responsive to student needs and provided me with real-world experiences which sculpted my ability to effectively lead a school."
Preeti Juneja
M.A. in curriculum and instruction, 2010
Instructor of early childhood education, Community College of Allegheny County
"The curriculum and instruction program made me a better teacher. The professors were really nice and I loved the classes. Dr. Revilla served as a wonderful mentor to me and really helped guide me with my future goals."
“I liked the location of the campus. It was convenient for me to get there by bus.”
Elisabeth Jensen
B.A. in elementary education, 2012
Third Grade Teacher, West Elementary School in Arcadia, Fla.
"I am so thankful to professors like Dr. Suzanne Miller and Dr. Christal Chaney. They both gave me a practical look into education and allowed for first-hand experiences in their classes. Their knowledge was irreplaceable and they were both great inspirations. Another fantastic component of my education was my student teaching experience."
"College was such a great experience. I’m so glad I went to Point Park. I got a practical education and had so many fantastic experiences on the way!"
Paul Cindric
M.A. in curriculum and instruction, 2006
Coordinator of curriculum, instruction and assessment, Allegheny Intermediate Unit
"I was impressed with the courses offered and the faculty in the program. All of the faculty members had practical experience working in the education field as principals, administrators, or teachers. Their teaching style is based on their real-world experiences in school districts."
"By earning a master's degree from Point Park, I was also able to obtain my curriculum and instruction certification through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This additional certification has opened doors for me that my administrative certificate alone could not."
Elizabeth Cole
Pursuing B.A. in Elementary Education, Pre-K through 4th grade K-8 special education certification
Expected graduation: May 2014
"Choosing Point Park was very easy. I love being in the city. There is always something to do and always somewhere to go. As a Point Park student, I am lucky to have Pittsburgh be my campus. I am also lucky to be a part of such a great school with wonderful people."
"I knew the moment I stepped onto Point Park's campus that this school was for me. Walking into a classroom at Point Park is not intimidating. The environment is so welcoming."
Chris Colonna
M.Ed. in secondary education, 2008
Seventh Grade Life Science Teacher, Carlynton Junior-Senior High School
"Ultimately, I chose Point Park for its extremely flexible schedule and very inviting faculty. When I visit Point Park, I still give my professors a hug. The personal relationships you develop with faculty at Point Park are second to none."
"Point Park’s teachings were spot on with trends in education. What I was learning at Point Park directly translated into the classroom where I was teaching. It was great to be able to implement my new skills right away."
Jasmin Hain
B.A. in elementary education, 2012
Fourth Grade Teacher, West Elementary School in Arcadia, Fla.
"I liked Point Park’s small, intimate classes and the personable professors. I’m glad I stayed because I gained a lot of unique experiences at Point Park."
"Teaching is one of the most gratifying careers you can have. All the hard work you put into your lesson planning and teaching is evident when your students discover something new. An excited student is the best feeling in the world! There is nowhere else I’d rather be than in the classroom!"